The BJSO STAFF
Dr. Rob Tomaro, Music Director, was handed the BJSO baton by Dr. Crawford Gates in 1999. He holds a Master’s Degree and Ph.D. in Music Composition from New York University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern University. He has conducted orchestras around the world.
Edie Baran, Executive Director, a Janesville resident, has worked with the Janesville Performing Arts Center, Rotary Gardens, SpotLight On Kids, the United Arts Alliance of Rock County, Stage One, Rock County Historical Society, Janesville Little Theatre, and UW Rock Theatre. She is the recipient of the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, and is a 2008 inductee in the United Arts Alliance Arts Hall of Fame.
Tracy Bliss, Marketing Director, is a Beloit native and resident. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design her background includes print, events, apparel, web and social media. She serves on the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce and LDA of Rock County Board of Directors while managing her own business, DeCori Design, LLC.
Emily Sobacki, Personnel Manager and Music Librarian, performs in orchestral and chamber music settings, and is an
experienced Suzuki teacher. She earned B.M. and M.M. degrees in violin performance at Illinois State University. Emily resides in Lake Geneva with her husband and two children.
Larisa Chmielewski, Development Coordinator, is a long-time Beloit resident who has served with numerous non-profits in the Rock County area. As Founder of the Alzheimer’s Support Center, Larisa served as its Executive Director, and as counselor for the Stateline Area Memory Clinic. She has performed locally and/or music directed with the BJSO choir, Beloit Civic Theatre, Spotlight on Kids, Theatre Unlimited, Sun Valley Presbyterian Church, Janesville Little Theater and F.J. Turner Schools. She is the proud mother of two creative children who keep her and her husband happily busy with their adventures.
Edie Baran, Executive Director, a Janesville resident, has worked with the Janesville Performing Arts Center, Rotary Gardens, SpotLight On Kids, the United Arts Alliance of Rock County, Stage One, Rock County Historical Society, Janesville Little Theatre, and UW Rock Theatre. She is the recipient of the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, and is a 2008 inductee in the United Arts Alliance Arts Hall of Fame.
Tracy Bliss, Marketing Director, is a Beloit native and resident. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design her background includes print, events, apparel, web and social media. She serves on the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce and LDA of Rock County Board of Directors while managing her own business, DeCori Design, LLC.
Emily Sobacki, Personnel Manager and Music Librarian, performs in orchestral and chamber music settings, and is an
experienced Suzuki teacher. She earned B.M. and M.M. degrees in violin performance at Illinois State University. Emily resides in Lake Geneva with her husband and two children.
Larisa Chmielewski, Development Coordinator, is a long-time Beloit resident who has served with numerous non-profits in the Rock County area. As Founder of the Alzheimer’s Support Center, Larisa served as its Executive Director, and as counselor for the Stateline Area Memory Clinic. She has performed locally and/or music directed with the BJSO choir, Beloit Civic Theatre, Spotlight on Kids, Theatre Unlimited, Sun Valley Presbyterian Church, Janesville Little Theater and F.J. Turner Schools. She is the proud mother of two creative children who keep her and her husband happily busy with their adventures.