Ypsilanti Symphony is a true community orchestra.
We support our friends and neighbors of all races, creeds, sexual orientations, and gender identities, and believe in the power of music to heal wounds and bring people together. We exist to serve the musicians and music lovers of Ypsilanti and the surrounding communities, and welcome all to join us as musicians, audience members, volunteers, or contributors.
History
The genesis for the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra began after Ypsi Pride Day in 1998, when founding Music Director Adam C. Riccinto, and violinist Martha Kerns started chatting about the idea. They both felt there was a need for musicians to develop their skills, as well as offer quality orchestral music to the community. They each agreed to call some musician friends they knew and get the group together to explore the possibilities.
Adam C. Riccinto
Founder and Music Director
Adam C. Riccinto is the founding music director of the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra and is an active conductor, performer, and clinician throughout southeastern Michigan. As an arts coach, Mr. Riccinto works with musicians and performers of all ages and disciplines to help them advance their craft. Additionally, he provides coaching and training services to small businesses in the A.I. space.
Edwin Olson
Concertmaster
Edwin Olson joined the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra in 2011 and has served as concertmaster since 2013. Prior to that, he was concertmaster of the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra in Massachusetts and played with the MIT Symphony Orchestra. In addition to orchestral work, he can occasionally be seen performing chamber music. Mr. Olson began playing at age five, and has played continuously ever since. He plays a violin by Ann Arbor maker Joseph Curtin.
YSO Board Service
The YSO’s Board is comprised of local business leaders, artists and music aficionados. Made up of consummate professionals with a passion for sharing classical music with the community, the Board oversees the management of every aspect of the orchestra. Ranging from auditions to fundraising, marching in parades to manning booths at fairs and conferences, the dedicated Board is happy to consider qualified individuals for Board service.
Do you have management experience? Are you plugged into the local community? Apply for a Board position today by emailing us.
Our Board of Directors and Staff
- Board of Directors
- Adam C. Riccinto, Music Director
- Erin Himrod, President
- Linda Wagner, Treasurer
- Julie Morrison, Secretary
- Dr. Margaret Brandt, Member-at-Large
- Cheryl Richison, Member-at-Large
- Claudia Tull, Member-at-Large
- Kyndra Wojciechowski, Member-at-Large
- Staff
- Lexi Bemis, Production Manager
- Kim Blumenstein, Production Manager
- Dennis Green, Audio Recording
- Nathaniel Johnson, Videographer
- Jenn Turner-Dold, Marketing & Development Manager
- Kyle Vamvakas, Webmaster
- Dawn Wilburt, Quick Knight Photography
- Kyndra Wojciechowski, Librarian