BCSO 2nd Violinist for six years and Licensed Clinical Social Worker
During the BCSO off season, I have had so much fun getting involved with the local Bluegrass groups. I now go camping and randomly join “jams” at local festivals waving off mosquitos and enjoying the beautiful starry skies; musical moments that cannot be duplicated in a concert hall! The musical approach is totally different, there is no sheet music of any kind, and many of the “jammers” know hundreds of tunes from memory. Their discussion of music theory is beyond impressive and their mastery of multiple instruments is amazing. When COVID is over, keep an eye on the live music scene in Doylestown, a group of us play monthly at MOM’s (Maxwell’s on Main) in Doylestown!

BCSO 1st Violinist for 5 years and Orchestra Director in the Neshaminy School District
After graduating from West Chester University in 2012, I was offered a full-time Orchestra Director position in North Carolina. I took the job immediately and within one week I was officially a resident in Fayetteville. There were not a whole lot of performing opportunities for me, so I made my own. My colleague and I decided to start our own chamber group to play gigs—and let’s face it—make some extra money to support our small teacher salary!

Our very first booking was for an 80th birthday party. Not only did this couple share the same birthday, but their birthday happened to be February 14, Valentine’s Day. We sat in the corner playing some light classical music while the guests mingled and took turns telling stories about this sweet couple. We were surprised to learn of their shared birthday, but also that these two happened to be born in the same hospital, just a few rooms away and a few hours apart. It took another 18 years for them to meet, but once they met, they fell in love, got married shortly after, and have been together since. I still get goosebumps just typing the story. Every year on Valentine’s Day I think about that beautiful couple and the wonderful birthday party that started my chamber group in North Carolina!