member spotlight
 We've asked one of our bassists, Glen Schneider, a few questions in this installment of Member Spotlight! What was the first instrument you owned? I grew up with a piano and guitars in the home, but the first instrument that was specifically mine was a horrible Kramer electric bass with a warped neck that I got from a neighbor. That was the instrument I learned on, playing along to songs we taped off the radio with my brother. How did you come to study your instrument, and what drew you to it? My high school didn’t have an orchestra, we had a concert band. I had auditioned to be a part of the jazz ensemble on electric bass, and began spending time in the band room. In one of the back rooms, I discovered a double bass hidden away in an old canvas sack. I had never seen one before, and wanted to try it out. The band teacher told me I could use it if I joined the concert band and agreed to take lessons. After that, he connected me to my first teacher, Eliot Porter, who opened up the whole world of classical music to me and I was hooked. What is some of your favorite repertoire? I really like the solo bass pieces composed by Giovanni Bottesini. It’s extremely challenging stuff, but also very expressive and beautiful. For orchestral works, I love anything by Beethoven, Schubert, or Tchaikovsky. My tastes are sort of all over the place, and I enjoy playing all kinds of music in ensembles. From a listening perspective, or in terms of general appreciation, I really like the pieces written by Ravi Shankar for small ensembles of Indian instruments. His daughter Anoushka has also written and performed several works in that style as well. I saw her in concert at the Park Theater several years ago and I think that was the best performance I’ve ever seen. Who have been some of the most influential people in your life? Certainly all of my teachers. Without their enthusiasm and inspiration, I may never have taken any interest in music at all! That starts with my piano teacher, David Longo, high school band teacher Marc Blanchette, bass teachers Eliot Porter and David Cobb, and the music faculty at Rhode Island College at the time, especially Dr. Markward. My brother Jeff was my main inspiration when we were younger. He is six years older than I am, and I spent so much of my youth looking up to him and trying to keep up as he learned to play guitar. My fellow students at RIC were, and continue to be, also extremely influential and inspirational to me. Those include our concertmaster Wendy Rios, Erin Quinton, Alicia Ruggiero, Jacob Stott, Chris Farias, Chris Mink, Tom Casale, and too many others for me to list. What, for you, is the most fulfilling aspect of your life as a musician? I’ve been very fortunate to have been in several different roles, and in a wide variety of styles and contexts around music. They all have aspects that I really enjoy, but I think the most fulfilling thing for me is being a part of acoustic ensembles that perform live and in person. The creative process of thinking through the music, both in terms of determining how it should sound and technically how to achieve that sound and feel, is my favorite part. In that sense, rehearsals are the most enjoyable and interesting part of the process, for me. I love the fact that all the musicians have to juggle and balance the complicated task of playing their own parts while also supporting and enabling each other. 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? In 2004, as part of my graduate studies, I attended the 25th anniversary celebration of Gamelan Sekar Jaya, the first Balinese gamelan ensemble in America. They arranged a week-long program of study with master teachers from Bali, and we all stayed together on a small ranch north of Marin County in California. Learning from those teachers, getting to understand their creative process and the spiritual and cultural values that the music contained was really special and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. On the final day, we held an open celebration and performance. Although we weren’t playing at an extremely high level, it was the culmination of a really special experience that I will never forget. What would be your dream concert to perform? If it ever becomes possible, and I do hold hope that one day it will, I would love to be a part of a performance of Charles Stepney’s symphony, “Cohesion.” He had written it specifically for Minnie Riperton and the Ramsey Lewis Trio as soloists, accompanied by symphony orchestra. It was performed perhaps twice around 1970, once led by Stepney himself in Minneapolis and once by Seiji Ozawa (though I don’t know with what orchestra). It was recorded at the time, but the recording, and perhaps even the score itself, are now lost. What CD or playlist is in your car? I actually don’t listen to a lot of music in the car, I prefer to listen to NPR. However, when I do feel like listening to music while I drive, I go to the Talking Heads (especially “Stop Making Sense”) and early Parliament/Funkadelic. And lastly, could you tell us a bit about upcoming musical projects outside of COBSJ that you are looking forward to? Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of stuff upcoming. At least, not at the moment. But, I am working on making a recording of Edouard Nanny’s “Dragonetti” double bass concerto. At least the slow, middle movement. I don’t have any particular timeline for it, only whenever I can play it well enough to record! I look forward to all of our COBSJ performances, that’s enough for me. 
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 Luke is a Clarinetist in our orchestra. We've asked him a few questions in this installment of Member Spotlight! How did you come to study the clarinet and what drew you to the instrument? Around age 10, I began my study of music by learning piano. Because music played such a major role in my church experience as well, I anticipated the day that I would be able to join in the music ministry. However, we had several advanced pianists so I knew that it would be many years before my meager talents would sufficiently blossom. The music director saw my frustration and desire to contribute and offered a clarinet she had on hand. I quickly took to the instrument and within a few weeks had garnered enough skill to play in the Christmas program. What is some of your favorite repertoire? As a clarinetist, I have a high regard for Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. It’s one of the classic pieces in the repertoire and requires a high degree of finesse and sensitivity to do justice to its playful yet emotionally deep character. The Weber clarinet concertos are also among my favorites to perform due to their technical and flashy nature. That said, I am more at home performing in a chamber group than as a solo performer. Beethoven’s Trio (Op. 11 Bb Major) for piano, cello, and clarinet is one of my all-time favorite chamber pieces. Chamber music highlights both the collaborative and intimate nature of music-making. The emotional thrill of sharing a sharply executed musical moment alongside fellow performers is hard to match. Who have been some of the most influential people in your life? First off, I would have to say my parents. They instilled a love for God and a love for music in me at an early age, shaping my character and developing a sensitivity for others. Musically, the minister of music, Judy Biddle, at my church who encouraged me to begin my journey as a musician, culminating with my professors Ian Greitzer and Dr. Markward at Rhode Island College who mentored me and chiseled out the finer aspects of bringing music to the world. All of these individuals cared for me as a person—a trait that I have come to understand as paramount in the teacher-student relationship. What, for you, is the most fulfilling aspect of your life as a musician? Theologian Martin Luther stated “Experience proves that, next to the Word of God, only music deserves to be extolled as the mistress and governess of the feeling of the human heart.” I agree with this wholeheartedly. The art of music is a transformative experience, both for the performer and the audience. It transcends language. While post-concert exclamations of “Thank you!” and “Well done!” are always plentiful and certainly appreciated, there is nothing more fulfilling for a performer than an audience member or fellow musician share with you how the musical experience changed their outlook or impacted them emotionally. 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? Two concerts from my time at Rhode Island College are particularly memorable. The first was performing Pines of Rome with the Wind Ensemble under the direction of Joseph Foley. The third movement contains one of the most serenely beautiful clarinet solos in the orchestra repertoire. I was so nervous that I would not do it justice. The night of the performance, everything fell into place. It was a truly magical experience for me as the performer, primarily because of the communal energy among my fellow musicians. The tangible sense of unity and camaraderie on stage made it feel as though even the members who were resting were playing through me. Years later, Professor Foley will compliment me on how well I played. It was one of the top performances of my life, yet I have never felt that the moment was completely mine. The second concert was performing Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring with the Symphony Orchestra. As amateur performers, all of us were intimidated at the thought of attempting such a feat and at times I think we were all just hoping to start and end at the same time, however, we persevered. I played Eb clarinet and worked harder than I ever had to learn my part. The ordeal bonded us as musicians and as friends. We all struggled and we all overcame, turning out a decent performance in the end considering the difficulty. I remember shedding a tear during the applause as I realized that I would more than likely never have the chance to perform this cardinal work again let alone with such a close group of friends. What would be your dream concert to perform? Though unlikely, my dream concert to perform would be Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. It is the piece that stirs the deepest passions in my soul, sounding forth as a beacon of hope to the shared brokenness that we all, to some degree, share as humans. Performing it would truly be an honor. Luke holds a B. A. in Music (2014) and a B. S. in Nursing (2018) from Rhode Island College. He is currently employed as a Registered Nurse at the Providence VA Medical Center.   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.   Brenda is one of our flautists in the orchestra. We've asked her a few questions in this installment of Member Spotlight!
What was the first instrument you owned? The first instrument I ever owned was a weird little toy organ. After that, when I was 9, my very first flute. How did you come to study the flute and what drew you to the instrument? I didn't have a lot of experience with music but I just thought the flute looked cool and wanted to try it. What is some of your favorite repertoire? I love the more modern stuff, but lately have been really getting excited about playing JS Bach. I play with my best friend once a week and we are currently working on Bartok, Bach, Rutter, and Beethoven. Two of my all time favorites are the Copland Duo for Flute and Piano and the Prokofiev Sonata. Who have been some of the most influential people in your life? This is a tough question. My parents, knowing very little about music, always made sure that they got me whatever I needed to continue my studies. My father gave up that Christmas bonus more than once, there was the year when I needed a "big girl" flute and the next year when I needed a "big girl" tenor saxophone. I was also very much influenced by my early teachers in Scituate where I went to school, Diedre Spadazzi, Kevin Kane, David Neves. In college, Gregory Zeitlin would allow me to pick the most outrageously challenging music to play and never said no, but instead encouraged me to do the work. Currently, I would have to say that my colleagues in COBSJ have been extremely influential, inspiring me to dig deep and work hard to be part of such an incredible group of dedicated musicians. What, for you, is the most fulfilling aspect of your life as a musician? I love making music - any kind, anywhere, anytime, any instrument but my greatest pleasure comes in seeing my students enjoy and be successful at making music. 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? My very first college performance in front of the Music Department was significant due to the fact that I was completely terrified. Since then, I have come to love performing. Most recently, I performed at my graduate recital in 2017. It was so much work and so much fun. Not only did I have the pleasure of performing for friends and family, but I had several of my really close music friends perform with me, including my daughter, Lily, who sang like an angel (just a little proud). Having the opportunity to perform with COBSJ also stands out, being able to play with so many talented and well prepared musicians is a pleasure that I feel privileged to enjoy.  Wendy Rios is next to be featured on our Member Spotlight! Wendy has been our Concertmistress since our inaugural year. She is also the President on the Chamber Orchestra of Barrington at St. John’s board. What was the first instrument you owned? The first instrument I owned was a violin I received in the 4th grade. How did you come to study the violin and what drew you to the instrument? I heard a famous violinist, Itzhak Perlman, on the radio and told my parents that I wanted to play the violin like he does. I am still trying… Who have been some of the most influential people in your life? My parents were very supportive of my music from the start. My mentors include Carol Pellegrino, who taught me from the fourth grade through high school and John Sumerlin, who was my private violin teacher throughout high school and college and continues to offer me support and encouragement. And last, but not least, Dr. Edward Markward, who has offered me great opportunities as an orchestra musician and continues to inspire me to improve every day. What is some of your favorite repertoire? I enjoy playing all types of chamber music but my favorite repertoire is from the string quartet literature. 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? In college, I performed Mozart’s violin Concerto #5 with the RIC Chamber Orchestra. What made it significant for me was that Sylvia Coolidge, who attended my concert, approached John Sumerlin afterwards to offer me a very special violin, a 1762 Gabrielli, to play and own. I still play this instrument today. What, for you, is the most fulfilling aspect of your life as a musician? I love the process of learning new repertoire and having the opportunity to share what I learned through my performances. What CD or playlist is in your car? I often have whatever I am currently working on playing on repeat. When I am not working on anything specific, I have everything from classical, rap, jazz, show tunes, Spanish… nothing is off limits on my playlist. And lastly, could you tell us a bit about upcoming musical projects outside of COBSJ that you are looking forward to? Two musicals—Parade (January) and Lion King (March). Three String Quartet concerts in February, March, and May. One Solo recital—sometime this spring. Hopefully some more chamber music collaborations with friends this summer. Thank you Wendy!  Wayne Coats was nominated to be our first submission to the Member Spotlight! Wayne is one of our oboists and is regularly featured with many solos. He is also the Vice President on the Chamber Orchestra of Barrington at St. John’s board. What was the first instrument you owned? My father’s Olds cornet. How did you come to study the oboe and what drew you to the instrument? It’s a long story but I’ll try to be as brief as I can. I’ve played the oboe since about 1962. I grew up in a rural part of Western New York and attended a very small school. I switched to oboe around my freshman year in high school. Before settling on the oboe I played cornet, trombone and bassoon. I chose the oboe because of its unique sound, prominence in the orchestra and the great repertoire that’s been written for it. What is some of your favorite repertoire? I like Benjamin Britten’s Six Metamorphoses After Ovid for solo oboe, Johann Hummel’s Introduction, Theme and Variations. There are so many wonderful oboe pieces and it’s difficult to pick what I like best. Who have been some of the most influential people in your life? My parents, my wife, instructors, conductors and others who have helped me grow and do what I love to do. What, for you, is the most fulfilling aspect of your life as a musician? Being able to perform with groups who want to play classical music and teaching people the joy of music and the oboe. Also while teaching at Tabor Academy in Marion Mass., I had a student who auditioned for the top All State orchestra in Massachusetts’s and was selected first oboe. That was a great feeling of satisfaction for me. 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? My first memorable event was when I was accepted into New York State regional All State band. It was a big deal for me. Also spending four years in the Air Force Band was a great experience as I was able to see much of the world I would have missed. What would be your dream concert to perform? My dream would be to perform with any of the world’s great orchestras. I can only imagine what a feeling I’d get from of being part of one of them. What CD or playlist is in your car? Right now the CD I have in my car is Bob Marley’s Legend album. And lastly, could you tell us a bit about upcoming musical projects outside of COBSJ that you are looking forward to? Besides the COBSJ concerts, I’ll be performing with the Tri-County Symphonic Band, the New England Symphony Orchestra and for musicals. I’ll play for anyone who asks. Thank you Wayne! |
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