String Orchestra

This is MYSO’s regional string training program, with 160 players who rehearse in small groups at four satellite sites, in central, north, south and west Milwaukee-area locations. In addition, they periodically come together in various combinations downtown, for joint rehearsals. For concerts, the satellite groupings combine to perform as two large orchestras. Most students in this group are in grades 3-6.

Music Directors

Dr. Denice Haney

Dr. Haney came to Wisconsin in 1994 from Colorado, where she was an Assistant Professor of Music and Orchestra Director at Western State College. Prior to that, she served as Conductor of the Phoenix Symphony Guild Junior Strings Orchestra and was Director of Orchestras for the Madison School District in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Haney holds a performance degree in viola from Chapman University in Orange, CA, with teacher certification, Master’s and Doctoral degrees from Arizona State University. She has performed with the Debut Orchestra in Los Angeles, National Symphony Orchestra in Quito, Ecuador, Arizona Opera, Arizona Ballet, Musical Theater of Arizona, Mesa Symphony, Grand Junction Symphony, Valley Symphony, Woodstock Mozart Festival Orchestra, the Wisconsin Philharmonic, Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, Bel Canto Chorus Orchestra, Skylight Opera orchestra, Bach Chamber Choir, Les Artistes and Syrinx. Presently she teaches in the Elmbrook School District, maintains a small studio of private students, performs in various concert settings and enjoys spending time with her son. Each August Dr. Haney holds a free four day sightreading camp for young string players in conjunction with the annual New Music Reading Seminar for SE Wisconsin and Northern IL area orchestra directors.

Lyda Osinga

Lyda Partee Osinga currently teaches orchestra to grades 4-12 for the Wauwatosa School District and maintains a private studio as a registered Suzuki teacher.  She conducts, coaches, accompanies, and teaches for the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s String Orchestra Central, Prelude Orchestra and Progressions programs. She recently received the National Board Certified Teacher in Early Adolescent/Young Adult with an orchestra emphasis. Previously, Ms. Osinga was the director of the community music schools for the University of Wisconsin-Madison and at the University of Memphis (TN) where she provided teacher training, lessons for students of all ages, and other music classes in theory, music appreciation and music history. She also has taught in public and private schools in the Elmbrook, West Allis and Shorewood School Districts. Ms. Osinga began playing the violin at the age of four, learning the Suzuki method which had just arrived in the United States. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance from West Virginia University and received a Master of Music with honors from the University of Colorado in performance and pedagogy. Ms. Osinga has been privileged to study in Japan with Shinichi Suzuki. As a performer, she has been a member of the Kettle Moraine Symphony, the Wisconsin Philharmonic, the Concord Chamber Orchestra, the Madison Symphony and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. She plays violin and viola, and enjoys experimenting on her electric violin and string bass in various impromptu groups.

Lynn Trinkl

Ms. Trinkl is a cum laude graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a BM degree in Applied Viola. She also holds an MM in Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music. She  received her music education certification from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and has also studied at the Aspen Music Festival. She has been a string sectional coach for the Wisconsin State High School Honors Music Project and has taught for the Waukesha, West Allis and South Milwaukee School Districts, as well as maintaining a private studio. During summers, Lynn served as Assistant Director and Counselor Coordinator for the Wisconsin String Teachers Elementary Orchestra Camp. Lynn has also performed with several local groups, including the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, the Wisconsin Philharmonic and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. A Madison resident, Lynn enjoys spending time with her young family, Nathan, 11, Joey, 9 and Samantha, 4. Three generations of the Melby/Trinkl family enjoy the MYSO experience; Ron Melby (Philharmonia conductor, 48 years as a MYSO staff person), Lynn (Melby) Trinkl (violin and viola alumna plus 19+ years coaching and conducting in MYSO) and Nathan Trinkl (String Orchestra South violinist).

Anne Marie Peterson

We are thrilled to have Ms. Anne Marie Peterson join our staff this season! Ms. Peterson grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. She began musical studies at Arizona State University before transferring to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois to complete her Bachelor and Master Degrees in Viola Performance and String Pedagogy. Always an eager student, Anne Marie earned her Instrumental Music Certification from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with additional studies at Indiana University, Oberlin Conservatory and the Cleveland Institute of Music. For the past 25 years Anne Marie was an orchestra teacher for the School District of Elmbrook. She served two terms as State Chair for Orchestra for the Wisconsin School Music Association and contributed articles to the Wisconsin School Musician. Chamber Music America, the Civic Music Association, the Grammy Signature Gold Organization, and the School District of Elmbrook have recognized Ms. Peterson for her work with young musicians. Anne Marie retired from public school service in June of 2011 and currently teaches Introduction to the Arts, Applied Violin and Viola, and directs the String Ensemble at Alverno College.

Coaches

Matthew DeYoung

Violinist Matthew DeYoung was a member of MYSO from 1998-2006. He is currently a student at UWM. MYSO is delighted that he is joining us again this year as Coach at MYSO’s String Orchestra-West.

Ashley Dobner

Cellist and MYSO alum Ashley Dobner is a 2007 graduate of Waukesha West High School and currently attends Marquette University. We are happy to welcome her back to MYSO in her role as Coach for String Orchestra.

Isabelle Escalante

Violinist Isabel Escalante started her musical training at the age of 6 at El Conservatorio de Carabobo in Venezuela. In 2003, she was granted a full scholarship to continue her studies at the University of Southern Mississippi where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in music. We are excited that she has relocated to Milwaukee to work with our MYSO students.

Melissa Jastrow

String Orchestra Coach Melissa Jastrow received her BMusEd degree from UWM with emphasis on strings and general music. Previously, she has taught in the Waukesha and West Allis public school systems. Currently, Melissa is teaching violin and viola lessons in her private studio so that she can be at home with her four children Emily, Jessica, Mae and Samuel.

Jared Synder

Cellist Jared Snyder was a member of MYSO for nine years. A member of the Senior Symphony for five of those, he participated in the orchestra’s tour of Spain and Italy in 1997. We are thrilled to have him back as a String Orchestra Coach.

Kevin Stewart

String Orchestra-Central coach Kevin Stewart played bass in MYSO for six years. A 2008 graduate of Cudahy High School, he is currently studying Music Education at UW-Milwaukee. MYSO is very pleased to welcome Kevin back to the MYSO staff.

Brittany Szaj

2007 MYSO grad Brittany Szaj was a member of MYSO for 5 years as a violinist and is a 2010 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran College. We are happy to have her back for another season as String Orchestra Coach.