Dear SYSO Community,

On behalf of the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, it is my great pleasure to announce the appointment of Melody Mikkelsen as SYSO’s new Executive Director, effective February 17, 2025. After an extensive and thoughtful national search process, we are confident that Melody’s leadership, vision, and passion for music education will propel SYSO into an exciting new era.

Melody comes to SYSO with a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership and a deep commitment to transformative music experiences. She served as executive director of Oklahoma Youth Orchestras for nearly five years, earning the organization the 2021 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence Award in Arts and Humanities. A strong voice for performing arts philanthropy, she has led development teams at Portland Opera and Arts for Learning NW. She is also a former kindergarten music and beginning band educator. We believe that Melody’s impressive track record and dedication to youth music education make her the ideal leader to help SYSO’s young musicians achieve their highest potential. The board is thrilled to welcome her to the team.

We also want to express our deepest gratitude to Marcia Isenberger with Loveall Price & Associates for her exceptional leadership as Interim Executive Director during this transition. She has played an invaluable role in maintaining SYSO’s momentum and preparing us for the future.

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Melody. We look forward to introducing you to Melody at upcoming SYSO events and concerts this winter and spring.

Together, with your continued support, we embark on the next leg of our journey in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission and to the amazing young musicians we serve.

With warm regards,

Rob Sokol
President, Board of Directors
Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra