Welcome to the heartbeat of our orchestra: Meet the minds behind the Music
At the Clinton Symphony Orchestra of the Mohawk Valley, we believe that music is a language that transcends boundaries and enriches the soul. It's not just the notes on the page or the instruments in hand that create our unique sound, but the extraordinary people dedicated to bringing each performance to life. We invite you to delve deeper into the bios of these individuals who make up the cornerstone of our institution: our skilled musicians, our visionary Music Director, and our committed Board of Directors.
Music Director
Octavio Más-Arocas
Below, click each tile to read more about our Orchestra and each Principal musician.
Core Orchestra
Michael Emery Concertmaster (Click for Bio)
Ralph Dudgeon, Principal Trumpet
Debrah Devine Principal Second Violin
TJ McAvaney, Principal Viola
Janet Nepkie Principal Cello
Joe Karwacki Double Bass
Elizabeth Kitson, Principal Flute
Cathryn Jones, Principal Oboe
Richard MacDowell, Principal Clarinet
Sue Daves, Principal Bassoon
Tyler Ogilvie, Principal French Horn
Dan Martin Principal Trombone
Michael Dupauw, Principal Tuba
Jeffrey Grubbs, Principal Timpani
Michael Cirmo, Principal Percussion
Jessica Wilbee, Principal Harp
Sar-Shalom Strong, Principal Piano
Core Musicians
Violins I
Michael Emery, Concertmaster
Michael Bosetti
Taras Bohach
Michael Cleveland
Drew Frech
Violins II
Debrah Devine *
Ray Zoeckler
Olga Megedyn
Maggie Jevens
Sharon Wormwood Steffens
Viola
TJ McAvaney *
Stephani Emery
Amy Cirmo
Michelle Wilcox
Beth Moll
Cello
Janet Nepkie *
Ben Whittenburg
Ruth Berry
Michael Gasporovic
Julia Pilny
Joanna Robertson
Double Bass
Joe Karwacki *
David Irvin
David Perry
Roy Stock
* Principal
Personnel Manager
Judy Marchione
Flute
Elizabeth Kitson *
Elizabeth Evans
Oboe
Cathryn Jones *
Victoria Rickard
Clarinet
Richard MacDowell *
Kristin Kelly
Bassoon
Sue Daves *
Judy Marchione
French Horn
Tyler Ogilvie *
Claire McKenny
Ilze Brink Button
Trumpet
Ralph Dudgeon *
Ben Aldridge
Trombone
Dan Martin*
Paul Blake
Frank Meredith
Tuba
Michael Depauw *
Timpani
Jeffrey D. Grubbs *
Percussion
Mike Cirmo *
Betsy Easson
Karl Hahn
Harp
Jessica Wilbee *
Piano
Sar Shalom-Strong *