Press Release: 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.
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.
Press Release: Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra Appoints Elisha Wells as New Music Director
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) welcome Elisha Wells as the MSYO’s new Music Director. Wells will continue to serve as the MSYO’s Symphony Conductor.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: September 24, 2024
(Pictured: Elisha Wells, MSYO Music Director)
Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra Appoints Elisha Wells as New Music Director
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) welcome Elisha Wells as the MSYO’s new Music Director. Wells will continue to serve as the MSYO’s Symphony Conductor.
“We are thrilled to have Elisha as the MSYO’s new music director!” said Nicholas Hersh, MSO Music Director. “In addition to a wealth of experience, Elisha brings a passion for music and education that is palpable in every rehearsal and interaction with our students. She was whole-heartedly endorsed by MSYO families and staff alike, and I look forward to working together to secure a bright future for the young musicians of Modesto and beyond.”
Wells is an active patron, supporter, educator, and adjudicator within the California Central Valley’s music education community. She currently serves as the Director Bands, Brass, and Music Theory at Fresno City College and performs regularly as Principal Horn in Sequoia Symphony and Wind Symphony of Clovis, and as Acting Principal with Fresno Philharmonic. Wells holds a Bachelor and Master of Arts with an emphasis in Horn Performance from California State University, Fresno. Her professional conducting career began in 2012, conducting several operas, as well as several junior high and high school honor bands in California. Recently, Elisha was chosen to Guest Conduct the 2022 Fresno-Madera County Music Educators Association FMCMEA High School Honor Band.
“The MSYO has a long-standing history of excellence, and I'm thrilled to work with such a supportive staff and administration team that is committed to serving the students in our area through quality music education,” says Elisha Wells, MSYO Music Director. “When asked, ‘What is the best thing about the MSYO?’ I immediately think of the students. It is an honor and a privilege to work with such wonderful young musicians each week. I greet them by name at rehearsals, asking how their week or weekend was, and genuinely enjoy getting to know each and every student!”
Wells and the MSYO Artistic Team are working together to continue to grow the MSYO program, now in its 49th season. In addition to two full orchestras with students grades 5 through 12, the MSYO hosts an annual Concerto Competition and has a Chamber Ensemble program for Strings, Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion. For the future, the MSYO plans to expand its Chamber Ensemble program, participate in regional festivals, and tour again which will provide an opportunity for students to perform not just locally, but internationally.
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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.
