Spotlight on: SSO Violinist and Student Musician Page Miller

Page Miller, from Ellicott City, MD, is a sophomore at Salisbury University majoring in accounting. She has been playing the violin in the SSO for two years.

How long have you been playing the violin?
I've been playing since the third grade. I was in a gifted and talented orchestra in elementary and middle schools, and went on to play in my high school's symphony orchestra.

Do you come from a musical family?
My family loves music. My father plays the drums, my mother sings, and my brother plays the trumpet!

What role does music play in your college experience?
Although I'm majoring in accounting, I wanted to go to a college that had a symphony orchestra. In addition to the symphony, I also play in the SU Chamber Orchestra. Playing the violin lets me be a person and not just a suit! I am not a solo player; I much prefer to play with groups of people, and I love playing with the symphony.

Do you face any challenges when playing your instrument?
I am working hard on improving my tone; mechanical ability isn't sufficient. If it doesn't sound good, what's the point?

Who is your favorite composer, and what kind of music do you like?
My favorite is the Japanese composer Nobuo Uematsu who writes works for video games with full orchestra. I love waltzes--music one can dance to--and am really enjoying rehearsing the romantic music for the December 2009 SSO concert. One of my favorite pieces of music is Night on Bald Mountain.

What are your hobbies in addition to music?
I love to read and play video games.

Do you think you will continue to play the violin after you graduate?
I'm sure wherever my job opportunities take me, playing the violin will be an important part of my life.

Spotlight on: SSO Trumpeter and Community Musician Ron Davis

Ron Davis has played the trumpet with the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra since 1992. His long tenure as a performer with the SSO is a wonderful example of the enthusiasm and dedication community players have for the symphony. Originally from Hagerstown, MD, Ron has lived on the Eastern Shore since 1984. He resides in Parsonsburg with his wife, Karen, and their two sons, Ben and Daniel.

How long have you been playing the trumpet and what is your musical background?
I started playing when I was 8 years old and played throughout high school and college as the third chair in the Potomac Symphony. I majored in music at Frostburg State University and graduated with a B.S. in 1984.

What performer has most inspired you?
I have been particularly inspired by Maurice Andre, who plays the piccolo trumpet. His performance of Haydn's trumpet concerto is one of my favorites.

What is your profession?
I have been a music teacher since I moved to the Eastern Shore for my first job after college. I am currently working with the middle school band at Somerset Intermediate School, where I have been since 1992.

Do you play your trumpet with any other musical groups?
I am a member of the Salisbury Brass Works and also perform with a quintet of brass players from the symphony. I play on Sundays at the Faith Lutheran Church and for special occasions at St. Alban's Episcopal and Asbury United Methodist churches in Salisbury.

Do you have any other hobbies or interests?
Currently I am coaching my sons' baseball teams.

Do your children share your interest in music?
Ben plays the trumpet, and Daniel wants to become a tuba player when he is a little older.