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After putting in far too many years as a band geek, I went on to make music my career...go figure! I majored in music at NIU, participating in all the major ensembles and gigging on the side, playing everything from C & W to jazz to a polka band! A couple of years after graduation, I met a composer/university professor and in 1976, we made the move to Greensboro, North Carolina. 8 years later we split, but I fell in love with the area (and the cost of living). I made contacts with the Greensboro Symphony where I have been a contract player since 1979 and was also their Production Manager for 6 years. I made the 25 mile move west on I-40 to Winston-Salem in 1992 and have been here
ever since. I have been the Operations/Stage Manager for the Winston-Salem Symphony since that time. In the midst of all this I was the Stage Manager for the Eastern Music Festival from 1989-2004 and the Assistant Principal Percussionist for the Salisbury Symphony. I still do a lot of freelancing, not so much jazz anymore, but with a number of educational groups, introducing music and instruments to thousands of elementary school kids each year. Of course, working in the non-profit sector means I will NEVER get to retire...but the bonus has been doing what I have loved all my life. How cool is that?
Update 7/31/14 - After becoming disenchanted with office politics at the WS Symphony, I am back with Eastern Music Festival as the Director of Operations. Just finished up my second season and couldn't be happier to be back with an organization that I have adored for many years!
Update: 8/19/14
How I spent my (not) summer vacation! Check out link below.
http://www.news-record.com/life/logistical-harmony-operations-director-keeps-eastern-music-festival-flowing/article_c54855de-ff97-11e3-8bdd-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=jqm