My playing career has all been local, ranging from rock groups in the early 70’s to contractor and trombonist at Life Center for the last 38 years. I played close to 15 years with the Evergreen Brass Quintet and a couple of years as bass trombonist for Rich Wetzel and the Groovin Higher Jazz Orchestra.

I have always felt that making the early decision to participate in the “newly formed” Tacoma Youth Symphony in 1963 truly helped mark my eventual career path. There were many skills that were learned from my participation including clef studies and classical styles on the trombone as well as disciplines that made me a better musician. Those 5 seasons with TYS are some of the best memories of my musical life.

It was in this arena that Irv invited me to consider joining the Tacoma Youth Symphony in 1970 - and, by the way, did I know there was a trip planned to St. Moritz, for a music festival there?!? The timing was perfect a "hook", as I was wandering in my musical interest. I believe Irv sensed that, and offered the Ultimate Carrot - Swizerland, and the opportunity of a lifetime, truly. Meeting Maestro Alan Hovaness after performing the amazing "Mysterious Mountain", high in the Swiss Alps, during a thunderstorm in a converted factory...absolutely unforgettable. Goosebumps still in the telling of the memory!

Though my path eventually led to a career as mom, and health/fitness professional, I have been blessed with enthusiastic on-going community orchestras who welcome folks, like me, with a bit of dust on the instrument case. At this point in life, it's also a joy to begin a new "fiddle" relationship with my violin (yehaw!), and to find a growing interest in the other-stringed world of the ukulele. Who knew?!?

Without a doubt, the 3+ teenaged years I spent traveling the I-5 corridor with other music-inspired friends, to UPS for Saturday practices and concerts, were filled with life-changing moments and experiences. I stilll proudly display the "Tacoma Youth Symphony, Washington, USA" patch on my violin case. Thank you for the music Irv and Helen Wright...always.

Once I joined the TYSA organization, I had great teachers like Rex Turner, Liz Ward, and Dale Johnson. These mentors helped me develop a strong set of skills, and helped coach me in my initial experiences of playing in the younger orchestras and chamber groups. These rehearsal and performance opportunities laid the groundwork for me as a professional musician. These teachers helped me understand the dedication, consistency, tenacity, and knowledge base all professional musicians must have.

When I was a senior at Foss, I auditioned and was accepted into the Tacoma Youth Symphony. This changed everything. Harry Davidson was our conductor, and had a magical way of inspiring our orchestra into making great music. We did not just play well, hitting notes and rhythms with precision. He inspired us to play with fire and passion, to commit to the music with emotion and depth. The first time I ever got goose bumps from playing music was in a TYS rehearsal of Wagner’s Lohengrin Overture. An unforgettable moment that inspires me to this day. Davidson guided us to make connections to the music, and helped us realize the significance of making music – not just playing correctly.

TYSA has inspired me to continue in music. I have made music and music education my profession, and have had many great experiences: playing professional trumpet in the Puget Sound region, teaching in Tacoma Public Schools, attaining a Ph.D. in Music Education, conducting many educational and community ensembles, and now – chairing the Music Department at Tacoma Community College. I owe much of my success and inspiration to the Tacoma Youth Symphony.

Thank you, TYSA!

In college, I became interested in public affairs and went on to do a Master’s degree in Government at Georgetown University. My husband and I currently live in Austin, Texas, where I work for a legislative commission that reviews the performance of state agencies. We identify opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public services, but we also look for problems such as waste, fraud, and abuse. Right now, I am working on a team evaluating the state’s juvenile corrections system.

Austin is a government town with a music culture, making it an ideal home for me. Because of my time in TYSA, I will always enjoy and support classical music wherever I live, and I hope to ‘give back’ some of what it has given me.

After high school, I attended Washington State University, earning a degree in Violin Performance and Music Education. I now teach orchestra full-time in the Olympia School District and am happy to be a member of the Olympia Symphony Orchestra.

If you’re curious about the interesting hat choice in my picture, it was during an epic birthday party my awesome 6th graders threw for me last year.

To visit the Tacoma Youth Symphony website, please go to www.tysamusic.org.