How long have you lived in Seattle? I was born in Seattle and grew up just north of Seattle, between Lynnwood and Mukilteo. I went to school in Bellingham, where I met my husband, David, who is also a pianist. He is currently getting his master’s degree at UW, and we moved here only a year ago.
How old were you when you started playing the piano? I started learning piano when I was in kindergarten.
What was your first piano solo? I can't quite remember the first solo I ever played, but I do remember the time I played an arrangement of "A Whole New World" from Disney's Aladdin. I think I was in third grade at the time, and I thought I was the real deal because it had a lot of accidentals and key changes. Also, "A Whole New World" is kind of an awesome song.
Where did you study piano? I earned my bachelor’s degree in music from Western Washington University, where I studied with Jeffrey Gilliam. In fact, I still drive up to Bellingham to take lessons with him occasionally, since I'm about to audition for master’s programs.
What was your first job? My very first job was at a gift store in Bellingham. There were so many days where hardly anybody would come into the shop, and we had to polish the silver jewelry for hours on end. Then I got my first church job, and shortly thereafter, a choir accompanist position.
Did you always know that you wanted to be a professional musician? Not at all! When I first started learning piano, it was nothing but a pastime. I had teachers who would try to push me to practice every day (yes, that's how uncommitted I was) and for many hours, and I always rebelled, because I thought it ruined the fun. I just wanted to play the music, not practice it! I would spend my practice time reading through reams and reams of music. It's really how I became acquainted with a lot of pieces.
What is your favorite piano piece? Hmm . . . I'd have to say the piece that I always enjoy practicing and performing would be Busoni's transcription of the Bach violin piece "Chaconne" from his Suite in D minor. It's stately and regal but with prayerful and bombastic moments as well—worth a listen for everybody! It's impossible not to like, I think. Personally, I like the piano transcription better than the original . . . is that sacrilege?
What kind of piano do you have? As students still living in an apartment, David and I are not quite ready to own a real acoustic piano, but we do have our hands on a nice, sturdy Roland. Digital pianos have come a long way, and this one makes for a great practice instrument—that never goes out of tune!
How did you first hear about the Seattle Choral Company? I've definitely seen the SCC in performances with the Seattle Symphony in the past, but I can't remember when that first was.
What’s the best thing about being an accompanist? I'd really say it's the large volumes of music and the variety of people that you get to play for, and also the fact that your role changes from situation to situation. It keeps things interesting. I play for many students in instrumental studios around Seattle, but I also get to play for professional musicians. When playing for young students, you become more of a coach; you help them along with the music and make sure they are doing what their teacher would want them to. With peers/professionals, it's a collaborative experience, where you are both/all working towards representing the music in the best way possible.
What’s your favorite piece of the music the SCC is performing in A Cathedral Christmas this December? I think that the [Jackson Berkey] arrangement of “Il est né le divin enfant” is really neat, with the Bolero rhythms underneath and the unexpected harmonies.
What are your favorite choral works overall? My all-time favorite is probably Beethoven's Choral Fantasy—not to be confused with the Ninth Symphony, which I also love. The chorus doesn't get much of a role until the end, but it's great. Vaughan Williams's Dona Nobis Pacem is one that I really enjoyed playing with the WWU Concert Choir. Also, Mozart's Mass in C minor, and Palestrina's Pope Marcellus Mass (so beautiful!).
What else do you like to listen to? When I'm not listening to classical music, I enjoy listening to Nat King Cole, but my tastes aren't really much more diverse than that!
If you could meet any musician, who would it be and why? I don't know if I'd like to meet him, but I would have loved to see Liszt play. I hear he was very charismatic and put on quite a show. I would have liked to see what the fuss was all about.
Do you play any other instruments? I played cello for a number of years in my school orchestras. I was mostly self-taught, and I wasn't very good, but I could play in tune and watch a conductor, so they kept me around!
Are you also a singer? I love to sing. I’m an alto, but I don't think my voice is very pretty!
What are you doing when you’re not accompanying the Seattle Choral Company? I play with Northwest Girlchoir, Lake City Christian Church, and many private studios around Seattle. In my spare time, I like doing arts and crafts, reading, and taking very long walks that end at food-type destinations.
Do you have any solo performances coming up? On Sunday, November 13, at 4:00 p.m., I will be playing a concert of some of my audition repertoire at Lake City Christian Church.
Anything else you’d like to add? I am very excited to be working with everyone here. It seems like a very fun group!
