GTCYS Conductor Update
We are sad to announce that Camerata conductor Kent Musser has decided to resign from GTCYS after concluding his 8th season with us last month. Kent shared:
“When I came to GTCYS in 2015, I was welcomed with great enthusiasm and was provided with grace and love – things that continued all the way through! I’m so blessed to have had the opportunity to work with the students and staff. GTCYS has such an exciting future and I’m proud to have been a part of this organization during a time when there was substantial growth. The GTCYS family will always hold a very special place in my heart, and I’ll never hear Jupiter again without shedding a tear, remembering all those amazing moments I’ve experienced with hundreds of GTCYS students.”
Kent joined GTCYS’ staff in 2015 as the conductor of Sinfonia, then transitioned to Camerata in 2019. He has led his orchestras with grace and kindness, has helped students achieve a high level of artistic success and community-building, especially through his shared concerts with Harmony and local school tours. He has been highly regarded by his students and has been a revered, beloved colleague for everyone on staff. We will miss Kent and extend our sincere thanks and best wishes to him. If you want to share a farewell message, please email it to executive director Megen Balda at megen@gtcys.org, and she will forward it to him.
After a long history with our organization, Diane Hallberg has been appointed as GTCYS’ new Camerata conductor. Diane has served as a GTCYS woodwind coach, audition judge, and summer camp leader for many years, and is passionate about GTCYS’ values and commitment to excellence and access. She teaches band and orchestra at Minnehaha Academy’s Upper School in Minneapolis and has extensive experience leading different types of ensembles ranging from full symphony orchestras to jazz bands. An accomplished flutist, Diane has been a long-time member of Minnesota Symphonic Winds. She has a music education degree from St. Olaf College and continues to engage in professional learning in both music and educational pedagogy.
“I have loved being a part of the GTCYS family as a coach for many years and am honored to expand my work in the role of a conductor. I have always enjoyed working with the musicians in Camerata; the musical goals of this group are right up my alley, and the huge amount of growth that happens each season is exciting and inspiring. I am thrilled to serve as their conductor!” shared Diane.
Students will enjoy Diane’s ability to inspire artistic excellence, her compassionate leadership style, and her infectious enthusiasm for building camaraderie through music. Diane looks forward to partnering with our staff this summer to finalize plans for the upcoming season. Please join us in welcoming Diane!