The Musicians
Laura Usiskin (Cello)
Member of the JSO: Since 2011
Hometown: Winnetka, IL
Education: MMA, Yale School of Music
MM, Juilliard School
BA Columbia University
Why this instrument? I started playing the cello when I was five years old. My dad always loved the cello and thought it would be nice if I took lessons. To sign up for lessons, we went to the local music school, which turned out to be one of the best music schools in the country. And, I ended up with one of the best cello teachers at the school. The rest is history!
Performance Experience: In addition to my membership in the Jacksonville Symphony, I am currently the cello fellow with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra in Montgomery, AL. I am also the Director and Founder of the Montgomery Music Project, a strings program for mostly underserved children in Montgomery.
Other Instruments Played: Piano
Family: I am engaged to be married to a wonderful person/trombone player!
Favorite composer / styles of music: I love all good classical music, anything from Baroque to 21st century.
Hobbies, interests, community involvement: In my spare time, I enjoy training for triathlons. I also love traveling.