Laurie D. Casseday

Cellist Laurie Davis Casseday hails from Atlanta, Georgia where she began studies at age 8 first in violin, then later in cello in the city’s public schools.  She earned a Bachelor’s degree with Performers’ Certificate in Applied Music at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY and a Master’s degree in Cello Performance at Georgia State University in Atlanta before joining the Jacksonville Symphony cello section in 1986. Casseday collaborated with fellow UNF faculty in her years there from 1995-2005 and helped to found both the St Mark’s Bach Ensemble and Florida Chamber Music Project. Her tenure with the Jacksonville Symphony includes the nurture of many young cellists in the youth orchestra program both as a sectional coach and private instructor.  She also concertizes with her husband Kevin, delighting audiences with their cello/double bass duos including a generous sprinkle of humorous personal reflection.

The Cassedays have two sons, both raised at home in east Arlington. Sam is currently a member of the Seattle Symphony in the double bass section and Pete is completing his studies to become a machinist.