Our Staff

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Andrew Kolojejchick

Young People's Philharmonic, Music Director/Conductor

Andrew Kolojejchick has taught on the music faculty of Wyoming Valley West High School for the last 30 years where he has served as the director of Concert, Marching and Jazz Bands, as well as teaching Music History, Music Theory and AP Music classes.  Additionally, he has served as the Associate choir director while working with their all school musical in the roles of pit orchestra director, vocal director and business manager.   Committed to “sharing our art” the Spartan Bands have performed in Chicago, Cleveland, Boston, Baltimore, Toronto, Ocean City, MD, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Myrtle Beach, Dollywood, King’s Dominion and Walt Disney World.

Rachel Galassi

Rachel Galassi

Junior String Philharmonic, Music Director/Conductor

Rachel Galassi has been a violist and free lance musician in the northeast region of Pennsylvania  for over 25 years. Ms. Galassi is currently the Orchestra Director and assistant Marching Director at North Pocono High School in Covington Township Pennsylvania, and earned her B.M in Music Education from Marywood University. While at Marywood University, Rachel studied viola with Sophie Till and was a featured performer with Marywood University's String Ensemble. Ms. Galassi also attended Peabody Conservatory where she studied viola performance with Paul Coletti, and was previously a student of Evelyn Jacobs-Louise. 

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Stephanie Paden

Violin, YPP String Coach

Stephanie Paden teaches middle school strings and orchestra in the North Pocono School District. She previously taught K-8 general and choral music in the Hazleton Area School District, as well as string methods at Clarks Summit University and private string lessons. Stephanie holds degrees from Marywood University (MA in Music

Connie Trach

Connie Trach

Violin, JSP String Coach

Coming soon....

Connie Trach

Natalie Trach

Violin, JSP String Coach

Coming soon....

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Taylor Galassi

General Manager

Coming soon...

Caroline Dawson

Caroline Dawson

Administrative Assistant

Caroline Dawson first became involved with the YPP when her two sons were JSP and YPP members in the 1980s and 1990s. She was on the board for a number of years, and then volunteered as JSP Librarian and assistant to JSP founder and director Nancy Bidlack. She became the office administrator for the organization in 2005, and also managed the JSP for several years. Caroline worked previously for Kinhaven Music School, Lafayette College, and Northampton Community College. She plays the flute and enjoys participating in community amateur orchestra and chamber music events. She has a BA in Human Development from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois.