Mary Lechelt

Academy Director, Violin & Piano

Mary Lechelt has been with Mount Calvary Academy of Music since 2005, named Executive Director in 2010. In addition to administrative responsibilities, she maintains an Academy studio as instructor of violin and piano. Mary is performing her 28th season as a tenured member of the first violins of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra. She has over twenty-five years of experience in music education as a private teacher, directing children's and adult choirs in Minnesota and South Dakota, directing children's musicals, and district accompanist in the public school setting. She also enjoys performing as a free-lance violinist in the Twin Cities area. She has performed in concert with such artists as Yo-Yo Ma, Midori, Alessio Bax, Emmanuel Ax, Sarah Chang, Whitney Houston and Ray Charles. She completed her Bachelor's degree at the University of Minnesota, studying music and English Literature. Mary holds memberships with Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA) and is a Center Representative with The Royal Conservatory of Music.