I grew up surrounded by folk and classical music. As a youngster, I listened to music constantly, often while obsessively reading the album covers or doing pretend ballet all over the living room. I also probably annoyed my family by improvising piano music and sound effects to stories I was making up in my head. I have always felt music as a physical and emotional force. My dream as a child was to play the violin in an orchestra and also to win the Nobel Peace Prize. I do play violin in a community orchestra, and I do what I can to make the world a better place, but so far the Nobel has eluded me.
I started violin lessons in school at age 9, and then took private lessons through high school. But starting to play fiddle tunes when I was living in Boston after college (where I was an art major) was what really turned my musical life around. I am forever grateful to my then-teacher, Ed Pearlman, and the Boston Scottish Fiddle Club for showing me the joy of playing traditional music with others, making me memorize tunes and learn to learn by ear, and giving me so many great tunes to play.
I make my living teaching elementary school music and playing gigs. Teaching has its rewards, but playing music is what feeds my soul, especially when I get to play music with good friends like my fellow Plumb Bobs. Please see Jonathan’s bio for an excellent description of what makes a Plumb Bob rehearsal or gig so fun and satisfying. The Plumb Bobs is the first “rock” band I’ve been in, the first time I’ve been the band melodica player or percussionist (besides my turns on the spoons when playing with Extra Stout), and the first time I have been called “the Swiss Army Knife of the band.” I enjoy this position, which never has a dull moment. Sure, I’ll try melodica on a Pink Floyd song! Why not?
In other parts of my life, I sing with a world music chorus (House Blend), co-direct the Rutland-area hospice chorus (Trillium), and perform occasionally as a dancer with the group Vital Spark North. I also like to hang out with my cats Nellie and Rainbow, and to hike, walk, swim, and bike all over our beautiful state!