1. When did you join the orchestra? I joined in September, 2021.
2. Why? My mandolin was a Christmas present. I had wanted one since the 70s when I occasionally had played my singing partner’s mandolin in our performances. After I retired from teaching, I saw Jim Trepasso at a party and discovered that he conducts SDMO. Imagine my surprise when I found out that, unlike my friend’s instrument, mandolins aren’t tuned like ukuleles, but are tuned like violins. Thus, moving from guitar to mandolin was a difficult transition, but after four years I think I’m starting to make progress.
3. Why did you stay? I play in the 2nd mandolin section and am the designated substitute teacher/ conductor (via the Emeritus program of the college district’s Continuing Education Department).
Prior to joining SDMO, I have been a folksinger, operatic tenor, actor, classical choral singer, and a teacher of guitar, chorus, and musical theatre (for which I was awarded a Bravissimo Award from the San Diego County Dept. of Education, the George Washington Medal from the Valley Forge Freedoms Foundation, and the Inspiring Brilliance Award from Walt Disney Performing Arts Education). I have a BA and an MA in music, both from San Diego State.