MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: September 24, 2024
(Pictured: Elisha Wells, MSYO Music Director)
Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra Appoints Elisha Wells as New Music Director
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) welcome Elisha Wells as the MSYO’s new Music Director. Wells will continue to serve as the MSYO’s Symphony Conductor.
“We are thrilled to have Elisha as the MSYO’s new music director!” said Nicholas Hersh, MSO Music Director. “In addition to a wealth of experience, Elisha brings a passion for music and education that is palpable in every rehearsal and interaction with our students. She was whole-heartedly endorsed by MSYO families and staff alike, and I look forward to working together to secure a bright future for the young musicians of Modesto and beyond.”
Wells is an active patron, supporter, educator, and adjudicator within the California Central Valley’s music education community. She currently serves as the Director Bands, Brass, and Music Theory at Fresno City College and performs regularly as Principal Horn in Sequoia Symphony and Wind Symphony of Clovis, and as Acting Principal with Fresno Philharmonic. Wells holds a Bachelor and Master of Arts with an emphasis in Horn Performance from California State University, Fresno. Her professional conducting career began in 2012, conducting several operas, as well as several junior high and high school honor bands in California. Recently, Elisha was chosen to Guest Conduct the 2022 Fresno-Madera County Music Educators Association FMCMEA High School Honor Band.
“The MSYO has a long-standing history of excellence, and I'm thrilled to work with such a supportive staff and administration team that is committed to serving the students in our area through quality music education,” says Elisha Wells, MSYO Music Director. “When asked, ‘What is the best thing about the MSYO?’ I immediately think of the students. It is an honor and a privilege to work with such wonderful young musicians each week. I greet them by name at rehearsals, asking how their week or weekend was, and genuinely enjoy getting to know each and every student!”
Wells and the MSYO Artistic Team are working together to continue to grow the MSYO program, now in its 49th season. In addition to two full orchestras with students grades 5 through 12, the MSYO hosts an annual Concerto Competition and has a Chamber Ensemble program for Strings, Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion. For the future, the MSYO plans to expand its Chamber Ensemble program, participate in regional festivals, and tour again which will provide an opportunity for students to perform not just locally, but internationally.
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The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is a Resident Company of The Gallo Center for the Arts. The DoubleTree Hotel is the official hotel of the MSO.
