Kristen Cooper, oboist, is a counselor at Normandale Community College where she also worked with the TRIO Upward Bound Program. She holds a Master of Science degree in School Counseling from Minnesota State University, Mankato and a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from St. Olaf College. Since graduating from St. Olaf where she performed with the St. Olaf Band and St. Olaf Collegium Musicum, she has performed with the St. Paul Civic Symphony, the Dakota Valley Symphony, and the Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company. She is presently the principal oboist for the Minnesota Symphonic Winds, is active in music at her church and freelances throughout the Twin Cities. Her primary teacher in high school and college was Rhadames (John) Angelucci. In spring of 2009, Kristen will participate in the American Spring music festival in the Czech Republic.