Cheyenne Youth Symphony Staff

Cheyenne Youth Symphony has a top-notch team that makes this wonderful organization happen.  They are dedicated to bringing not only a fabulous music experience, but a growing opportunity for everyone involved. 

Artistic Director - Jaylene Willhite

Mrs. Jaylene Willhite has been the Artistic Director for the Cheyenne Youth Symphony since its inception, and finds it an extremely rewarding experience that has allowed her to watch the students develop and mature as young musicians.

Mrs. Willhite began her teaching career after graduating with a Bachelors of Music Education in 1980 from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming.

She went on to further her career by earning her Masters of Arts in Education in 2006 from the Grand Canyon University, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Mrs. Willhite has been a music teacher for the Laramie County School District #1 in Cheyenne Wyoming for the past 30 years. She has taught elementary general music, band and orchestra. She is currently teaching orchestra at Afflerbach Elementary, Johnson Junior High, and South High School.
Mrs. Willhite has been the Orchestra Vice-President for the Wyoming Music Educators Association from May 2017 until May 2019.
Mrs. Willhite has also been a member of the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra for the past thirty-one years. She enjoys being able to continue performing on her violin and being part of a very important organization to the Cheyenne community.

Cathy Johnson - Accompanist

Catherine Johnson received her B.M.E. degree for k-12 at Oklahoma Baptist University in 1976.  Cathy was an Assistant Director for All-City Children’s Choir for 6 years and taught piano lessons on and off throughout her career.  She was the church pianist at her church for over thirty-five years, and volunteer choir director for ten.  Cathy retired from the School District after twenty-seven years of teaching.  This is Cathy’s third year as accompanist for Cheyenne Youth Symphony.

Jonathon Ogle Assistant Director

Jonathan Ogle is an Alumni of the Cheyenne Youth Symphony. Throughout high school, Mr. Ogle grew a lot as a violinist as a result of Jaylene’s passion for assisting young string musicians to grow into accomplished musicians. Jonathan currently loves investing in the musical growth of young string players in Cheyenne the way he was invested in under the direction of Jaylene Willhite. 
 
 Although Jonathan originally went to college in 2016 to major in violin performance, he ended up switching to Instrumental Music education. Mr. Ogle holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Liberty University where he graduated in 2022. 
 
 Mr. Ogle is currently in his second year of not only assisting the Cheyenne Youth Symphony, but also teaching general music at Rossman Elementary School in Laramie County School District #1. Jonathan is a violist with the Loveland Orchestra and enjoys the opportunity to perform not only as a professional violinist but also as a professional violist for various playing opportunities in the Cheyenne and Northern Colorado area. 
 
 In addition to being a trained EMT, Mr. Ogle enjoys crocheting, reading, and staying physically active.

Student Assistant Cora Kang
Hello, my name is Cora Kang, and I am currently a junior at East High school. I have been playing Violin for 8 years, and have been with the Cheyenne Youth Symphony for 7 years. I am also a part of the Hyacinth String Quartet, LCCC Chamber Orchestra, and Cheyenne Fiddle Orchestra. A few of the other instruments I play include Viola, Piano, and Harp.New text element
Student Assistant Monica Bersabe

Hello, my name is Monica Bersabe, and I am currently a junior at East High school. I have been playing Violin for 8 years, and have been with the Cheyenne Youth Symphony for 7 years. I am also a part of the Hyacinth String Quartet, LCCC Chamber Orchestra, and Cheyenne Fiddle Orchestra. A few of the other instruments I play include Viola, Piano, and Harp.New text element

Student Assistant Simon Wolfe

Hi! My name is Simon Wolf, and I'm the cello tutor here for the Cheyenne Youth Symphony for both groups. I'm currently a junior in high school, and I attend East High here in Cheyenne. I've been playing cello for close to 8 years now, and 7 of those have been spent with CYS. I'm also a part of the LCCC Chamber Orchestra and the Hyacinth String Quartet. This is a great organization, and I look forward to a wonderful season!