Hometown:  Jefferson City, Missouri

Member: 1993

What do you want the patrons of the Symphony to know about you?
During the 18 wonderful years of music in Memphis, I had rewarding experiences with Jacksonville Symphony conductors Willis Page and Roger Nierenberg. Thusly attracted, I chose to audition in 1993 because the orchestra was reputed to be playing well and time-and-again hero exec David Pierson had the budget in the black.

Do you have any pre-concert rituals or routines?
There is an athletic dimension to violin playing. Henry Schradieck, a significant concertmaster and pedagogue of the 1890’s, advised the violinist to strengthen the arms. I impart that example of our marvelously muscled maestro to incite me to frequent session of push-ups and weights. I also follow the words of Sir Yehudi Menuhin, the great violinist in history, who became an expert yogi. There are stretches, isometrics and Tai Chi which prepare one to pick up the fiddle.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a professional musician?
A happy alternative to music would have been an academic life in philosophy East and West, but musicians have a better union.

What is your favorite thing about being a professional musician?
Violin yoga, wordless awareness, and mountains. Only one requires travel. My PASSION is the repertoire for violin alone, which makes me the cheapest band in town, Paganini anyone?

Who is your favorite composer?
Bela Bartok and his sidekick Zoltan Kodaly

Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music and Philosophy from Stephens College; Master of Music from University of Memphis.