Minnesota Youth Symphonies

Vicki Krueger, Executive Director
Vicki Krueger, Executive Director since 1989, provides administrative leadership of Minnesota Youth Symphonies. She is considered a leader in the field of youth orchestra administration, having served on the National Youth Orchestra Board, a division of the League of American Orchestras. Krueger’s background includes performance study at the University of Minnesota and MacPhail Center for the Arts as well as significant experience in community music education. “Even after 20 years with MYS I’m still amazed at every concert by the artistry and passion the students display in their performances. The gifted and devoted artistic staff bring all of the elements together and provide an incredible orchestral experience for our students.”

For general inquiries and questions related to the administrative policies of the Minnesota Youth Symphonies, contact Vicki at vlkrueger@mnyouthsymphonies.org or 651-699-5811.

Rachel Bittner, Operations Manager
Rachel joined the MYS staff in June 2009, after recently moving back to St. Paul from Madison, Wisconsin. As a musician, piano teacher, and MYS alum, Rachel holds a great appreciation for music education and is happy to be a part of such a valuable youth organization. She earned degrees in music from Lawrence University and University of Wisconsin-Madison. During the past ten years she has been very active as an accompanist, church musician, and piano teacher in the Madison, WI and Twin Cities areas. Currently, Rachel is on the faculty at St. Joseph’s School of Music in St. Paul. Rachel played oboe in MYS from 1994-1996.

For questions related to student policies, absences, rehearsals, tuition, stage management, auditions or the summer program, contact Rachel at rmbittner@mnyouthsymphonies.org or 651-699-5811.

Emily Cain, Administrative Assistant/Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Emily Cain, an MYS alum, played viola in the program from 1997-2004. Since then, she graduated from the University of Minnesota, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Studies with minors in American Studies and Studies in Cinema and Media Culture. While an undergrad, Emily gained experience working for various arts organizations throughout the Twin Cities, including the Minnesota Orchestra, MYS, and GTCYS. Emily’s enthusiasm for MYS began the moment she sat down for her first rehearsal in the String Orchestra and continues to this day. She remains a strong advocate of music, and brings a unique background and perspective to her position.

For general questions about MYS policies, rehearsals and audition, as well as information about advertising with MYS please contact Emily at mys@mnyouthsympnonies.org or 651-699-5811.

Juliet Johnson, Head Librarian
Juliet has been an involved MYS parent for several years and a volunteer librarian for the Philharmonic Orchestra. She brings a diverse range of skills to her position from work as a substructure research specialist in the petrochemical engineering field to volunteer work with animals at the Los Angeles Zoo and in shelters to teaching and volunteering at the Minnesota Waldorf School and managing a middle school sports league. She played the piano as a child and loves listening to the students rehearse and perform beautiful music.

For questions regarding repertoire for the orchestras, lost music, music rental by outside groups or other related items, please contact Juliet at librarian@mnyouthsymphonies.org or 651-699-5811.

Cheryl Sletten, Volunteer Coordinator
An extraordinarily experienced volunteer herself, Cheryl graduated from Augsburg College in Minneapolis with a degree in Elementary Education. She has held a variety of volunteer positions, ranging from orchestrating (forgive the pun) volunteer activities at the Forest Lake Montessori School to steaming rice at the Korean Culture Camp of Minnesota. Her volunteer work with MYS includes selling tickets, supervising children backstage at concerts, chaperoning and event management. Her gentle, patient nature and experience working with children makes her an ideal addition to our team.

Volunteering is an excellent way to stay involved in your children’s activities, make new friends and contribute to a wonderful organization! If you are interested in volunteering with the Minnesota Youth Symphonies, including assisting rehearsals, chaperoning, stage managing, librarian responsibilities, mailings and other fun tasks, contact Cheryl at pwsletten@yahoo.com or 715-483-1790.