CORNELL UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRAS NEWSLETTER
full time, and volunteered in the community. I played sports, coached soccer. I had four boys who all started band instruments; they played trombone, saxophone, French horn, piano, and percussion. I enjoyed hearing their musical progression. I even had the pride of hearing my oldest son perform the piece “Teddy Trombone” with his trombone teacher. I also admired my children’s ability to lead their sections, play jazz and even improvise during jazz band concertssomething I had never even considered as a classically trained violin player.
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As my confidence and fingering memory grew, I then joined the Cortland State Community Orchestra where Dvorak rejoined my musical repertoire over Sousa and Mancini. An encouraging conductor there, along with a patient summer teacher who squeezed me into his cancellation slots, helped me reach for my lifelong dream of playing with the CSO.
After almost 30 years, I finally had my audition. To my surprise and delight, I am now at the back of the second violin section, loving every rehearsal, concert and additional violin lesson. I feel like I have a new But with all this music, there always seemed to be family within the Cornell community. I even something missing. After 27 years, I decided to dust occasionally see my colleagues’ friendly faces on off my violin and join the all-inclusive Dryden Area other parts of campus. Intergenerational Band for three reasons. With this year's sensational theme of jazz I continue to First, I thought it would be fun for the five of us learn and grow. Most of us strings have been family members to play together in the ensemble. classically trained and have to learn how to 'swing'. Second, I wanted to set an example for my kids that But by now I'm getting used to coming from behind. music is a lifelong pursuit. Third, they didn't require If there's one piece of advice I'd like to share with auditions. fellow young musicians, it's to not let life get in the I played the flute part, the oboe part, and occasionally way of including music in your life. At least not for the English horn part. I was the only string instrument quite as long. Believe me, it will make your comeback and tuned on a B flat. I even had to overcome my a lot shorter. shyness and play a few bars of a Sinatra solo. I survived the embarrassment of my bow hair explosion at the first rehearsal and enjoyed sitting with the bass clarinet and bassoon.
Right: CCO violins during the concert