Our History
In 1997 Judy Call, Sue Miller, Carson Wong and Linda Seaman set out to provide greater musical opportunities for talented students in the Magic Valley. Since that time hundreds of talented musicians have participated in the Magic Valley Youth Orchestra.
Our Past Presidents, Conductors and Coaches
Carson Wong
Carson Wong
Carson Wong has directed the Magic Valley Chorale, Magic Valley Symphony, Boise Master Chorale, Magic Valley Chamber Orchestra, Burley Magic Philharmonic and the Magic Valley Youth Orchestra. Carson has also served as clinician and adjudicator for high school clinics and festivals.
Carson was born in Hong Kong. He received his M. A. degree from San Jose State College in Conducting and his B. A. degree from University of California at Berkeley in Economics. He taught choral music at Jerome High School (1966-1978); Caldwell High School (1978-1980); and has been teaching at College of Southern Idaho ever since.
Joe Casperson
Joe Casperson
Joe Casperson has been the director for Twin Falls High School show choir JIVE for many years. He has also been conducting the orchestra at Robert Stuart Middle School for the past 3 years. Mr. Casperson conducted Rising Strings and Sinfonietta Strings from Fall 2019 until Fall 2021. He brought great enthusiasm to our string ensembles. Thank you, Joe for your great support.
Lori Casperson - 1st Violin coach for Chamber Ensemble and Full Orchestra
Max Hollomon - Viola coach for Chamber Ensemble and Full Orchestra
Elizabeth Thomsen - Winds, Brass, Percussion coach and assistant conductor for Full Orchestra
Erin Johnson - 2nd Violin coach for Chamber Ensemble and Full Orchestra
Jess Nelson - Violin coach for Rising Strings and Sinfonietta Strings
Nicole Gravelle - Cello coach for Rising Strings and Sinfonietta Strings