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 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

Nickolai Svetlov Podvin is a distinguished conductor renowned for his commitment to music's transformative power. Podvin obtained his formal music education at North Park University, Augsburg University, and Illinois State University, earning a master’s degree in Conducting and Bassoon Performance in 2021, before further honing his craft at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he received his Artist Diploma in 2023. During his time at the Academy, he organized a landmark student-led performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony—the first in over forty years—in a sold-out hall, following a precedent set by Sir Simon Rattle. His time in London included collaborations with distinguished conductors such as Edward Gardner, John Wilson, Martyn Brabbins, and Barbara Hannigan, contributing to a range of symphonic and contemporary chamber music projects. In recognition of his talent, the Royal Academy nominated him to represent the institution at a prestigious conducting workshop with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, where he was selected as one of only six conducting students from the United Kingdom’s leading conservatories, and most recently, he placed fourth out of twelve in the Korean National Conducting Competition, competing alongside assistant conductors from the London Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Halle Orchestra. Nickolai Svetlov Podvin’s career is defined by artistic excellence, cultural exploration, and a commitment to community engagement. Through his work, he continues to revive neglected masterpieces and champion underrepresented voices, creating powerful musical experiences that resonate with the enduring spirit of the orchestral tradition. 

Contact Nickolai at podvin@mayso.net