What instruments do you play?
Oboe for WSO and also the English horn, clarinet, and bassoon.

How long have you played your instrument?
I began playing the clarinet in kindergarten, the oboe in fourth grade, and the English horn and bassoon in high school.

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
I have been performing with the WSO since 2012.

What do you do for a career?
I am an adjunct music instructor for Coastal Community College and Carteret Community College teaching music history and woodwind lessons in addition to maintaining a private woodwind studio. I have also had the privilege of serving as a church musician.

Where did you grow up?
Minnesota, Maryland, and Florida.

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
Hearing the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra perform the tone poem, Don Juan by Richard Strauss during the time I was in elementary school cemented my decision to become a musician. Many of my family members are also musicians, so my favorite musical memories all involve getting to make music with them. An especially special memory was conducting a sacred, choral piece that my dad and son collaborated on for SATB choir.

Favorite meal or restaurant?
I love sushi and I love trying new foods in general.

Favorite beverage?
Just about any hot, herbal tea.

What is your favorite vacation?
My husband, son, and I love getting away to the mountains. Every chance we get to spend some time in the Smoky Mountains seems better than the last.

You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist and/or movie do you want with you??
Whatever I'm currently loving at the moment. Too many good choices.....

What's your pet situation?
We have a beagle named Dakota who loves to howl along with my son and I if we practice too close to her.

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
The WSO provides the opportunity to hear wonderful music performed by musicians who truly love to play that music. Every concert is a chance to connect with other musicians and the audience and then leave changed for the better by that experience.

How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?
Teaching, beach walks, cooking, making music, and spending time with my family.

Any words of wisdom to help others through this?
Stay connected to family and friends as much as possible even if you can't be with them in person. Even a short conversation means so much. Also, listening to or playing your favorite piece of music or genre pretty much fixes just about anything!