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Meet the Musicians
Susan Zimmer
Name:
Susan Zimmer
Instrument: Flute and piccolo,
sometimes keyboards
What is your role in the orchestra (chair/principle)?
Second flute and piccolo
What is the hardest part about playing in the
orchestra?
Listening to the way your part fits into the total
sound of the ensemble at the same time that you are playing.
What keeps you coming back to the SSO each year?
I love the sound of orchestral music.
What does it take to prepare for a performance?
Many hours of practice: weekly group rehearsals for
several months prior to the concert, individual practice at
home, and four hours of dress rehearsals in the same weekend as
the concert.
Do you have a memory of a favorite performance with
the SSO?
My favorite performance was the first that I played – I
believe it was in 1990. I was a walk-on substitute for the first
flute part on Mozart’s D-minor piano concerto, and was invited
to return.
Do you play with any groups other than the SSO?
Yes. I am organist and choir director at Wicomico
Presbyterian Church, staff accompanist in the Department of
Music at Salisbury University, and a free-lance accompanist for
several school choirs in Wicomico, Somerset and Worcester
counties.
When did you realize you wanted to be a musician?
Apparently rather early (see photo). Seriously, I
always enjoyed playing and studying music, and “turned pro” at
age 13.
How long have you been playing your instrument?
Wow, that’s a really big number.
Did you study music?
Where and when?
I have a Bachelor of Music from Texas Tech University,
a Master of Music from Yale University, and am studying for my
Doctorate in Music Education at Boston University.
Tell us about your most cherished musical experience.
There have been so many; each being a time when I felt
that I was contributing to an inspiring musical performance.
Who are your musical influences?
My mother and grandmother - both are deceased but I
have many memories of their music-making; my colleagues in the
SU music department, especially conductors Jeff, Lee and Bill;
and all the volunteers who are generous enough to share their
talents with me in church choirs.
What CD is in your car stereo (or on your iPod) right
now?
Afro-Latin Dance Party!
What is your favorite style of music to play?
To listen to?
Classical
What is your favorite piece of music?
Who is your favorite
composer/songwriter?
My favorite composer is Mozart. However, my single
favorite piece is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, and I have always
wanted to play it.
If you had to play a different instrument, which one
would you choose?
Why?
I want to learn soprano saxophone, but so far it sounds
like a frightened goose. I also know several tunes on the banjo
and the harmonica, but I hope that no one will ever depend upon
my playing any of these.
What do you do for a living?
Just music—and I consider myself very fortunate.
Do you have any hobbies other than music?
Reading, gardening, cooking.