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Meet the Musicians

Julie Gellman

Instrument: Viola
Years with SSO: 2

What is your role in the orchestra (chair/principle)?

2nd Chair Viola.

What is the hardest part about playing in the orchestra?

I find it especially hard to play in a section that only has two players. Sometimes it is difficult to sight-read the music or play sections we do not know how to play.

What keeps you coming back to the SSO each year?

I have always loved playing music and the fact that my university has an orchestra that I can participate in is very rewarding.

What does it take to prepare for a performance?

Practice, practice, and more practice! I take private lessons to help prepare for performances. I also always listen to recordings while reading the sheet music to familiarize myself with what we are playing.

Do you have a memory of a favorite performance with the SSO?

I absolutely loved our performance of Lemony Sniket's The Composer is Dead at last year’s SSO Children's Concert. It was so much fun and I remember our conductor making fun of the viola section because the book mocks how the viola section is always sad that they never have the melody. It was such a great time and I laughed about it for days!

When did you realize you wanted to be a musician?

Since I started playing string instruments in the 4th grade.

How long have you been playing your instrument?

About 10 years.

Did you study music? Where and when?

I am currently an elementary education major with a double minor in ESOL and music at Salisbury University.

What CD is in your car stereo (or on your iPod) right now?

Glee!

What do you do for a living?

Full-time student at Salisbury University