Where were you born and (if different) where did you grow up? Born in Trenton, NJ; grew up in Sayerville and Greenbrook, NJ. Moved to Vermont at age eight.

Current residence and marital status/family: Fairfax, VT; married. Pets include Phantom and her three kittens, and ferals outside.

Education: BS in Music Ed from UVM; Masters in performance from Kent State

When did you start playing with the VSO? 1980

Other current jobs besides VSO: Frevo (chamber ensemble); Vermont Contemporary Music Ensemble; free lance work

Favorite composer: Elliot Carter

Hobbies: swimming, hiking, gardening, reading novels

How did you get started in music? My father (music educator) offered to teach Elizabeth von Trapp violin lessons in exchange for the loan of Werner von Trapp’s lady-size cello when I was eleven.

Describe a typical day: Morning (up by 7): feed cats, ferals, birds, clean litter boxes, water plants, breakfast (granola and fruit), read Bible and meditate with cat on lap. Afternoon and evening include practicing, meals, often teaching or rehearsing, no TV, time with husband Steve, cat chores, bed by 1.

Dream job if not musician: Landscaping/gardening…or bagging at the grocery store!

Favorite vice: dark chocolate

People would be surprised to know that: I was an avid Hayley Mills and Man from Uncle fan.

Best advice I ever got: Don’t go to bed angry—settle differences quietly—keep short accounts.

Favorite way to spend an evening: Reading a novel or watching “I Love Lucy” with Steve, or having a nice meal together.

Pet peeve: Too loud amplified sound

I’m most proud of: Surviving three years with the Orqueste Sinfonica del Estado de Mexico in Toluca, Mexico (full time orchestra job).