Staff
Mr. James Nackley
Musical Director and Conductor
Mr. James Nackley joined York Junior Symphony in 2021 as the Musical Director and Conductor. Mr. Nackley graduated from Penn State University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Orchestral Conducting from Messiah University in 2021, achieving summa cum laude at both institutions. Mr. Nackley joined Northeastern York School District in 2017 where he directs third through sixth grade orchestra.
Mr. Nackley served as a guest conductor at the Dauphin County Music Educators’ Association Middle School Orchestra Festival in 2022, and will conduct the 2024 Berks County 5/6 String Fest.
Mr. Nackley was the recipient of the Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association (PMEA) 2021 Outstanding Young Educator Award. He has completed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training through Leadership York, and currently sits on Northeastern School District’s Equity Task Force. Additionally, Mr. Nackley serves on the State Board for the Pennsylvania Delaware String Teachers’ Association (PADESTA) as Studio Representative. He maintains an active cello studio of 30 students.
Mr. Nackley resides in York with his golden retriever, Oakley.
KIM FINNIGAN
Assistant Musical Director and String Ensemble Conductor
Kim Finnigan is thrilled to be joining the York Junior Symphony as the Assistant Director. Originally from Northern Virginia, Kim attended West Virginia University and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and later pursued graduate studies in Viola Pedagogy from Shenandoah University. Kim served as the Orchestra Director at Hylton High School in Woodbridge, Virginia overseeing an orchestra program which included 150 students across three separate orchestras. She has maintained a private studio teaching violin, viola, and cello for over twenty years, and continues to perform as a freelance violist.
When Kim is not making music, she can usually be found enjoying outdoor activities, such as hiking, gardening, and kayaking. She lives in Southern York County with her husband and three children.
Ryan Kriebel
Brass/Woodwind Ensemble Director
Ryan Kriebel is excited to join the York Junior Symphony Orchestra as the Director of Brass and Woodwind Sections.
Ryan is Director of Elementary Bands in the Red Lion Area School District. He conducts the Elementary Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Beginner Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble. He also serves as the Assistant Director, Visual Coordinator, and Visual Designer of the Red Lion Marching Lions. Prior to joining the faculty of the Red Lion Area School District in 2005, Ryan taught elementary band in New Providence, NJ. Ryan’s undergraduate degree in Music Education is from West Chester University, and his postgraduate studies were done at Lebanon Valley College. He is active as a freelance euphonium player in York and Lancaster Counties.
Ryan lives in the city of Lancaster with his wife Danielle and their three cats, Harper, Max, and Leonard Purrnstein.
MATT LANGLOIS
Percussion Director
Matt Langlois graduated summa cum laude from both Messiah University in 2021 with his Bachelor’s Degree Education and West Chester University in 2023 with his Master’s Degree in Music Performance. He currently works at York Academy Area Charter School as one of the music teachers there. Throughout his musical career, Matt has been a featured soloist for multiple ensembles, qualified for the Kuhlman Competition finals twice, played with world renowned musicians such as Michael Burritt, and premiered new pieces. Matt has also been the assistant principal or principal player of every ensemble he has been in for the last 6 years. Matt is looking forward to working with the students of the York Junior Symphony Orchestra!