MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: July 15, 2025
(Pictured: MSYO Concert Orchestra Conductor Stephanie Rawls, MSYO Concert Orchestra)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Welcomes Stephanie Rawls as Youth Orchestra Conductor
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) welcome Stephanie Rawls as the MSYO’s new Concert Orchestra conductor. This appointment comes after the retirement of the Youth Orchestra’s Concert Orchestra conductor, Donald Grishaw, this past May.
“Don Grishaw established a standard of excellence among the Concert Orchestra and was instrumental in the success of MSYO,” says Elisha Wells MSYO Music Director. “He and I worked together to find the perfect person to step in and continue this legacy of excellence, and we are thrilled that Stephanie Rawls is joining the MSYO team. She brings a depth of knowledge and experience, coupled with a strong tie to the community, and is even a former member of the MSYO. The MSYO has a bright future and I'm excited about what is to come!”
Stephanie Rawls brings a wealth of experience to the MSOA. Rawls currently teaches orchestra at James C. Enochs High School and is a graduate of Modesto Junior College and the University of the Pacific. Before returning to Modesto, she thought award winning orchestras, Mariachi, band, and general music in San Jose, Stockton, and Manteca.
“I am so excited to join the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra team,” says Stephanie Rawls, newly appointed MSYO Concert Orchestra conductor. “I look forward to working with the amazing students to create beautiful music and the wonderful adults that make it happen!”
Rawls will work with MSYO Music Director Elisha Wells to continue to grow the MSYO program, which will be starting its 50th season this fall. As a program within the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association, members have the invaluable experience of interacting with professional orchestral musicians, conductors, and visiting guest artists through workshops, side-by-side performances, and clinics. The MSYO is comprised of two full-orchestra (strings, winds, and percussion): Concert Orchestra (grades 5-9) and Symphony Orchestra (grades 9-12). Both orchestras perform a three-concert series at the Gallo Center for the Arts throughout the season.
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The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is a Resident Company of The Gallo Center for the Arts. The DoubleTree Hotel is the official hotel of the MSO.
