Jim Bartsch has been part of the MYS artistic staff for years, teaching the Philharmonic Orchestra, and currently Interim Co-Artistic Director.
A native of St. Paul, Jim attended Highland Park Jr and Sr High Schools. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and a Master’s Degree in Violin Performance at the University of Minnesota.
Following a 14-year stint as Education Director with the Minnesota Orchestra, he returned to the Public Schools in 2013, teaching Orchestra at Highview Middle School and Bel Air Elementary School, in the Mounds View Public Schools district. He has performed as violist in over fifty Minnesota Opera productions since 1998.
An active summertime hiker, Jim has climbed the highpoints of 44 US states, and 22 of the US peaks over 14,000 feet. A Twins Baseball fan, he especially enjoyed leading MYS and Mounds View musicians on the National Anthem at Target Field the last several seasons.
“I especially enjoy such positive working relationships with the AUSTE faculty, the commitment to excellence, and students willing to work hard to perform at a very high level.”