Heidi feels "honored to serve alongside and support [the Executive Director and Directors] in their vital work." Among her responsibilities as Board President are assisting Executive Director Carolyn Borgen and participating in "MAYSO strategic planning, such as continuous improvement and development of offerings to serve student participants." As co-chair for the Chocolate and Chamber Music Fundraising Event, Heidi fundraises for and coordinates the Chocolate & Chamber Music Event. Heidi Riehl seems to be enjoying her decision to be involved with MAYSO.
Simply, MAYSO is a fabulous organization which provides student members a life enriching music education experience. The MAYSO organization/Board Members are energizing, forward thinking, and engaging individuals interested in serving the needs of talented student musicians in our region and are dedicated and committed to promulgating the mission of MAYSO. I became involved because I wanted to be a part of this dynamic organization and give back in appreciation for all this organization has done for my student participants and all South Central Minnesota.
Her children, Zach and Kiera, have both been in the orchestra for three years. Kiera Riehl was highlighted in last month's blog post, upon winning the Concerto Competition with her Night Soliloquy by Kent Kennan on flute. Zach Riehl is an 18-year-old senior trumpet, who will be highlighted with the other seniors in a post for June. The two have been involved in MAYSO, MAYWE, and the Summer Pop's Program; one was involved in the Music Theory course offering.Outside of MAYSO, Heidi is a "wife, mother, and a nurse - employed as a case manager." She also volunteers, and she worships at Peace Lutheran Church. She enjoys hobbies such as tennis, gardening, biking, reading, and cooking/baking, and she attends music, theater, and dance productions when she can. Like many parents, Heidi spends quite a bit of her time "transporting [her] children to & from activities and watching as they participate."
Heidi, herself, has been involved in music throughout her life, starting with guitar and clarinet in junior high. In high school, she participated in the choir and musical theater, which were "actual classes" at her high school. After high school, she continued her involvement with voice and community theater until her mid-twenties. Now, she sings in the church choir, and she took piano lessons for two years. Much of Heidi's involvement in music has concerned her children, in a "supporting capacity... and as support to the MAYSO organization."
I stay involved because as a parent, I want to support and honor my children's talents and interests. As a MAYSO Board Member, I stay involved because I see the first hand value of the organization-- that is how, through participation and instruction form the various directors within the MAYSO organization, I have seen how my children have increased their individual musical repertoires, matured in the areas of musicality and sight reading, bonded with other like-minded student participants and the Directors, and gained confidence in performing as a member of a group and as an individual.Heidi is ever dedicated to fostering growth of MAYSO and continuing to serve its students "throughout the South Central Region." This organization would not run as well as it does without the support of parents, whether those parents are on the board or not. All of your dedication, love, and support is much appreciated in the mission to foster a continued youth interest in and involvement in music. Thank you.
