Administrative Staff
Kim McShea, Operations Manager
When Kim was 10 years old, she off-handedly made the comment, “If I could play any instrument, I’d like to play the violin.” Lo and behold, Christmas morning came with a violin under the tree, proving that Santa really does pay attention. One fateful day that January, Kim and her mom entered Musik Innovations looking for violin lessons and were greeted by none other than Pablo Ardiles. Kim became his student on the spot and took lessons with Pablo for the next 7 ½ years. She graduated from North Allegheny in 2003, in one of the last classes to study under the direction of the legendary Christine Loverti, founder of North Allegheny’s Golden Strolling Strings. Kim can still play Pachelbel’s Canon in D by memory. She went on to study Elementary Education at La Roche College, where she graduated summa cum laude in 2007.
On another fateful day shortly before Kim’s senior year of college, Pablo told Kim about his grand plans to start a youth orchestra. Kim agreed to simply watch Musik Innovations (the original home of PYCO rehearsal) for 3 hours each Sunday while rehearsals were held. It quickly became apparent that such a big undertaking could use more help, so Kim became the Conductor’s Assistant, immediately followed by becoming Orchestra Manager. Over 15 years later, having followed her heart to forgo teaching and remain with PYCO, Kim is now the Operations Manager, and could not be more proud of the years of growth and success that PYCO has achieved. She looks forward to continuing to work with PYCO as it reaches new heights in providing a rewarding musical experience for the youth of the Greater Pittsburgh area.
When Kim was 10 years old, she off-handedly made the comment, “If I could play any instrument, I’d like to play the violin.” Lo and behold, Christmas morning came with a violin under the tree, proving that Santa really does pay attention. One fateful day that January, Kim and her mom entered Musik Innovations looking for violin lessons and were greeted by none other than Pablo Ardiles. Kim became his student on the spot and took lessons with Pablo for the next 7 ½ years. She graduated from North Allegheny in 2003, in one of the last classes to study under the direction of the legendary Christine Loverti, founder of North Allegheny’s Golden Strolling Strings. Kim can still play Pachelbel’s Canon in D by memory. She went on to study Elementary Education at La Roche College, where she graduated summa cum laude in 2007.
On another fateful day shortly before Kim’s senior year of college, Pablo told Kim about his grand plans to start a youth orchestra. Kim agreed to simply watch Musik Innovations (the original home of PYCO rehearsal) for 3 hours each Sunday while rehearsals were held. It quickly became apparent that such a big undertaking could use more help, so Kim became the Conductor’s Assistant, immediately followed by becoming Orchestra Manager. Over 15 years later, having followed her heart to forgo teaching and remain with PYCO, Kim is now the Operations Manager, and could not be more proud of the years of growth and success that PYCO has achieved. She looks forward to continuing to work with PYCO as it reaches new heights in providing a rewarding musical experience for the youth of the Greater Pittsburgh area.
Dear PYCO Students, Parents, Staff, and Friends,
After much thought and consideration, and because of the need to focus on family at this time, I have made the difficult decision to step back from my role as Operations Manager of the Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra.
Since PYCO's founding in 2006, it has been my honor and privilege to serve this organization and be part of its incredible journey. Over the years, I have witnessed the growth, dedication, and musical achievements of so many talented young musicians, and it has been nothing short of inspiring. PYCO holds a very special place in my heart, and I will continue to remain involved, though in a different capacity, as the organization moves forward.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you—our musicians, families, colleagues, and supporters—for your encouragement, trust, and shared passion for the arts. It is because of you that PYCO thrives as a vibrant community, fostering young musicians to excel in their craft.
As I transition out of this role, PYCO is seeking someone to step into the position of Operations Manager. If you know someone who would be an excellent fit for this role, please feel free to share with them.
Thank you again for your continued support of PYCO. I am excited to see the organization continue to grow and flourish in the years ahead.
With gratitude,
Kim McShea, Outgoing PYCO Operations Manager
After much thought and consideration, and because of the need to focus on family at this time, I have made the difficult decision to step back from my role as Operations Manager of the Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra.
Since PYCO's founding in 2006, it has been my honor and privilege to serve this organization and be part of its incredible journey. Over the years, I have witnessed the growth, dedication, and musical achievements of so many talented young musicians, and it has been nothing short of inspiring. PYCO holds a very special place in my heart, and I will continue to remain involved, though in a different capacity, as the organization moves forward.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you—our musicians, families, colleagues, and supporters—for your encouragement, trust, and shared passion for the arts. It is because of you that PYCO thrives as a vibrant community, fostering young musicians to excel in their craft.
As I transition out of this role, PYCO is seeking someone to step into the position of Operations Manager. If you know someone who would be an excellent fit for this role, please feel free to share with them.
Thank you again for your continued support of PYCO. I am excited to see the organization continue to grow and flourish in the years ahead.
With gratitude,
Kim McShea, Outgoing PYCO Operations Manager
Levee Stadel, Program Manager
Levee was born and raised in a small Wisconsin town just outside of Milwaukee. Part of a musical family, he dabbled in piano and guitar as a child and settled in electric bass at age 11. After being self-taught on the double bass to play in his high school jazz band, Levee went on to study double bass with Josh Schwalbach at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. While at UWEC, he also studied and received a bachelor’s degree in music composition with Chiayu Hsu. Levee moved to Pittsburgh to study with Micah Howard and Peter Guild of the Pittsburgh Symphony at Carnegie Mellon University to earn a Master's degree and two Advanced Music Studies certificates in double bass performance.
As a performer, Levee manages the L.B. Stadel String Ensemble, a group that specializes in music for events. He also regularly performs with many regional orchestras between Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Levee has written and arranged works for a wide variety of ensembles ranging from symphony orchestra and wind ensemble to middle school band to trios for drumset, bass guitar, and tape. He has worked with Eighth Blackbird and yMusic along with personal arrangements and transcriptions to expand the double bass repertoire.
Levee was born and raised in a small Wisconsin town just outside of Milwaukee. Part of a musical family, he dabbled in piano and guitar as a child and settled in electric bass at age 11. After being self-taught on the double bass to play in his high school jazz band, Levee went on to study double bass with Josh Schwalbach at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. While at UWEC, he also studied and received a bachelor’s degree in music composition with Chiayu Hsu. Levee moved to Pittsburgh to study with Micah Howard and Peter Guild of the Pittsburgh Symphony at Carnegie Mellon University to earn a Master's degree and two Advanced Music Studies certificates in double bass performance.
As a performer, Levee manages the L.B. Stadel String Ensemble, a group that specializes in music for events. He also regularly performs with many regional orchestras between Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Levee has written and arranged works for a wide variety of ensembles ranging from symphony orchestra and wind ensemble to middle school band to trios for drumset, bass guitar, and tape. He has worked with Eighth Blackbird and yMusic along with personal arrangements and transcriptions to expand the double bass repertoire.
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