TYO Conductors
Mrs. Carolyn Sandquist – Symphonette
Carolyn Sandquist is a native Topekan. She received her Bachelor of Music degree with honors from Washburn University and was awarded the Highest Scholastic Average in Theta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota that year. As a graduating student of Washburn University, Carolyn earned the Music Department Academic Achievement and the Community Service Awards. Mrs. Sandquist has conducted the orchestras and taught Suzuki group classes for the Topeka String Project. Carolyn taught strings in USD 501 for 9 years including high school, middle school and elementary school levels. She also taught five years at Topeka Collegiate School.
Mrs. Sandquist created her own private studio teaching group and private lessons for violin, viola and cello using the Suzuki Method. Carolyn is a registered teacher of Suzuki Violin for books 1-7 and Suzuki Cello for books 1-5. Her students range in age from 3 years old to adult. Her students perform often in the Topeka community as well as recitals throughout the year. Many of her students play in the Topeka Youth Orchestras as well as their school orchestras. Many former students have gone on to excel in music and become music educators.
Mrs. Sandquist has played Viola, Cello, and Violin in the Topeka Symphony for over 30 years. She is the second violinist, founding member and manager of the Studio String Quartet and the Sandquist Family Quartet. Mrs. Sandquist is an active member in her church, and enjoys crocheting and traveling. Both of her sons are active in music and theatre. Mrs. Sandquist’s family received the Kansas Federation of Music Club Family of the Year, 2012.
Mr. Ryan Masotto – Chamber Orchestra
Ryan Masotto is in his 4th year as Director of the TYO Chamber Orchestra. He also works as full-time Orchestra Director for Shawnee Heights USD450, violist in the Topeka Symphony Orchestra, private lessons instructor, and freelancer. He received his undergraduate degrees in Music Education and Viola Performance from Washburn University and then later went on to the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where her received his Master’s in Viola Performance. While maintaining a busy teaching and performance schedule, Ryan is supported by his wife, Mikayla, and two daughters, Ellie and Baylee.
Mr. Nicolas Carr – Youth Symphony
Nicolas Carr is Director of Choral Studies at Shawnee Heights High School in Tecumseh, Kansas, and directs the Topeka Youth Symphony and Shawnee Choral Society. He holds a Master of Music Education in Choral Conducting from Kansas State University and a Bachelor of Music Education from Washburn University. With over 20 years of directing experience across choral, instrumental, and handbell ensembles, Carr’s work emphasizes musicianship, theory, and social-emotional growth. His Shawnee Heights Choraliers performed at the Kansas Music Educators Association conference in February 2025. Honors include USD 450’s Most Inspirational Teacher (2022) and KMEA Northeast District High School Choral Director of the Year (2024). Carr lives in Topeka with his wife and two sons.
