MSO is very pleased to share that Dr. Barbara Rhyneer has enthusiastically accepted our concertmaster role. We're excited to welcome her into this leadership role!
Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Barb has cultivated a distinguished career in music education and performance, serving since 1997 as a faculty member of NMU's Department of Music, where she directs the NMU Symphony Orchestra and is a professor of string pedagogy, string performance, conducting, orchestration, and music literature. Barb served as the Associate Concertmaster of the MSO from 1997-2023. She also performs with the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, the Superior String Alliance Chamber Players, and other regional symphonies and ensembles. Barb is also a member of The Knockabouts, a Celtic folk music trio.
We want to sincerely thank everyone who expressed interest in the concertmaster position. The performances, feedback, and thoughtful engagement throughout this process reaffirm what we already know—that we're fortunate to be part of such a talented and passionate musical community. We value everyone who makes time for our beloved MSO.
Please join us in warmly congratulating Barb on being our new concertmaster! We look forward to what we will all create together in the season ahead.
Musicians
1st Violin
Barbara Rhyneer - Concertmaster
Coming Soon!, Co-Principal
Susan Balmer
Tammie Carr
Bella Chiodi
Matt Mitchell
Maija Niemi
Marilyn Savolainen
Danielle Simandl
2nd Violin
Connie Ann Weiner, Principal
Anne Asplund
John-Paul Cherniawski
Kyle B. Danek
Kim Fournier
Brooke T. LaMonica
Zoe Rudisill
Marianne Saarivirta-Kolpack
Piersan Williams
Robert Yin
Viola
Deborah Carlson, Principal
Becky Bender
Eric Marta
Libby Meyer
Janis Shier Peterson
Bette Premo
David Shahbazi
Kathryn Simmons
Haley Thams
Anna Tryan
Cello
Crispin Campbell, Principal
Andrew LaCombe, Co-Principal
Lars Allender
Inga Banitt
Rachel Capon
Miriam Edwards
Alex Gencheff
Adam Hall
Derek Handley
Seija Kenn
Cathy Moilanen
Nicole Nolan
Rachel Nutini
Anne Perket
Bass
Craig Randal Johnson, Principal
Jonathan LaFonde, Co-Principal
Eli Bender
Marc Haas
Harold South
Michael Steiner
Flute
Jodi Lanciani, Principal
Miriam Amdahl Newman
Andra Swee Sullivan
Oboe
Laura Robinson, Principal
Cathy Wilkinson
Clarinet
Kevin Nutini, Principal
John Wilkinson
Robert Engelhart
Piccolo
Miriam Amdahl Newman
Andra Swee Sullivan
English Horn
Cathy Wilkinson
Bass Clarinet
John Wilkinson
Patrick Booth
Robert Engelhart
Bassoon
Deanna Erwin, Principal
Alex Flannery
Saxophone
Betsy Grugin, Principal
Patrick Booth
Trisha Vickers
Horn
Brian Carter, Principal
Keith Dom Powell
Kelly Haselhuhn
Bradford Bender
Trumpet
Mark Flaherty, Principal
Matthew E. Ludwig
Jacob Schmeltzer
Trombone
Stephen Grugin, Principal
David J. Wurster
Bass Trombone
P. David Allen II
Tuba
Gordon Erickson
Timpani
James A. Strain, Principal
Percussion
Carrie Biolo
Matthew Hurley
Steve Losiewicz
Harp
Open
Piano
Theresa Camilli
