Musician Spotlights

Why did you pick SU?
I had picked SU because I was very close to the school and heard many great things over the years about the campus. The trips had only solidified my choice as I had loved the look and feel of the area. I love the size of the campus and I also like that I am able to come home every day and feel comfortable in my own space. I have also grown very fond of the commuter lounge that is in the GSU.

When did you start playing an instrument?
I had actually started with the violin in 4th grade, the violin teacher at the time had wanted to bring more kids in and performed a couple of pieces for my 3rd grade class. It was so amazing to see someone perform live with a stringed instrument that I begged my mom for a violin over that summer so I could join the class. Currently I play the cello because I had a friend who played, our orchestra only had one cello, so I had learned how to play the cello over the summer between 10th and 11th grade.

Who is your favorite musician?
My favorite musician is the Argentinian cellist, Sol Gabetta because I love her performance of Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto.

What is your favorite SSO moment?
My favorite SSO moment would have to be when we performed the narrated piece for our Christmas concert. It was one of my first experiences being within a professional orchestra. The crowd loved it, especially my mom.

What is your favorite Dr. Schoyen moment?
My favorite moment would be when Dr. Schoyen comes out and bows to the audience because he seems so excited before every single concert. I also love when the energy picks up during the concerts and Dr. Schoyen’s movements get bigger and bigger. He is good at what he does, whether it is teaching, conducting, or performing, and he is ultimately what glues the entire orchestra together.

What are your future plans and aspirations?
After I graduate, I would like to make a living off of my art. Although I have no plans to go back to graduate school, I am not opposed to going back. I would love to display my work somewhere and make a better life for me and my family.

Why and when did you start playing music?
My music journey began as a beginning band student in the fifth grade. I had always participated in church choir, but really wanted to be part of a group of musicians. My first band director, Mr. Charles Bragg inspired me to keep working and practicing. Unlike a lot of students today, he was my band director through elementary school and high school. I also owe my love of clarinet to my late clarinet teacher, Mr. Douglas Smith. He really had to work to bring out my best!

I also must mention my playing partner, Ottello Mueci, who I sat beside for many of my years with the symphony and the Salisbury Community Band. He demonstrated so many different styles of music as he played both orchestral music, band music, Broadway show music and jazz.

What are some struggles or challenges, if any, you have overcome in your musical career?
I have found that I am not a natural player and really have to practice a lot! After taking some time off for parenting, it took several years to get back in the swing of playing. I still struggle to find time to practice!

When did you join the SSO as a community member?
My first experience was playing third clarinet and Eb Clarinet in the Carmina Burana orchestra, probably in 1988. My first true symphony concert was the Spring of 1989. I have been the principal clarinet since the December Christmas concert of 2009.

When you are not performing with the SSO, what do you do?
I love going to the beach! My husband and I are both retired, so we like to go on cruises. We are also very involved in the music ministry at our church. I am still helping with the band program at Salisbury Christian School, where I taught for 20 years.

Tell us something that we would be surprised to know about you.
I have 5 cats!

Who or what inspired you that was not music-related?
My late Pastor, Rev. Tom Wall and the Bible verses about using your talents.

Favorite SSO piece of music to play and/or to hear?
Many years ago we played the New World Symphony. John O’Meara playing the English horn and Julie Barton on Oboe. A beautiful piece of music! Also, any Beethoven Symphony. And right now … Peter and the Wolf! I am also looking forward to playing the Rossini in the spring.

Favorite Jeff Schoyen conductor story?
The first time we had the actors in for the children’s concert. Jeff looked so uncomfortable……..comedy was definitely not his thing!