They both started as band musicians. Neither planned to become teachers.

They are a generation apart and first came together as teacher and student.

Both spent a career conducting orchestras in the Lee’s Summit R-7 School

District and the Kansas City Youth Symphony. This year, as the Lee’s Summit

Symphony opens its 16th season, the two are united yet again — this time as

co-conductors. This is Russ Berlin and Kirt Mosier.