Mr. Friesen brings three areas of strength to ESO: a strong educational background in conducting, strong teaching experience and constantly growing experience as a conductor.

A sound education in music and conducting began as an undergraduate at Seattle Pacific University (B.A. 1972) and University of Oregon (M.M. 1976).  At SPU Lylburn Layer provided wonderful tutelage and guidance, and the opportunity to be student conductor of the band.  At the U of O, he continued studies with Richard Vagner, the university's wind ensemble conductor for many years, Helmutt Rilling, the Bach Festival conductor and a special summer of work with composer and conductor, Karel Husa, (most noted for "Apotheosis of the Earth").

Ron completed a thirty-year term of public school music education in 2003.  This experience ranged from grades three through twelve, and included elementary general music, choirs at all levels, bands at all levels, junior high orchestra, guitar class, and stage bands in middle school and high school.  The last twenty years were at Stanwood Middle School guiding terrific midlevel students to the joy of music in band, choir, stage band, and guitar.  At the same time, strong guidance was provided to the district in curriculum and facility design and implementation.

Ron launched his second career of conducting while completing his teaching career.  Ron played trumpet with the Everett Symphony from 1982 - 2001, serving as Principal the last approximately ten years.  In the early '90's, Maestro Paul-Elliott Cobbs needed an assistant, so Ron stepped in to cover rehearsals.  Then, in December 1996, Ron was asked to conduct the Nutcracker Ballet, which he has successfully done ever since.  In addition, since 1998, he now also plans and directs the two Explore Music programs for Everett Symphony.  Ron has been an assistant for the Tacoma Youth Symphony since 2001, and in 2004 was appointed to direct the Tacoma Junior Youth Symphony.  Ron also has directed his church choir since 1989 at the Marysville Free Methodist Church.  The wide range of experience in orchestra, band, and choir is one Ron enjoys.  "There are always lessons one group may learn from the other's experiences which will help make the whole music experience more understandable and richer."
He is a valued asset to the Everett Symphony and we appreciate having him working closely with Dr. Cobbs. He definitely keeps us on our musical toes when our beloved "Head Maestro" is occasionally otherwise engaged.