Has played with the Salina Symphony since: 2017
Current City: Wichita, KS
Education: BS, Music Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; MM, Instrumental Conducting/Music Education, Kansas State University
Job Title: Assistant Band Director, Derby Public Schools
Earliest musical memory:
I was probably 3 or 4, watching an orchestra on PBS. I was mesmerized by the flutes, and asked my mom how the musicians knew what notes to play just by watching the conductor! She of course explained that they had music on their stands and just watched the conductor to stay together. I thought it was so cool and knew that making music was what I wanted to do forever.
Best part of being a Salina Symphony musician:
Meeting so many great people from the area, and being challenged to make music at such a high level each time we play!
Most memorable performance with the Salina Symphony:
Subbing in March 2017 – I got to play Mahler for the first time!
What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
I listen to a lot of band music since I am a band director, and enjoy finding new quality pieces to share with my students. I also enjoy some pop music or anything with a good beat when I’m trying to get some work done. There’s not a whole lot I won’t listen to at some point or another!
How do you spend your free time?
Trying new coffee shops, hiking/outdoorsy things, playing duets with my husband Chris, and spending lots of time snuggling and playing with our dog!
Whom do you admire?
All of my teachers who saw something in me and helped push me to become better each and every day – not only for their dedication to my success while I was officially a student of theirs, but for their general commitment to the improvement of music education and the guidance they continue to give me now that I am “out in the real world”.