Administration Staff
Meet Our Team
A passionate advocate for the transformative power of music in our communities, Michelle Wachter brings over fifteen years of experience in higher education and nonprofit arts leadership to her role as Executive Director of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. Her career is marked by a commitment to fostering inclusive artistic opportunities and equitable access to arts education and arts-based programming. Michelle’s diverse career includes roles in teaching, administration, and leadership, including her tenure as Associate Teaching Professor at Northern Arizona University, where she specialized in group piano and piano pedagogy. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano pedagogy from the University of South Carolina and is an active contributor to the music community through published articles, conference presentations, and performances as a collaborative pianist.
Emma Riebe graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations and a minor in music (cello performance). She went on to work as a Digital Marketing Specialist for Northern Arizona Healthcare and later for the local company Ellen Grace Marketing while staying heavily involved in music. Emma spent several years arranging, recording and touring with the Flagstaff band TOW’RS and is still teaching Suzuki Cello lessons, performing in the cello section of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra (which she joined in 2017), and arranging and recording studio strings. She recently returned to school to pursue a Graduate Certificate in Cello Performance from NAU. She was the winner of the 2021 concerto competition and received her graduate degree in May of 2023. Emma is eager to bring her knowledge and years of experience in online marketing to an industry that she is so passionate about.
A lifelong resident of Flagstaff, Cindy began violin study at age 9, and added viola study three years later. She has a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Northern Arizona University. Cindy has performed with the NAU Symphony, NAU Chamber and Opera Orchestras, and the Flagstaff Light Opera Company. She is currently a player with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, Southwest Consort Chamber Ensemble and is the principal violist with the Verde Valley Sinfonietta. Cindy is a founding member of the Dark Skies String Quartet.
Victoria Blue is an arts administrator, musician, and educator dedicated to fostering inclusive and accessible experiences in the performing arts. She holds a Master’s degree in Instrumental Performance (Horn) from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Performance (Horn) from Southeast Missouri State University. Her career spans arts administration, music education, higher education, and DEI advocacy, with experience in roles supporting students, artists, and community engagement initiatives.
She has worked with organizations such as Music for Liberia and the Boulanger Initiative, where she focused on increasing access to music education and performance opportunities for underrepresented musicians/composers. Victoria is also the co-founder of Beyond the Barlines, a developing nonprofit aimed at dismantling systemic barriers in music education. Additionally, she manages social media and marketing for The Beth and Kelly Show, a podcast that explores music education, equity, and innovation in the field. As an active performer, educator, and clinician she is passionate about using music as a tool for community building and empowerment.
Born and raised in southern Arizona, Lauree came to Flagstaff to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy-Managerial from Northern Arizona University. She has since accumulated over 25 years experience in banking, financial and business management, HR, procurement, IT, compliance and operations. Lauree enjoys spending her free time with her family’s pups, hiking, reading and watching movies. Her top character traits are love, kindness and fairness.
Andrea Redcay Graves has performed throughout the United States, in Central America, and in the United Kingdom and currently performs in Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, Sedona Symphony, Arizona Philharmonic, and as a guest with the Flagstaff Chamber Series. Andrea has published music for alto flute and piano on Progress Press; recorded with Camerata Woodwind Quintet on Crystal Records; taught flute at Texas Wesleyan University and Western Illinois University; and currently enjoys teaching flute to all ages at her Flagstaff music studio. She also specialized in student services at Northern Arizona University, most recently retiring as the Coordinator of National & International Scholarships and Fellowships. She remains dedicated to competitive grant writing for arts organizations. Andrea holds degrees from Texas Tech University (B.M), The Juilliard School (M.M.), and The University of North Texas (D.M.A.)
Board of Directors
Nathan Schott, President
Mary Nebel, Vice President
Elizabeth Vogler, Secretary
Anne Dickman, Treasurer
Tim Dodt
Brian Hanner
Eric Lenz
Cindy Martin
Randy McNiff
Candice Porten
Jim Schwitzer
Winthrop von Hapsburg
Join Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra's Board of Directors
At Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, we believe that music transforms communities by connecting hearts, inspiring creativity, and enriching lives across northern Arizona. Since our founding in 1950, this belief has guided everything we do, from presenting symphonic masterworks and pops concerts to our free community performances and music education and outreach programs that reach thousands each year.
Our Board of Directors makes all of this possible. They are not only our most dedicated advocates, but also hands-on partners in building a sustainable, vibrant future for FSO.
We are currently seeking community-minded leaders who share a passion for music and a commitment to our community—a dedicated group of ambassadors, advocates, and philanthropists who bring energy, ideas, and generosity of spirit. As members of our working board, they actively engage in governance, financial oversight, event support, and development, helping ensure that FSO continues to thrive for generations to come.
If you believe in the transformative power of live music and want to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you. Apply at https://forms.gle/rbUr17gUp6kzCGbU6 or call the FSO office at 928.774.5107 to talk with us about this opportunity.
Directors Emeriti
Marge Again *In Memoriam
Irene Alpert *In Memoriam
Elizabeth Archuleta
Beverly Armstrong *In Memoriam
Edward Bowell *In Memoriam
Irene Croft
John Cummings *In Memoriam
Pat Curry *In Memoriam
Will Duncan *In Memoriam
Kathleen Franklin
Marian Fried *In Memoriam
Mary Hostetler
Stuart Houston *In Memoriam
Lela Montfort
Bill Morrison
Molly Munger
Richard Neville *In Memoriam
Cheri Ossenfort
Keith Oswald *In Memoriam
Mike Scott
Hal Stern *In Memoriam
John Stilley *In Memoriam
Carl Taylor
Barbara Vincent
Peter Wainwright
Tom Ward *In Memoriam
Jean Wilcox *In Memoriam