Where are you from originally?
Tacoma, Washington. Born, raised, and stayed through undergrad: The Pacific Northwest runs through my veins. Hours and hours spent in the great outdoors, constantly looking to see “if the mountain is out” and being unbelievably uplifted when it IS out, will leave a rather pleasant mark on one’s character.
How many years with the ASO?
I need all my fingers and toes to count to 17.
Favorite spots around town?
I’d have to start with some of the outdoor wonders like Oak Mountain and Red Mountain Parks. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens, an amazing gift that is open to all (no entrance fee!), always delights me, no matter what time of year. Whether watching the flowers bloom, the turtles sunning on the pond rocks, or wandering through the back trails, it’s a quick and almost complete getaway found right in the middle of the city’s hubbub. Ruffner Mountain, Railroad Park, Vulcan Trail, loop around East Lake, Lakeshore Trail…don’t make me pick a favorite, please!
Hobbies?
When not practicing viola, teaching, or weeding(!), the pandemic allowed me to dip my toes into tennis, occasionally help with an animal rescue, do a lot more jogging, and embrace cello lessons. Little did I know how much fun learning an instrument as an adult would be. The good and bad days are very real with any instrument, and being a beginner again has easily made me a better instructor on violin and viola. I almost exclusively teach adults, so it’s been a bonding experience with my students, commiserating over our challenges and discussing how we will fight through them to achieve our personal goals. Adults willing to “go back to school” (so to speak), and learn a new instrument with full gusto, have a special place in my heart.
Musical Hero?
From parents, private teachers, inspiring performers like Yo-Yo Ma, and to the composers that magically compel us through the ages to breath life into their music, it takes a village to raise a well-rounded musician. With a pat on the back here and a encouraging smile there, or even the ones that bring negative noise, I’ve learned from everyone that has crossed my musical path.