Our Conductors

All of our Conductors are highly experienced to nurture and enhance the students music journey.

Mrs Jen Barnard - MYSO 1

Jen Barnard has had a passion for conducting from a young age, appearing in her first ever public performance as a Guest Conductor for the Pine Rivers Area String Orchestra (PRASO) at the age of 16. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Music at the University of Queensland (UQ), where she had the opportunity to work as the Assistant Guest Conductor for the UQ Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, and Queensland Youth Orchestra Wind Symphony. While completing her final year of university in 2013, Jen furthered her conducting studies in Sydney with Symphony Services International. It was also in 2013 that Jen was appointed conductor of the Moreton Youth String Orchestra (MYSO).

After graduating with First Class Honours, Jen taught Instrumental Music (Strings) in primary and high schools across Education Queensland schools in the Moreton Bay area. She has also served as a Guest Conductor at various workshops, including the Instrumental Music Excellence Program (IMEP), Bundaberg Music Fest, and Moreton Bay’s Advanced Music Primary (AMPed) workshop. In 2018, her primary school ensemble was named a regional finalist in Education Queensland’s Fanfare festival.

Now running her own music business, Jen supports school Instrumental Music Programs in the Moreton Bay area, working closely with schools, instrumental specialists, and students to help them reach their full musical potential. She continues to serve as a Guest Conductor at events such as the Education Queensland Northside Honours Workshop and adjudicates local festivals.

Her dedication to nurturing youth music in the community is reflected in her ongoing role as the conductor of MYSO.

Mr Henry Jarvela - Chamber Strings & Fiddle Group

Henry Jarvela graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Cello performance) from the Qld Conservatorium, Griffith University, in 2019. As a performer, he has been a member of both the Qld and Australian Youth Orchestras, as well as local community groups. Henry has had an interest in composing from a young age and a number of his pieces have been performed by students in his local community. Since graduating, Henry has been actively involved in teaching and mentoring young string players both privately and in school and community contexts.

Mr Stewart Boston-Dart - Concert Band

Miss Amy Hosking - MYSO 2

Amy Hosking graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from The University of Queensland in 2019 and in 2025, completed a Master of Teaching (Secondary) degree through Griffith University. Over the past six years, she has taught at two schools, directing ensembles and providing both individual and group string tuition. Alongside teaching, Amy is an active performer, regularly playing music for ballets, musicals and a variety of orchestral concerts. She has performed alongside artists such as Michael Bublé and is a current member of the Cadenza Chamber Players. Amy is passionate about sharing her love of performing with younger generations, supporting students to develop confidence and ultimately, cultivate their own musical voice.

Mr Timo Jarvela - Founding Conductor of MYSO

In 1996, Timo Jarvela founded the Pine Rivers Area String Orchestra (PRASO) to promote string playing within the local community. PRASO (1996–2010, now MYSO) was central to Timo’s vision of providing young string players with meaningful performance opportunities through a range of ensembles, from fiddle bands to chamber orchestras.

Timo served as a conductor within the organisation for 30 years. His dedication, musicianship and passion for music education have played a significant role in shaping the orchestra and its values.

We acknowledge and thank Timo for his extraordinary contribution to the MYME community and the enduring impact of his work.

Our MYME community has been fortunate to be guided by many dedicated conductors over the years, and we are grateful to each of them for the musical opportunities and inspiration they have provided to our members.