Staff  

Virginia Johnston   Managing Director
Managing Director Virginia Johnston received her B. Mus. (Summa Cum Laude) from Syracuse University and her M. Mus. from Boston University. Starting as an Administrator with the Orchestra in 1992, she assumed the responsibilities of Managing Director in 1999. Virginia worked as Music Director at the Springfield Emanuel United Methodist Church and is currently a professional free-lance clarinetist, conductor and composer in the tri-state area. In 1992, she co-founded Triad Arts Ensemble, a non-profit performing arts organization. Through Triad, Virginia has co-chaired the annual "Canticles for Life" AIDS Benefit Concerts in New Jersey since 1997. Additionally, she performs as a singer-songwriter with her folk/rock band "Mosaic."

Jeanne Maass   Events Coordinator

Diane Lester   Administrator
Administrator Diane Lester received her BS from Bucknell University majoring in mathematics with a minor in computer science and accounting. She spent the next 15 years in the corporate world (Travelers and Crum & Forster) in Information Systems/Technical Services Management. Taking time off when her children were young, she joined The Discovery Orchestra in 2003 as Administrator. She is currently involved in her church in various capacities, as well supporting the various high school activities in which her children participate.

Judith Sugarman   Personnel Manager
Personnel Manager Judith Sugarman is one of the pre-eminent professional bassists in the tri-state area, regularly performing as Principal Bass with Solisti New York, Stanford Symphony, New York Virtuosi and The Discovery Orchestra. She has performed in chamber music concerts with the members of The Guarnieri and Colorado String Quartets.  She has played on the soundtracks of many feature motion pictures, including Kramer vs. Kramer, You've Got Mail, and Carlito's Way. She was formerly on the faculty of The Juilliard School Pre College Division, and currently is a member of the faculty of the Mannes College of Music Preparatory Division.