John Merrill, Percussion
I am an Executive Program Manager of Global Information Technology Services for DHL Worldwide Express in Scottsdale, Arizona. Although my music-playing years are now just a wonderful memory, I still volunteer with the Phoenix Symphony Youth Orchestra Guild and attend many Phoenix Symphony and Pops concerts. My pride and joy these days are my two sons, Brian (24) and Peter (22).  Brian, also a USAF Veteran, graduates from Arizona State University in December 2006.  Pete will graduate in 2008 from The Ohio State University.  Both have designs on attending law school. I share my very best wishes with GBYSO alums everywhere and would be delighted to hear from them!

Mary O’Keefe Kellogg, Viola
My husband, Dick and I are living in France with our daughter Abigail.  She is in her last year at the lycée here, trying to decide which college to attend. I graduated from Smith in 1971, lived in New Haven for 6 years, until we moved to Hamburg in 1978, and then moved here in 1985.

Carol Parsons Kingsbury, Viola
Married Dicky Plotkin (cello '68); had daughter, Jennie; remarried Fred Kingsbury; had David and Nathan; all are musical; finally graduated at 45 with Music Ed degree; write songs for and work as preschool music specialist; sing in musicals and ensembles.  LOVED the GBYSO years!!

Bernie Klinger, Violin
In 1972 I graduated from Hartt College of Music with double bachelors degrees in music education and music (viola performance).  I have an MA in Music Education from Columbia Teachers College.  I have been playing viola professionally ever since, but my "day job" has always been a public school strings/orchestra teacher in New York.  After 33 years, I retired from the Chappaqua, NY school system in 2005, and now teach part-time in a public school in Fairfield, CT.  I conduct the Westchester Elementary Strings Orchestra, comprised of the youngest students (grades 4-6) in the Greater Westchester Youth Orchestras Association.  I also still play viola in the Greenwich (CT) Symphony.