Played with the PSO since: 2022
At what age did you start playing the instrument you play in the PSO? Did you learn another instrument first?
I started playing the violin when I was nine years old. I started with the piano when I was seven and continued lessons into high school, but never loved it as much as the violin.
Why did you choose your current instrument?
My older sister played the viola and I saw how much she loved it. I wanted to try it too, but with a slightly different instrument.
What do you like about playing with a symphony orchestra?
There is almost nothing more life-giving and fulfilling to me than playing with a symphony orchestra. I love how every voice in an orchestra has an important role to play and we depend upon each other to bring the music to life. Every piece is a journey, some pieces connect me to deep human emotions and others transport me to far away places. The more open I am to the story of the music and to those creating music with me, the more powerful the experience becomes.
What is your favorite piece to play on your instrument?
I love so many pieces, but my favorite is any Mahler symphony.
How do you spend your time outside of the PSO?
I am the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Beverly Public Schools, which is amazing because I get to work with students of all ages. My favorite part of my job this year is running body image groups for middle school students where we explore how we can have a positive relationship with ourselves, food, our bodies, and others in our community.
I also play with Cape Ann Symphony, North Shore Philharmonic, Hillyer Festival Orchestra, Salem Philharmonic, and Cherry Hill Chamber Orchestra.
Tell us about your musical education.
Playing the violin has always been one of my favorite things to do and even though I played in various local symphonies, All State orchestras, and studied with several very talented violinists in my youth and college, I never considered music as a possible career path in part because I never thought I was a good enough player to be successful. After the heartbreaking death of a dear family member nine years ago, I made a commitment to fully pursue the things I love, which included saying yes to any violin opportunity that came my way even if I was afraid. From there, I made connections with many more orchestra groups, studied with a violinist from the BSO, and found that practicing the violin is not only my favorite part of my day, but also a key way for me to care for my mental health.
