Board & Staff
Executive Director
Sarena Lawrence first became involved in El Sistema in 2013 when her daughter joined the orchestra. After seeing the powerful impact music instruction can have on youth, she began supporting the program by developing fundraising opportunities for the families. She has since applied her experience running organizations dedicated to youth development by becoming El Sistema’s Assistant Director in 2015. In 2019 Sarena became the Executive Director of El Sistema and continues to see each student grow throughout the years. Sarena grew up and continues to live in Waukesha with her husband and two wonderful children.
String Instructors
Andrea Buchta
Violinist and Waukesha native Andrea Buchta has taught for around 20 years in southeastern Wisconsin. She has directed string programs in both public and private schools and has maintained for 18 years (and currently teaches) a private violin and viola studio of young beginner through advanced high school students in Brookfield, WI. Many of her private students are strong members of the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra and their school orchestras.
Andrea holds a BA in Music Education from Wisconsin Lutheran College and a MM in String Pedagogy from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has completed short term teacher training courses, pre-twinkle – Suzuki book 8, at the American Suzuki Institute, Stevens Point. Her main teachers include Eriks Klavins, former principal second violinist of the MSO, and Bernard Zinck, violin professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
In addition to teaching, Andrea also performs professionally in several area orchestras and as a freelance violinist. She can be seen performing in the Wisconsin Philharmonic, Racine, Festival City, Kenosha and Fox Valley Symphonies. When not teaching, performing, or practicing, Andrea enjoys being active outdoors and traveling when able to with friends and family.
Wendy Muller – Cello, Violin
Wendy is an instrumental musician and singer. She began with El Sistema in 2023 working with beginner violinists. She has been playing cello for 6 years. Wendy studied music education at Northern Illinois University but graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in Elementary Education. When she moved to Waukesha, she joined the Waukesha Choral Union and sang in the Sound of Music at First Stage in Milwaukee. She continues as a musician in the community in choirs and performing at church.
Erika Lawrence – Cello, Viola, Violin
Erika Lawrence started her music journey with El Sistema over 10 years ago when she joined the orchestra in 2nd grade learning the cello. Through the years she has been a volunteer, teacher intern and now an instructor. Erika is constantly challenging herself in music by self-teaching herself multiple different instruments including violin, viola, double bass, and more! She plays in her high school orchestra and jazz band. Her favorite part about the program is seeing the kids learn the new language of music and seeing the progression of the students as they come back year after year.
Carmen Kitts – Cello, Viola, Violin
Interns
Emily – Catholic Memorial High School (2024)
Job Opportunities
