Can you share a little bit about your musical journey before joining the CSO, as a member of the CSO and post-CSO?
I received all of my formal musical training in my hometown of Tallahassee, Florida. After earning two degrees in music at Florida State University, I served as a member of The United States Army Strings, performing at the White House during the Johnson and Nixon administrations. Following a season with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, I joined the CSO in 1970 as one of the first musicians hired by new music director Georg Solti, playing in the second violin section. I successfully auditioned for a fixed position near the front of that section in 1974 and held that post until my retirement in 2006. I served for the next 11 years as president of the CSO Alumni Association. Although I no longer perform, I continue to play the violin for my own enjoyment.
What inspires your love of music?
Music has been an important part of my life since I was very young. My parents played classical music and musical theater music on the phonograph, and I attended operas, concerts and recitals at Florida State. I still remember hearing Fritz Kreisler when I was 4 years old. The magical sounds he and others made touched me deeply and stoked my desire to play the violin and pursue a career in music.
Why do you feel it’s important to support the CSOA as a member of the Theodore Thomas Society?
How fortunate I am to have been a member of the CSO! One way to express my thankfulness for this good fortune is to give something back to the organization to which I belonged for 36 wonderful years.
