The Musicians
Vernon Humbert (Cello)
Member of the JSO: Since 1981
Hometown: Appleton, Wisconsin
Education: Bachelor of Music Education at Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Cello Performance at University of Illinois.
Why the cello? “My brother played the violin and I wanted to be different. I also figured that there were only 16 notes to learn because I had four fingers and there were only four strings.”
Performance experience and community involvement: Vernon has both performed and coached chamber music for many years, playing at the annual Summertrios Festival, performing with the local Amadeus Trio, and studying with the Raphael Trio in Vermont. He is a founding member of Prelude Chamber Music, Inc., a local non-profit organization established to encourage chamber music skills in young musicians. In 2004, Vernon was named Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Coastal Symphony of Georgia. He also directs choral and handbell groups on the First Coast, as well as two of the Prelude Chamber Music Camp orchestras.
A musical family: Vernon’s wife Laraine plays the piano, as does the eldest of their three daughters, who is a Student Naval Aviator. His middle daughter is a percussionist attending Florida International University, and his youngest plays the violin and is an avid horsewoman.
Funniest moment with the JSO: “The orchestra was returning to Jacksonville on a bus at about 1:00 a.m. when we stopped at a rest stop. I evidently was slower than everyone else because when I came back, the bus was driving off. I ran after it and pounded on the side, but no one heard me. A state trooper saw me, chased the bus down and eventually they returned for me. For a while, it was a very bleak night. Now everyone checks to see if I am on the bus before leaving.”
Favorite composer: “Aaron Copland – because his style makes the listener forget the worries of life and enjoy the moment.”
Hobbies and interests: Vernon belongs to the Piano Technicians’ Guild and tunes pianos in churches and private homes. He enjoys movies and spending time with family.
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