Deborah Grimes, Strings is the Music Director and co-founder of NYS. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Instrumental Education from the Hartt School of Music, Connecticut and an MA in counseling from Catholic University, Washington, DC. Proficient on piano, trumpet and cello, Ms. Grimes' primary instruments are violin/viola, studying under Renato Bonacini. She has over 20 years experience in working with young children, the last 14 as Director of the Smiling Strings program which provides twelve Northside Chicago elementary schools with music education on all stringed instruments. A member of the American String Teacher's Association and M.E.N.C., she was asked to present two sessions at the 2006 National Conference in Kansas City. She also led the NYS Advanced Chamber Strings at the 2006 National Orchestra Festival. Her public school orchestras consistently receive superior ratings at the CPS Elementary Music Festivals. Ms. Grimes also appears regularly as a guest conductor for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Russell St. Germain, Winds/Percussion is the Co-Director of NYS, and Director of the Band on Parade program. Mr. St. Germain holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education, Magna Cum Laude from The University of Southern Maine School of Music. He is a trombonist, proficient on all woodwind/brass instruments and sings as an accomplished bass. At U.S.M. he was an active member of the M.E.N.C. Collegiate Chapter and served as president. He studied conducting under Dr. Peter Martin and general music under Dr. Betty Atterbury. While in Maine he gained experience as an adjudicator for solo/state festivals and as a guest conductor. Mr. St. Germain is a member of the Music Educators National Conference, the National Band Association and the American String Teachers Association.