Miranda Merrill, Executive Director

Miranda Merrill is a dedicated music educator with a passion for musical education, holding a B.S. in Instrumental Music Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato. With years of teaching experience as a band director in southern Minnesota public schools, Miranda has been instrumental in shaping the musical talents of her students. She currently works with a variety of musical ensembles in the area, as the Assistant Corps Director for the Govenaires and with the Mankato 77 Lancers.

Miranda currently resides in beautiful Saint Peter, MN with her husband, Will, and their dog, Chunk. When she's not too busy with musical ensembles, she enjoys crocheting, playing video and board games with friends.

Contact Miranda at miranda@mayso.net

Mark Wamma, Operations and NSS Director

Mark grew up in Mankato and is a MAYSO alum. He is a 2009 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, MN where he received a B.A. in Music focusing on violin performance. He has had the privilege to study under Peter McGuire, Brian Buckstead, Jonathan Magness, Lara MacLean, and Marilyn Bos.

He is a prolific teacher, teaching students at Bethany Lutheran College, Minnesota State University, Mankato and Martin Luther College; the New Ulm Suzuki School; and his private studio. In addition to teaching and conducting for MAYSO, Mark is an active performer. He is the Assistant Principal Violin 2 for the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra and the Mankato Symphony Orchestra, a substitute player for other regional symphonies, and performs in the Mankato area. Furthermore, Mark is a founding member of the River Valley String Quartet.

Mark directs the North Star Strings, the Youth Philharmonic, Chamber Strings, and Pops Orchestra.

Contact Mark at operationsdirector@mayso.net