Alicia ruggiero

​Alicia is a violinist in our orchestra.  Alicia serves on our board and has been instrumental in our virtual performance series!  We've asked her a few questions in this installment of Member Spotlight!

What was the first instrument you owned?
The first instrument I technically owned was one of those Casio keyboards! It was something all of us kids got to play with.
 
How did you come to study the violin and what drew you to the instrument?
Actually, I remember my mom coming home from work one day, we were in the kitchen, and she asked me and my brother if we wanted to play the violin.  I always had it in the back of mind, just something about the violin spoke to me, so I jumped at the chance and the rest is history!
 
What is some of your favorite repertoire? 
Well, I enjoy music of all genres and all eras, from Bach to Vaughn Williams to Florence Price, who is an amazing composer of the 20th century, to Irish and Bluegrass folk tunes to Jazz standards to Alternative and Classic Rock to Soul.  You name it I enjoy it and enjoy playing it!  
 
Who have been some of the most influential people in your life?
This is tricky because there have been so many.  My parents, sisters and brothers have supported me throughout my life.  My private teachers, Elizabeth Monacelli, who showed me how to express myself through music, and John Summerlin, who was extremely patient with me as I was a challenging student. He fixed my bow grip and technique. I have been influenced by all the musicians I have played with throughout the years as well as students I have taught. Christopher Farias has taught me more than anyone, not only musically but in life, along with our current teachers Bob and Dottie.   
 
What, for you, is the most fulfilling aspect of your life as a musician?
The joy of writing and playing music, and being given the ability to teach others to play and create as well.  It’s amazing when I get to be in a room with people expressing the same love for music.  Exchanging that energy and sending it out, whether in performance, listening to performances, or teaching/coaching a group.  When I am able to share that experience and help others to be included, performers or audience members alike, its magic. 
 
Are there any performances or moments in your performing career that stand out in your memory for their significance?
Could you tell us what made these performances particularly special for you?
I feel as though each performance or moment has been significant as it has led me to my next destination. I remember staying late at RIC to practice and my friend Glen making me improvise.  Little did I know that was a taste of what was to come as my career took a turn in that direction.  I can also put in playing with Mitch Budd which led me to Europe.  These all led me back here, to playing a wedding with Christopher Farias. From that gig came a remarkable musical bond and collaboration we now call Rosewood and eventually lead to a beautiful love.   
  
What would be your dream concert to perform?
Hmmmm I guess anything that involves an orchestra and a band on a big stage outdoors. 
 
What CD or playlist is in your car?
Believe it or not, I usually drive in silence.  Although I think I have Sarah McLachlan Fumbling Towards Ecstasy in there somewhere. 
 
And lastly, could you tell us a bit about upcoming musical projects outside of COBSJ that you are looking forward to?
Christopher Farias, who a phenomenal classically trained guitarist and vocalist, and myself comprise a group we call Rosewood.  Our music can be described as Roots meets Soul meets New Folk meets Alternative pop....we call it Front Porch Pop.  We are currently working on our album and it should be out at the end of March. We will be working on a Christmas album next and are still writing many more songs to come. I am also in a quartet called Something Blue with Peri Delorenzo, Joel Beauchemin and Pam Lowell where we do Classical as well as Jazz, Pop and Improvization.
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