Played with the PSO since: 2023
How old were you when you started playing the oboe? Was it your first instrument?
I learned to play oboe when I was 12. My parents forced me—very much against my will—to start piano lessons at age five and they even made me practice six days a week. I begged to quit until I was 11 and then realized that I actually loved music. I will be forever grateful to them for being so “mean”!
I started clarinet at middle school in 6th grade and switched to oboe in 7th grade. I added English horn in 9th grade.
Why the oboe?
Actually, my long-suffering piano teacher chose it for me, I think as revenge. Fortunately, it was a good fit. I am especially drawn to how beautiful and expressive it is. I’ve been playing it for more than 50 years and I’m still having fun trying to figure out how to get better at it.
What do you like about playing with a symphony orchestra?
The different sonic colors that an orchestra can produce…the oboes sit kind of in the middle of that and it often feels like bathing in beautiful sound. What’s not to love?
What is your favorite piece to play on your instrument?
It’s a cliche, but it’s true: whatever I’m working on. Having said that, I really love Mahler, Prokofiev, and Broadway Musicals.
Tell us about your musical education.
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Oboe Performance from Indiana University in Bloomington.
Any recognition or accolades you want to share?
I played in an orchestra in Seville, Spain during the 1990’s and had the good fortune of playing wonderful symphonic music, but also opera, Zarzuela (Spanish operetta), ballet, and film music. I even played for the wedding of the Infanta Elena, which was attended by a lot of royalty (including then Prince Charles) and Hillary Clinton, and was broadcast live throughout Europe.
How do you spend your time outside of the PSO?
I have a handful of private oboe students. I am the Personnel Manager of the Harrisburg (PA) Symphony, which I do mostly remotely. My husband and I have a huge, beautiful flower garden in the backyard, which we’re trying to keep alive. We also have an elderly yipper dog and a calico cat who knows that she is the most gorgeous creature on the planet. And I a bird feeder addiction. All of this keeps us entertained when we aren’t out visiting loved ones or making or consuming art.
Do you play with other groups? If so, which ones?
Strafford Wind Symphony and Seacoast Wind Ensemble.
