One of the great things about the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra (WSO), besides its outstanding musical offerings, is the orchestra membership and the leadership they provide. Coming from a variety of backgrounds, WSO members volunteer their time and talents to create a financially sound and well-managed organization.
The WSO Board of Directors sets policy and guidelines for the organization, fulfills state and government filings, maintains the financial records, schedules all rehearsal and concert venues, secures guest artists, and reports to the orchestra membership at its annual meeting.
The following individuals will serve on the WSO Board for its 2023-24 season:
Officers:
Lisa McDonnel, President
Ron Frazzini, Vice President
Miriam Dennis, Secretary
Joanne Turner, Treasurer
Directors:
Jacque Frazzini
Doug Schmitt
Reporting to the Board of Directors are the Executive Director and Music Director. The WSO Concertmaster, Music Librarian, Personnel Manager, Production Managers and Publicity Director report to the Executive Director.
Katie Pargal (cello) has been the orchestra’s executive director since November 2018. Her role covers a lot of ground to keep everything running like a well oiled machine. One of the founding members of the WSO, her background as a business executive and private music teacher serve her well in this pivotal role for the WSO.
Marion Judish serves as concertmaster of the WSO, coaching the string section through exquisite lows and thrilling highs! She received her Bachelor of Music Degree at the University of Colorado Music School, and earned her Masters of Music and Doctoral of Music Degrees at the University of Minnesota’s School of Music. Her post-graduate work at the Juilliard School of Music in New York specialized in Chamber Music. Marion is a professor of violin and viola at St. Cloud State University.
The orchestra is lucky to have Nancy Birth as its music librarian. She works with each guest conductor to ensure the correct music is ordered or rented, and once the music has arrived she distributes it to the musicians, collects it at the end of the performance and returns the music as needed. Parts are cleaned up, marked with correct numberings, recorded, collected, counted, and finally returned exactly as they were received. Nancy also maintains a cataloged library of music and concert programs for the orchestra.
Every organization needs a people manager – someone who gives them all the necessary information, tells them where to be and when, and makes sure everyone follows the rules. WSO’s personnel manager, Eric Davidson covers all these tasks. More precisely, he distributes rehearsal and concert schedules, maintains a full roster of regular and auxiliary members, schedules auditions, oversees rehearsal and concert stage set up, coordinates with national music organizations and the local musicians union, and makes sure that everyone is in the right seat at the right time playing the right music.
The WSO’s production manager team is Michael Okwabi. He manages all aspects of our concert venues, including stage logistics and equipment rental. This role includes a lot of communication organization, and requires exceptional project management skills. Thankfully, Mike is a stickler for the critical details that make all the difference.
Melissa Kalal (horn) is the WSO’s publicity director. She handles all of the orchestra’s marketing needs to ensure each concert is well publicized. From posters, website content, paid media, press releases, concert programs and social media – she’s got it all covered. Melissa is a founding member of the WSO.
Each member of the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra is a valuable part of the organization. The WSO appreciates those that are able to contribute outside of their role as a musician to make the orchestra a better organization.
To contact the WSO, email us at [email protected].