Deborah Grimes, Strings is the Music Director and co-founder of NYS. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Instrumental Education from the Hartt School of Music, Connecticut and an MA in counseling from Catholic University, Washington, DC. Proficient on piano, trumpet and cello, Ms. Grimes' primary instruments are violin/viola, studying under Renato Bonacini. She has over 25 years of experience working with young children, the last 16 as Director of the Smiling Strings program which provides 17 North Side Chicago elementary schools with music education on all stringed instruments. A member of the American String Teacher's Association and M.E.N.C., Ms. Grimes was a presenter at the 2006 ASTA National Conference in Kansas City. She also led the NYS Advanced Chamber Strings at the 2006 National Orchestra Festival. Her public school orchestras consistently receive superior ratings at the CPS Elementary Music Festivals and she has also appeared as a guest conductor for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Ms. Grimes performs with the Lake Shore Symphony Orchestra and serves on its Board of Directors.

Winds/Percussion: POSITION VACANT We are currently seeking and recruiting qualified band directors to run the sectionals for our Honor Band musicians! To apply for this vacancy please contact us.