Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra

Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra Staff

Dr Jean Montes - GNOYO Artistic DirectorDr. Jean Montès, Artistic Director

An accomplished conductor, educator, clinician, lecturer, and performer, Dr. Montès is passionate about challenging and stimulating audiences and musicians alike. He is currently Director of Orchestral Studies and Coordinator of Strings at Loyola University. Recently he has been the Director of Orchestral Studies and Coordinator of Strings at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) where he conducted the Symphony Orchestra (VCUSO), Chamber Orchestra, Baroque Ensemble, New Music Ensemble, the All VCU String Orchestra and the Opera Orchestra. In addition to his conducting duties, he coached Chamber Music, String Master Class and taught string pedagogy and conducting. 

Katie Antis - Greater New Orleans Youth OrchestraKatie Antis, Philharmonia conductor

Mrs. Antis is a native of Virginia. She has taught in various locations, including Fairfax County, Virginia, Northshore High School in Slidell, and is presently the Band and Orchestra Director at Metairie Park Country Day School in Metairie. As an oboist, she received her Bachelors of Music Education from James Madison University in Virginia, and has performed with various orchestras, bands and chamber ensembles in the New Orleans and Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. She also served as a Guest Conductor with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s Early Explorers Concert Series. Mrs. Antis loves living in New Orleans with her husband and sons.

Dr Kent Jensen - Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra

Dr. Kent Jensen, Sinfonia and Northshore Sinfonia conductor

Dr. Jensen currently teaches strings and orchestra at Ursuline Academy.  In addition, Dr. Jensen has been a member of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) cello section since 1994.  Dr. Jensen was a member of the LPO board of directors from 1996-1999 and served as LPO President during the 1998-99 season.  Dr. Jensen studied music at the University of Arizona and at Louisiana State University, and interned with the National Orchestral Association in New York.  He was Principal Cellist of the Louisiana Sinfonietta, a professional chamber orchestra, from 1985-94.  During his youth he was a member of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony of Minneapolis/St. Paul, and also the Tucson Junior Strings, where he served as low strings and chamber ensemble coach.  A member of the GNOYO staff since 1997, Dr. Jensen and his wife, Saeko Yatsuka live in the Carrollton area with their son Isaac, and daughter Yume.

Marianna Roll - Greater New Orleans Youth OrchestraMarianna Roll, Executive Director and Northshore Philharmonia conductor

Ms. Roll joined GNOYO in February, of 2005.  She possesses a B.S. in Music Education from Ball State University and an M.A. in Arts Administration from the University of New Orleans.  While completing her Master’s degree, Ms. Roll worked with the Arts Council of New Orleans, NOCCA|Institute and the New Orleans Chamber Music Festival.  Ms. Roll’s teaching experiences include band, strings, general music as well as private instruction on a variety of instruments.

Dianna Shelton - Greater New Orleans Youth OrchestraDianna Shelton, Administrative Assistant

Ms. Shelton has been on staff at GNOYO since 1998.  Active as a volunteer for the organization since its founding, Mrs. Shelton brings administrative, marketing, and computer expertise to the organization, through her training at Bryant College in Rhode Island and her office work experience with B. B. Greenburg Company.  Dianna has two daughters, the eldest of whom was a violinist with GNOYO for five years.