Q. How long have you been a member of the Wilmington Community Orchestra and what instrument do you play?
A. I have been a member of the Wilmington Community Orchestra, off and on, since its debut as the Delaware Symphony Repertory Orchestra in the late 1970s. I play the violin.
Q. Why did you decide the join the Wilmington Community Orchestra?
A. There are a number of opportunities around Wilmington for an amateur musician, but I found a wonderful musical “home” with the Wilmington Community Orchestra, where I found a group of dedicated musicians and the opportunity to play the very best orchestral music.
| Meet Mary Jo
Name: Mary Jo Anderson |
Q. What do you enjoy about performing with the orchestra?
A. You don’t have to be a professional golfer to enjoy playing golf. Playing in an ensemble like the Wilmington Community Orchestra provides an opportunity not only to play wonderful music but to share the experience with other dedicated musicians. Our conductor, Dr. Timonthy Schwartz, programs challenging and interesting pieces. For our next concert, we are playing Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. It just doesn’t get much better.
Q. What was your favorite concert or favorite piece you’ve performed with the orchestra?
The pieces we are working on at the moment always become my favorites. Right now, that would be Beethoven’s First Symphony, which we will perform at our next concert.
Q. What is the biggest misconception people have about community ensembles?
A. Community ensembles are not professional musicians, but the performances are not amateurish. There is a joy and enthusiasm that is contagious.
Q. What is your single biggest day-to-day challenge?
A. Finding the right balance of my professional and personal interests.
Q. Finish this sentence, “If I had a million dollars …”
A. I would contribute it to The Music School of Delaware. Arts organizations are so important to the community and are struggling to survive in today’s economic environment.
Q. Divulge a guilty pleasure.
A. I grew up in Kentucky, so I am a rabid college basketball fan. Go Wildcats!!
