Tell us about your family:

I was born in Syracuse NY, the oldest of three girls. When I was two we moved to Greene, NY and six years later to Earlville, NY where I spent most of my school years. My father worked in cattle breeding technology and Mom had various secretarial jobs until she began her career at Colgate University in the Development Office. Mom was a first generation German/American. She inherited an extremely strong personality and demanded we girls earn the highest possible grades to secure scholarships for college. There's a strong tradition of seamstresses and dress designers in my Mom’s family, so learning to sew at an advanced level was non-negotiable. Living in rural Central NY, my sisters and I explored the countryside without limitations, coming home filthy from walking along decommissioned railroads, exploring ruins of extinct businesses and dams, and mucking around in the abandoned canal and nearby river and swamp. I loved to climb as high as possible in a neighbor's enormous pine tree with a book and read for hours. Without mass transportation, we rode our bicycles for miles to visit friends. My family also camped for several weeks each summer until the family schedule became too busy.

Why did you start playing the flute?

There was an expectation that we all play instruments. There have been professional and amateur musicians on both sides of my family. I began playing the flute in 4th grade. I was allowed to pick my instrument. I wanted to play violin, but my small rural school only had a band program. Not having any other instrument in mind, I randomly picked the flute thinking it was the same as the plastic flutiphones I’d played in earlier grades. Imagine my shock when I first saw one! It took me most of a week to get a sound out of it. Once I did, I was hooked. I realized I wanted to be a professional early on, but was discouraged by my parents due to their inability to provide me with private lessons. I entered Syracuse University as a biology major, was miserable and was able to enter the music school for the second semester of my freshman year. I came home for Christmas and announced I had switched to music. My parents threw their hands up and surrendered. Thus I began my career as a musician with an act of rebellion.

What do you enjoy about being a member of the BPO?

Everything. The friends I’ve made among my colleagues, the interesting and varied programing, the gorgeous “surround sound" I hear sitting in my position on the stage. And, of course, the supporting and enthusiastic audience.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not performing?

I love to be outdoors, doing anything from sitting on the front doorstep reading a book, gardening or walking. Since I spend the summers playing with the Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown, I take advantage of the stunning landscapes and country roads to cycle and walk some serious hills. In the winter I cross-country ski whenever and wherever I can find good snow and groomed trails. I’ve always adored cats and love to snuggle with my current kitty in the evening. Lunch with friends is also fun.

What is a favorite Buffalo experience for dining/recreation?

Oh, so many great restaurants! Especially the variety of international foods. I admit to a serious cappuccino addiction and visit Spot Coffee and Mojo Market frequently. I like to explore the parks in the metro area. I enjoy the AKG and Botanical Gardens a few times a year and have made a resolution to go to more museums. There is so much fascinating history in Buffalo.

What do you want audience members to know about the BPO?

How grateful we are to our audience members and that we work very, very hard in order to provide a wonderful experience for our listeners. Some people don’t realize that in addition to rehearsals and performances in Kleinhans, we practice at home for hours each day to be prepared for the first rehearsal of each program. It truly is a full-time job.

What piece or program are you most excited to perform this season?

It's difficult to pick just one. Runners up are the Mahler program, Shostakovich's 5th symphony, and the entire American Soundscapes program. The winner is Orff's Carmina Burana. It was one of the earliest symphonic concerts I played as a very young professional freelancer. It made a huge impression on me then and the impact of it remains.