Artistic Staff

Joe Deller

Joe Deller – Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor

Joseph Deller received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Violin Performance from Hope College in 2003.  He has pursued a free lance career in the Detroit area and currently serves as Concert Master of the Michigan Philharmonic. He also is a member of the Flint and Dearborn Symphony Orchestras, and has appeared with the Michigan Opera Theatre.  Joseph is highly involved with young people through the Troubadours, an outreach program at the Flint Institute of Music where he also teaches violin and viola and performs on the Faculty Concert Series.  He is Conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra through the Dearborn Youth Symphony and maintains a studio of private students through the Dearborn School of Music and at home.  In addition, he coaches sectionals for the orchestra at North Farmington High School.  Joseph is a great lover of chamber music and has appeared with New Verse Chamber Ensemble at the Black Crystal Cafe and True North String Quartet, which performs every summer in Strings on the Bay in the Upper Peninsula.

Donna Olkowski

Donna Olkowski – Flute Choirs Conductor

Mrs. Olkowski received bachelors and masters degrees in music from the University of Michigan. After 14 years of experience directing grade school through high school band programs, she now has a private studio of 40 flute students. Mrs. Olkowski is second flute for the Dearborn Symphony.

Candace Chappell

Candace Chappell – Chamber Orchestra Conductor

Ms. Candace Chappell has been teaching elementary and middle school orchestra since 2015 and currently teaches in the Ann Arbor Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Eastern Michigan University and recently obtained her Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Michigan. Ms. Chappell has enjoyed teaching at and directing orchestra camps around the state of Michigan throughout the years, and teaches private cello lessons. She has been playing the cello since 2003 and occasionally gigs in the community. In her spare time Ms. Chappell enjoys music, reading, crafting, time in nature, and spending time with her husband and two dogs. She is so excited and proud to be a part of the Dearborn Youth Symphony!