The Musicians
Ileana Fernandez (Keyboard)
Member of the JSO: Since 1981
Hometown: Havana, Cuba
Education: BME and BA in Spanish from Jacksonville University; MM in Piano Performance from Florida State University and a MA in Spanish from Middlebury College in Vermont.
Why the piano? When I was very young, I started playing by ear Beethoven's Ode to Joy on a small toy piano at home. I had a couple of lessons before we left Cuba, but I didn't begin formal studies until I was 10 or 11 years old.
Teaching: Ileana has been teaching at Florida State College at Jacksonville since 1978. As a full-time faculty member she taught Spanish for many years. Now she teaches applied and group piano, piano ensemble, theory, ear training and is Director of Piano Studies at Florida State College's South Campus.
Performance experience: Ileana has performed and been a member of many ensembles while here in Jacksonville and played two summers at the Crested Butte Summer Music Festival in Colorado. She presents solo and chamber music recitals throughout the season and has been featured as soloist with the orchestra on several occasions. This summer she will again participate in the St. Augustine Music Festival. Ileana has been the rehearsal pianist of the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus since its inception. “As principal pianist of the orchestra I have had the pleasure and privilege to rehearse with many fine soloists and have worked with our conductors in staging and rehearsals for many vocal productions,” she adds.
Other instruments: Harpsichord, Organ, Celeste.
Family: Very supportive husband and groupie, Kevin Chase.
Funniest / favorite moment with the JSO: Funniest: Accused of "tinkling" behind the piano by our pops conductor "Larry" (you had to be there). Favorite/Awesome moment: Playing Beethoven's Choral Fantasy with the JSO, JSO chorus and soloists.
Favorite composer: Beethoven.
Hobbies: “I enjoy being outdoors, walking, biking, swimming and hiking. I love to travel with my husband anywhere that has cooler temperatures than Florida, especially in the summers!”