Ryan Webber became Music Director of the Heartland Symphony in 2019. With programming ranging from classical masterworks to more popular selections, he has also given Minnesota and world premiere performances of music by Robin Butler, Quinn Mason, Jacob Shay, Allan Stephenson, and Lindsey Wiehl.
Outside of his work with orchestras, Ryan has served on the faculty of Bemidji State University since 2017, where he directs the Symphonic Band, Pep Band, and teaches courses related to low brass. From June to July he conducts the Bemidji Area Community Band.
In addition to his work with orchestras and bands, Ryan has served as Music Director for Northern Light Opera Company in Park Rapids since 2017. He has given pre-concert lectures for the Minnesota and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestras and has written program notes for ensembles of all sizes
When Ryan isn’t performing, he enjoys sharing his passion for music with students of all ages. Ryan looks forward to his annual collaborations with St. Francis Music Center and Brainerd High School Orchestras.
Leslie has taught Orchestra in the Brainerd Public Schools since 2000. Ms. Zander’s current position is teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Orchestras at Forestview Middle School as well as Sinfonia Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra at Brainerd High School.
Besides her work with HSO, Ms. Zander has performed throughout central Minnesota with groups such as the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, Great River Strings Ensemble, the Legacy Chorale, and the Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra. Past engagements include the Sierra Summer Festival in Mammoth Lakes, CA, the Lake Chelan Bach Fest in Chelan, WA, and the Lakes Area Music Festival.
Ms. Zander began her violin lessons at the age of three at the Aber Suzuki Center at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, where her teacher was Patricia D’Ercole. She studied with Mark Bjork at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, earning a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental and Classroom Music Education. Ms. Zander also holds a Master of Arts in Differentiated Instruction from Concordia University – St. Paul.
Christopher is the Director of Bands at Brainerd High School. His responsibilities include teaching the BHS Wind Symphony, Concert Band, Jazz Ensembles and AP Music Theory as well as the BHS Marching Band and Pep Bands.
He received his B.A in Music Education from Gustavus Adolphus College and his Masters of Music with a concentration in conducting from The American Band College of Sam Houston State University. He has served as clinician and guest conductor for MSHSL music contests and MBDA honor bands. Mr. Fogderud holds memberships in NAfME, MMEA, MBDA, Phi Beta Mu and has served on the College Board’s Instructional Design Team in AP Music Theory.
As a performer, Mr. Fogderud is an active musician in the community. He is assistant conductor and principal trumpet of HSO and has also performed frequently with the Lakes Area Music Festival. He is the lead trumpet, composer and arranger for the Rusty Crayfish Brass Band whose debut album “Anywhere But Here” can be heard on all of the streaming platforms. He also plays piano in the Brainerd based jazz combo, The Jazz Authority.
Tristen Heller, President
Jen Mickels, Vice President
Melissa von Itter, Secretary
Tom Kotval, Treasurer
Mary Clement
Doug Durant
Gwendoine Gabrio
Susan Kavanaugh
Kennedy Niska
Michelle Sakry-Winkelman
Max Sommers
James Wafler
Pam Wible
