Teddy Bears and Toys

Ines Guanchez is an associate digital producer at YourClassical Minnesota Public Radio. A graduate from the University of Minnesota, she holds master’s degrees in mass communications and piano performance. Ines has worked closely with major Twin Cities music organizations since 2016, including the Minnesota Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Cedar Cultural Center. As an associate digital producer, Ines aims to increase the visibility of minorities in classical music. Some of her previous projects include hosting the Hispanic Heritage Month Stream, narrating the first Spanish YourClassical Storytime episode, and hosting national specials on the topics of Latin American classical music. An accomplished pianist, she founded the Dúo Ávila with fellow Venezuelan violinist Sofia Schutte, an ensemble that focuses on music by composers outside of the classical canon. Please welcome Ines as she makes her second appearance as Mistress of Ceremonies with the Golden Valley Orchestra.

Many of you know Timothy (Tim) Blotz as a reporter and news anchor at Fox 9, however, he is also a lifelong musician. Tim makes sixth appearance with The Golden Valley Orchestra as Master of Ceremonies and Narrator. A native of Wisconsin, Tim holds a master’s degree in strategic communications from the University of Minnesota and is the recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award in writing. Tim holds multiple Emmy Awards for his work as a television anchor and journalist. While in college Tim toured the Midwest as a trumpet player in the renowned musical show group, the Kids from Wisconsin. To this day the Kids from Wisconsin are still the official goodwill ambassadors for the state of Wisconsin. Timothy continues to perform as a trumpeter with the Minnesota Valley Community Band in Chaska in addition to the Valley Jazz Big Band and the St. Hubert’s Catholic Church brass choir. When Tim is not on the air for Fox 9 News or playing his instrument, he is spending time with his family. Learn more about Tim.

Mr. W Rayford Johnson is a distinguished music educator, conductor, composer, and arranger with a career spanning over five decades. As the Conductor of Bands and Instrumental Music Educator in Saint Paul Schools from 1970 until his retirement in 2007, Mr. Johnson played a foundational role in advancing music education across elementary, junior high, and senior high schools. A pioneer in his field, Mr. Johnson was the inaugural president of the Black Music Educators of the Twin Cities (BMETC) and has served on several influential boards, including the National Black Music Caucus, the Music Educators National Conference, Walker West School of Music, Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies, and the Minnesota Chorale, where he was a charter member and performed for 11 years. He also contributed his expertise to the University of Minnesota's School of Music Advisory Board. Currently, Mr. Johnson serves as the principal tuba player for the Saint Anthony Civic Orchestra and performs with the Plymouth Concert Band and the Minnesota State Band—the nation’s only state band, celebrating its 126th year. Additionally, he founded his own jazz ensemble, The Tangents, in 1970, which continues to perform and support events such as the Dave Winfield Scholarship Awards. Mr. Johnson is also a respected member of the Evergreen Club, an exclusive honorary service music organization into which members are formally inducted. With a profound commitment to music and community service, Mr. Johnson’s career reflects a lifelong dedication to both music performance and education. His influence and contributions to music are felt widely in the Twin Cities and beyond.