Rosemary Lather enjoyed a thirty-two-year tenure  as an Orchestra Director for the Howard County Public School System before her retirement in June 2017.  She was the Director of Orchestras at River Hill High School and Marriotts Ridge High School.  In addition, she was the program director for the Howard County Gifted and Talented Middle School Orchestra from 1991 to 2017 and conductor of the Howard County Gifted and Talented High School Orchestra from 2009 to 2014.  Her orchestras have performed at state and local conferences as well as countless festivals throughout the east coast where they have consistently received superior ratings.  Mrs. Lather has conducted at the Midwest Clinic three times; in 2009 with the Howard County High School Gifted and Talented Orchestra, in 2013 with the Howard County Middle School Gifted and Talented Orchestra and in 2019 as a guest conductor.  In 2001 Mrs. Lather was awarded the distinction of Music Educator of the year in Howard County. She is a very active guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator throughout the Mid Atlantic area and has maintained a private violin studio for thirty-nine years.  

Rosemary Lather’s thirty-five years of performing experience include the 1st violin section of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, concertmistress of the Columbia Orchestra and extensive freelance work in the Baltimore area.  In addition, she and her husband Tom, an accomplished banjo player, have recorded and performed music of the Civil War era for many historical events.  She is a graduate of the University of Maryland and her post-graduate violin teachers include Berl Senofsky, Peabody Conservatory, Robert Gerle, Catholic University and Herbert Greenberg, former concertmaster of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.  Mrs. Lather also has a Juris Doctor degree.
​
After retirement from the Howard County Public School System, Mrs. Lather relocated to North Carolina where she has resumed her performing career and continues to enjoy running marathons.  ​

Here is an interview with Sarah from 2022:

How long have you been playing the cello?
I started learning to play the cello when I was 10 years old, so it's been two decades! 

What do you do for a career?
I am a licensed clinical social worker and addiction specialist

What are your favorite things to do in Wilmington on the weekends?
Obvious answer, going to the beach. I love looking for seaglass. My favorite time of year is October-December when the tourists are gone, it's still warm, and parking is free.

What is your favorite song or artist?
"This Must Be The Place" by the Talking Heads 

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
Us musicians on stage are having SO much fun. The loyal audience, amazing space we perform in, and talented guests who join on occasion are all extra bonuses on top. 

Also, though you don’t hear from him all that much, Dr. Errante is hilarious.

You're stuck on a desert island, what book/movie/tv series do you want with you?
Law & Order SVU

Mathew serves as the Principal Horn of the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra. He joined the WSO in 2014 and was appointed Principal in 2019. Mat graduated with a Bachelor of Music Performance from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. While at UMN he studied with the former Principal Horn of the Boston Symphony, Charles Kavalovski. Other teachers include Herb Winslow and Brian Jenkins. Mat retired from the United States Marine Corps after 30 years of honorable and faithful service as a Marine Musician in 2016. Mat not only served as a musician instrumentalist, but also in leadership roles as Section Leader, Drum Major, Conductor and Bandmaster at U.S. military installations located in California, Japan, Virginia and North Carolina. He volunteered to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a Marine Corps Liaison at the American Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. Mat has a graduate degree in Organizational Leadership and Project Management from Boston University and is a graduate of the Golf Academy of America – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Mat and his wife Maggie reside in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Mat also is the Principal Horn of the Wilmington Symphonic Winds and he performs with the Wilmington City Ballet Orchestra.

What instruments do you play?
I play the Tenor Trombone and Bass Trombone.

How long have you played the trombone?
I began playing the Trombone in Elementary School - 4th Grade. Started playing the Bass Trombone my Freshman year of College

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
Started playing with the WSO after auditioning in 2018. I had recently relocated to Southport, North Carolina from the Hartford, Connecticut area where I had been an Orchestra Member for 33 years.

What do you do for a career?
While I have performed on the Bass Trombone professionally since College, I am additionally a semi-retired insurance company executive where after 40 years, I had responsibilities for Commercial Underwriting, Marketing, Product Management. My responsibilities included working with the Entertainment Division of a major insurance carrier in Hartford, CT. I am presently a Risk Management Consultant for a large Insurance Agency based in Dallas Texas.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Garden City, Long Island, NY. My Dad was an insurance executive in New York City. My Mom was a stay at home Mom. Both Parents had an extensive Music and Theater background.

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
I very much like to listen to a wide variation of music genres. Everything from Symphonic Music, to Jazz and to Classical Rock music. I grew up in the New York metropolitan area where my family often gave me at a young age the opportunity to listen to Orchestral and Theater music in New York City.

My favorite composer is Mahler. One of my lifetime favorite performances included performing Mahler's 6 Symphony in 2014 with a combined Orchestra of 140 people. We performed the concert twice. Once in Hartford, CT and a second concert in Providence, RI.

Two other life time moments of performances included getting to play an Orchestra concert at Carnegie Hall, New York City; and a Brass Ensemble Concert with the United States Military Academy Pipe Organ at West Point, NY. (The pipe organ is the 2nd largest in the world).

Favorite meal or restaurant?
I very much enjoy Italian Food. For a favorite restaurant experience, I attended a dinner on top of the former World Trade Center in NY where I was able to view the extensive bicentennial fireworks in 1976 from a top of the World Trade Center.

Favorite beverage?
I very much enjoy a fine Pinot Grigio. I also enjoy margaritas at any point.

What is your favorite vacation?
For our 25th wedding anniversary, my wife and I traveled to Northern Italy for a two week grand celebration.

You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist and/or movie do you want with you??
My preference would be to listen to music. I love listening to the Mahler Symphony's.

What's your pet situation?
In the past, my wife and I owned two mini-Dachshund's. Since we relocated to North Carolina just 3 years ago, we prefer to travel, so at this time, we don't have any pets.

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
People should know that the WSO musicians are very caring about the music they perform. With live music, everyone steps up to perform professionally. The musicians of the WSO are all very friendly. The Wilson Center in Wilmington is a fabulous modern theater with wonderful acoustics that should not be missed to attend a concert.

How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?
I still play the Trombone daily. I'm lucky enough that I can continue to do my insurance consulting work as often as I would like.

With the Trombone, I am still performing with some local Southport musicians for an "open mic" at a local tavern in Southport. I'm part of the house band at the Tiki Tavern.

Any words of wisdom to help others through this?
Keeping connected with Neighbors, friends and family is job 1. My wife and I walk daily and try to do exercise as often as we can. With the really nice NC weather, I have been playing golf twice a week all through this. I am really thankful, I have these opportunities.

Here is an interview with Kathy in 2020:

​What instrument do you play?
Cello and pretty elementary piano proficiency.

How long have you played your instrument?
I started playing the cello when I was in sixth grade in public school in Atlanta. So I guess that means a lifetime... 55 years!

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
I joined the UNCW Community Orchestra in 1983 when my husband and I moved to Wilmington from Boston. Joe Hickman was the conductor at the time and a few years later, I was part of the orchestra’s committee tasked to give input to UNCW when they hired Dr. Steven Errante. Later the orchestra's name was changed to the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, our own local orchestra... not to be confused with the NC Symphony which is based in Raleigh and funded by the State of North Carolina.

What do you do for a career?
I have done a lot of different things including healthcare, banking, flight attendant, private cello instruction... but none more important and rewarding than being a wife, mother of 3 and grandmother of 2.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up one house outside the City limits of Atlanta, GA. Since then I have lived in Greenville SC, Des Moines Iowa, and Boston MA. Before moving to Wilmington.

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
I guess as far as solo cello works, I would have to say the Bach unaccompanied suites and the 2 Brahms sonatas. I really love the Schubert “Death and the Maiden” string quartet and the Mendelssohn piano trios. Although there is so much symphonic music I love, I guess as a whole I would have to say the 9 Beethoven symphonies. They are wonderful to listen to and so much fun to play. My favorite personal music memory was participating in the World Congress of Cellos in Maryland and playing in a huge cello choir on stage with YoYo Ma, Janis Staker, Bernard Greenhouse, Steven Israelis, Gary Hoffman....on and on.... The most important work I did for my development was chamber music with Joseph Fuchs in Maine and cello pedagogy with John Ehrlich in Iowa. My most famous student was Alicia Keys when she was here working on a film, The Secret Life of Bees. Haha!

I am so pleased that all three of my children continue to enjoy playing string instruments.  Each of them played in the youth orchestra program (my twins were principals in the very first group) and each has played for many years in the Wilmington Symphony and chamber music as well.  My son David is now a surgeon in Boston, but he also has his undergrad degree in cello performance. I remember sitting on stage both nervous and excited as he performed the Elgar Concerto as a Richard R. Deas Young Artist Concerto Competition award winner.  The WSO continues to use his “cello box” each time we have a cellist as a guest performer.  I am so happy to play with both daughters, Christine Maynard, now a concertmaster for the WSO, and Katherine Meyer, a first violinist in the WSO,  What a thrill it is to have this time together with them doing something we all love.  

Favorite meal or restaurant?
Right here at home. Both my husband Clint and I like to cook.

Favorite beverage?
Half and half iced tea, strong margaritas, and good Pinot noir.

What is your favorite vacation?
I love to travel. My husband and I really enjoyed flight benefits when I worked for Delta in Boston. I am so glad we were able to go to Vietnam and South Africa before the pandemic. As for my favorite, I have the most happy memories of family travel, both as a young girl in a station wagon pulling a pop up camper to national parks, and as a mom traveling with adult children to Alaska, Europe and Galápagos Islands.

You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist and/or movie do you want with you??
I hope that never happens!

What's your pet situation?
We have a sweet yellow lab named Molly.

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
This orchestra should be treasured by Wilmington. Not only does the WSO provide quality concerts for the community at an affordable price, but more importantly it provides:
1. A place for professionals and teachers in our area to practice their musical skills and remain dedicated to their art.
2. A wonderful symphonic youth orchestra program attracting students from all over South Eastern NC.
3. A huge junior strings orchestra to inspire students from an early age and provide a positive learning environment for a very diverse group.
4. The WSO provides valuable resources to churches, choirs, live theater, wedding vendors, and even the film industries. As a cellist, I have worked in our community in all of these ways.

How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?
I am playing catch up with a lot of household projects, working in my yard a lot, playing tennis, and enjoying my family. My 2 daughters and I have continued to play chamber music on the deck and I have spent quality time with my 10 month old grandson in town. It has been hard not to see my sixteen month old granddaughter often enough, and really hard not to see my 93 year old mother at all.

Any words of wisdom to help others through this?
Stay connected with friends and family outside. PLEASE WEAR A MASK in public places. My son has had Covid and says that we absolutely should continue to be careful and diligent. Many nonprofits, including the WSO, are trying to help others in need while trying to survive financially. Consider donating and volunteering in ways that are safe for you. Give Blood. VOTE!

Here is an interview with Laura in 2020:
​
What instruments do you play?
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Piano, various saxophones

How long have you played these instruments?
I started clarinet when I was in 6th grade and piano when I was in 2nd grade, so 18 years for clarinet and 22 for piano.

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
I have been a member of the WSO for 5 years now.

What do you do for a career?
I am a freelance musician playing mostly in the pit orchestra for musicals at Thalian Hall and teaching private clarinet lessons, but I am also a church secretary.

Where did you grow up?
Right here in Wilmington!

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
This is a tough one! I love the feeling of being a part of a symphony and am especially fond of Tchaikovsky, but I have a hard time picking a specific performance. I also really love playing as part of a pit orchestra for musicals, one of my favorite experiences being “Cabaret” while I was a student at ECU. A favorite current artist of mine would probably be the Avett Brothers, but this changes frequently!

Favorite meal or restaurant?
I'll never pass up a good steak!

Favorite beverage?
Sprite, unless a chocolate milkshake counts?

What is your favorite vacation?
Probably the cruise my husband and I went on for our honeymoon! We stopped at ports in Mexico, Belize, and Honduras - the food was great and the scenery was beautiful! I'd really love to take a trip to some of the national parks out west, though. I have been to a couple but I was young and I would enjoy them more now.

You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist, and/or movie do you want with you??
So many! But I would probably go with the Harry Potter series (books) - I still enjoy them no matter how many times I've read them.

What's your pet situation?
I have a beagle/Australian shepherd mix named Bo! He is the cutest dog and loves to sing along with me when I practice, much to the dismay of my husband...

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
It is a great group of talented musicians and I am looking forward to the day when we get to perform together again!

How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?
Thankfully I have not been stuck at home during the pandemic so I have been keeping myself busy with work for the most part!

Any words of wisdom to help others through this?
Please be kind to each other!

Oboist Sarah Parker is an active performer in Wilmington and surrounding areas. She regularly performs with the Wilmington Symphony, the Long Bay Symphony, the Wilmington Symphonic Winds, and the Tallis Chamber Orchestra. In addition to her busy performing schedule, Sarah enjoys teaching her private studio of oboists, both young and old. Sarah has enjoyed getting to know oboists worldwide as she has made reeds for them through her online oboe reed shop, Sarah Parker Oboe Reeds. Sarah enjoys reading and refinishing vintage furniture in addition to spending time with her husband Robert and their daughter Charlotte.

Here's an interview with Dave in 2020:​

What instrument(s) do you play?
Orchestral Percussion, Drum Set, Steel Drums. Anything you can hit to make a sound.

How long have you played your instrument(s)?
I started taking drum lessons in 4th grade, so I have been playing for 39 years.

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
I started playing in 1995 when I was at ECU.
I have played off and on since then.

What do you do for a career?
I am a music educator at D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy where I teach Kindergarten through 8th-grade students.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Rochester, NY

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
My favorite musical memory is when I had an epiphany playing drums for the jazz jam at the Rusty Nail, Wilmington, NC, June 1999...??!

When performing I had always had a problem with nerves and second-guessing myself, which was exacerbated during my years getting my masters.

As I was playing that night at Rusty Nail, for some reason, it just popped in my head that I was tired of feeling like that, and I didn't have to. The revelation was an amazingly freeing experience and led me to greater appreciate and enjoy music.

Favorite meal or restaurant?
I love me some Panyang Curry from Indochine.

Favorite beverage?
I have recently developed a taste for fruit-flavored seltzer water. On the more "grown-up" side of things, I love Cucumber Gin Gimlets.

What is your favorite vacation?
I went on an incredible two-week trip to Ghana. It was facilitated by three inspiring teachers through the American Orff Schelwerk Association. Twenty-seven other music educators from all over the world also went. We stayed in Dzodze, in the Volta region, where our lead teacher Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo grew up and was beginning to build the Nunya Music Academy (www.nunyaacademy.com). Witnessing the various ceremonies and celebrations, being welcomed by the children and people of the village, and learning about the culture was a life-changing experience.


You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist and/or movie do you want with you??
Book - I would probably need a How to Survive on a Deserted Island book.

Album- Yes, Close to the Edge

Movie- The Three Amigos

What's your pet situation?
We have a beautiful soft-wired-hair, (not so) miniature dachshund named CeCe.

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
The growth I have witnessed in the twenty-plus years is inspiring. Dr. Errante has been the conductor the whole time and is a strong asset. I always see him going above and beyond his conductor "role" to make sure the performances are the best they can be. He moves, packs, and sets-up percussion instrument for christ's sake!

How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?
I, like all teachers, are trying to figure out this new digital teaching model. Other than that, I've been learning to use music and video editing software Ableton and Premiere Pro and playing "social-distanced" disc golf at the park.

Any words of wisdom to help others through this?
Don't do it alone. Ask others for help when you need it and help others when you can.

Here's an interview with Adam in 2020:

​How long have you played the trumpet?
15 years

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
1 year

What do you do for a career?
Teach Applied Brass and Music Appreciation at Cape Fear Community College

Where did you grow up?
Indonesia

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
Seeing Chris Botti live in concert

Favorite meal or restaurant?
Indochine!

Favorite beverage?
Ginger Beer

What is your favorite vacation?
Austria

You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist and/or movie do you want with you??
Bourne Triology

What's your pet situation?
Really wanting a puppy

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
We have a lot of fun making music and know you’ll enjoy the experience

How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?
Learning how to Video Editing

Any words of wisdom to help others through this pandemic?
Take a walk!

Here's an interview with Michael in 2020:​

What instrument(s) do you play?
Trombone, Bass Trombone

How long have you played your instrument(s)?
Began playing in 1968...(52 years)

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
Started playing with the WSO in the mid - 1990's as a sub. Usually second or bass trombone part as needed. I auditioned to be a member when a retired in 2011. Altogether I have been playing with the orchestra for 25 years.

What do you do for a career?
I am a retired instrumental music educator. I was privileged to teach 6th through 12th grade and also a few years at the Community College Level. Altogether I taught 36 years and enjoyed being a mentor to many of my students.

Where did you grow up?
My parents met in Europe after World War II, so I along with my sibling were born in Germany & France. Lived there until I was 11. During that time my parents exposed us to many beautiful musical experiences that shaped my love of music. We moved to the Washington D.C. area in 1967. Here is where I began to take interest in playing in an instrumental ensemble. My father would take me to listen to all the service bands downtown almost every week. Those were special memories I will always cherish with my Dad.

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
My favorite music memory would have to be a concert I attended at the Kennedy Center back in the late 70's. The Chicago Symphony... playing an all Wagner Concert.... Flying Dutchman Overture, followed by Tannhauser Overture... Die Meistersinger Overture, Tristan und Isolde Overture. We had perfect seats... Third row... I'll never forget that sound between the intensity of the string section and the massive power of the brass...

Favorite meal or restaurant?
Tavern On the Green (courtyard & garden seating)

New York (Central Park)

Favorite beverage?
Cabernet Sauvignon

What is your favorite vacation?
I have enjoyed visited all types of waterfalls...

You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist and/or movie do you want with you??
Can't go wrong with.... Mozart, Stan Getz and since I'm a trombonist ... Bill Watrous Quartet

What's your pet situation?
We have an English Cocker Spaniel named Max.

He is very lovable and sweet :)

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
People should know that the musicians are truly serious about their craft. We care about the music and performing it as professionally as possible.

How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?
I divide up my day as much as possible :)

Each day is a bit different but I try to have this three components in it. Exercise, Practice and Prayer.

Any words of wisdom to help others through this pandemic?
Keep connected with friends, family and neighbors! Don't become a recluse... try to make a difference in someone else's live. Reach out each day :)

Here is an interview with Stephen in 2020:

What instrument(s) do you play?
Cello. I also play some piano and I played baritone horn in band in high school and college.

How long have you played your instrument(s)?
I started on piano at age 5, then added cello at age 9. Without giving away my age, I will just say several decades.

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
Less than 1 year.

What do you do for a career?
I am an internal medicine physician.

Where did you grow up?
Cleveland, Ohio

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
Favorite musical memory is the Summer I spent at the National Music Camp in Interlochen, Michigan.

Favorite meal or restaurant?
Pork roast, dumplings and cabbage.

Favorite beverage?
Depends on the season/weather. Coffee, hot chocolate, chocolate milkshake or beer.

What is your favorite vacation?
Snow skiing out West. Nothing like the views from the tops of the mountains, and the peace that accompanies it.

You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist and/or movie do you want with you??
Book - The Bible
Music - complete works of J.S. Bach

What's your pet situation?
4-lb Yorkie named Sammie.

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
Since I am a new member, most people probably know more about the Symphony than I do.

How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?
Still working.

Any words of wisdom to help others through this pandemic?
Remain confident that this situation is only temporary.

Miranda grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and has been part of the WSO since 2020. She works at the local Music & Arts in town as well as with the new Live Nation venue. She received her Master of Arts in Music Business through Berklee College of Music and her undergraduate here at UNC Wilmington with a concentration in percussion.  

Miranda also performs with other local ensembles such as the Wilmington Symphonic Winds. She has also previously performed with various WGI indoor percussion ensembles including Palmetto Percussion and Paradigm Percussion. She has previously instructed multiple drumlines and front ensembles across North Carolina as well.  
 
When not playing percussion, Miranda enjoys spending her free time at the beach, brewery hopping, and hanging out with her big-eared shepherd named Skye. Feel free to visit her at Music & Arts, as she loves helping other musicians whenever possible!

Here's an interview with Jake in 2020:

​How long have you played your instrument(s)?
22 years

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
The 2020 - 2021 season will be my 8th season!

What do you do for a career?
I am the music teacher/band director at Snipes Academy of Arts and design, a professional trumpet player, and the Orchestra Personnel Manager for the Wilmington Symphony.

Where did you grow up?
Swansboro, NC

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
I listen to a WIDE range of music, from orchestral, jazz, and show tunes, to more modern music(pop, rap, motown, country). I'm currently on a big Ed Sheeran kick right now though.

As for a musical memory, one of my more exciting memories is playing the Haydn trumpet concerto with WSO a few years ago.

Favorite meal or restaurant?
My go to is pizza, in all shapes and forms. However, my favorite restaurant in Wilmington is a tie between Caprice Bistro and Rx, both downtown.

Favorite beverage?
Beer. Hands down.

What is your favorite vacation?
To date, my favorite vacation was visiting Yountville, in Napa Valley, CA.

You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist and/or movie do you want with you??
If I can take a whole series, a Song of Ice and Fire(aka, the Game of Thrones series).

Album, Kind of Blue.

Movie: Forrest Gump

What's your pet situation?
I have a golden retriever named Felix.

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
I want them to know that what makes the Wilmington Symphony great is the great efforts it takes to keep our musicians local, and bring our Wilmingtonians their own genuine city symphony.

How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?
Well, I have a 6 week old baby boy, so that occupies a lot of my time! But also, practice, running and reading.

Any words of wisdom to help others through this pandemic?
Stay physically active! Go for a bike ride/walk/run at the beach, or Greenfield lake! Work in the yard! Hike the trails in Brunswick Nature Park! Getting out of doors is one of the safest things you can do during this craziness. It can also keep both your mind and body occupied, helps you sleep, and your heart will thank you later!

Amy   comes from a family of musicians and artists.  Her father  played trumpet, and performed throughout eastern North Carolina with his big band, The Lloyd Hinson Orchestra, and his beach band, Shaggin'.  Amy's brother is a trumpet player in Raleigh, performing  at   DPAC with various musicals throughout the year, as well as groups such as the Four Tops and the Temptations.  Amy's mother was an artist whose paintings focus on scenes from coastal North Carolina.  

Amy earned her Bachelor and Master of Music Education from East Carolina University.   She taught in North Carolina for 28 years, most recently at Holly Shelter Middle School in Castle Hayne.   In August 2022, she became the Orchestra Operations Coordinator for the Wilmington Symphony and enjoys working the musicians of both the WSO and the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra.    In addition to music, she also enjoys  artistic endeavors such as cake decorating  and painting.  

Here's an interview with Amy in 2022:

How long have you played your instrument(s)?
I started band in 5th grade on clarinet in 1979.  I played bass clarinet for a while and finally switched to oboe in 8th grade.    I  heard the song "Do You Know Where You're Going To" on the radio, and fell in love with the sound of the oboe.  I had to ask my band director what instrument it was, and asked if I could play it.  Our school didn't have one, so he bought one  for me to learn.  

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
My first gig with the WSO was as a college student at ECU in the early 90s, but I became a member in 1995.

What do you do for a career?
I recently retired after 28 years of teaching middle school band, most recently at Holly Shelter Middle School in Castle Hayne, NC.   I now work for the WSO as Orchestra Operations Coordiantor!

Where did you grow up?
In a very small town called Laurel Hill NC - about 2 hours away from here!

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
That's almost impossible to answer! I love Bach, but I also like 3 Doors Down and Evanescence! My favorite musical memory is playing a family recital with my Dad and brother, who are both trumpet players, and my step-mother and sister in law, who play piano.

Favorite meal or restaurant?
Any place that serves crab legs!

Favorite beverage?
My morning cup of coffee.

What is your favorite vacation?
Any place tropical, but my most favorite place is Ocracoke NC.

You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist and/or movie do you want with you??
Again, almost an impossible question to answer. As for music - I couldn't settle on any one, so I'd have to cheat and say a mix-tape of all my favorites! I don't have a favorite book, so I'd probably want an instructional manual on how to build a raft. My favorite movie would probably have to be Titanic.

What's your pet situation?
We have a beautiful mixed breed named Roxie, and a 2-year-old brindle lab/hound mix named Boone, who is a handful! 

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
It's a great place to play and they have grown tremendously during the 25 years I've been with them!

Andrew Gore received a Master of Horn Performance from Western Carolina University and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where he studied with Drs. Travis Bennett and Terry Roberts, respectively.  In addition, Andrew has post graduate studies with Dr. Alan Mattingly with the University of Nebraska.
​
 Andrew has enjoyed an active performance career in both North and South Carolina. He has performed with the Florence Symphony, Fayetteville Symphony, Asheville Symphony, Wilmington Symphony Orchestra and the City Ballet of Wilmington.

 Other extensive ensemble work includes Wilmington Symphonic Winds, Festive Brass of Myrtle Beach, Beach Brass Quintet, and the North Myrtle Beach Community Band.

Outside of a busy performance schedule, Andrew works with a large multifamily real estate firm as a property manager while enjoying the laid back atmosphere of the coastal life. Andrew hopes to continue a successful freelance career based out of Myrtle Beach.

​Here's an interview with Bernard in 2020:

What instrument(s) do you play?
My primary instrument is the viola, although I also occasionally perform on the violin.

How long have you played your instrument(s)?
I started the viola in a beginning junior high class in Los Angeles, mostly because I was intrigued by the name "viola", and wanted to find out more about it.
I have been playing the viola for about 60 years. I feel like I'm still learning how to play it.

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
I started coming down from Jacksonville as a part-time player many years ago. When we moved to Wilmington about four years ago, I became a full-time member to the symphony.

What do you do for a career?
I am semi-retired now, but spent my career teaching music at all levels, and always, performing.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Highland Park, a suburb of Los Angeles, California. I have music degrees from USC, the Universities of Maryland and Iowa.

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
Some of my favorite musical memories from my long career are: performing in the orchestra for the Carmel Bach Festival in California; performing in the White House as part of the US Army Band strolling strings group, stationed at For Myer in Arlington, Virginia; performing in various string quartets, including a cultural tour of the Soviet Union during the Mikhail Gorbachev era.

Favorite meal or restaurant?
Mexican food at Tequila Comida and Cantina.

Favorite beverage?
My favorite beverage is Cherry Coke or Cherry Pepsi.

What is your favorite vacation?
The Galapagos Islands, Fiji, and an African safari in Botswana (the only shooting we did was with cameras). I never thought that I would be so calm watching two lions walk past our vehicle or seeing a baby leopard sheltering under our jeep.

You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist and/or movie do you want with you??
One of my favorite movies is "The Tall Blond Man with the One Black Shoe," the original version from 1972 with French subtitles (not the dubbed version).

We read a lot of mysteries. Some of our favorite authors are Martha Grimes, Carl Hiaasen, Dick Frances, and Lindsey Davis. If I had to choose a professional book on music, I would take the brilliant book by pianist Charles Rosen called "The Classical Style."

What's your pet situation?
We share our home with three cats, Karma, Sadie, and Mr. Feldman.

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
I enjoy playing in the Wilmington Symphony because we rehearse in a relaxed atmosphere, with really pleasant people who are excellent musicians. Oh, I almost forgot, we also have a terrific conductor who picks really interesting and challenging pieces.

How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?
We read a lot, do yard work, and see various doctors. Professionally, I practice almost every day. What helps me keep up my musical "chops" is playing music on most Fridays with Beverly Andrews and her daughters.

Any words of wisdom to help others through this pandemic?
The best words of wisdom that I can give to younger people is, expect and even welcome changes in your lives. In a constantly changing world, one has to adapt to new situations and possibly learn new skills. In my own case, I have taught in public schools and colIeges, served in the Army, and performed in various venues in trios, quartets, orchestras, etc. I enjoyed them all. I would also like to add that you should follow your heart, which I have done throughout my life.

Mitch Hebert holds a Master of Music in Percussion Performance from Oklahoma City University where he studied with Dr. David Steffens and served as Graduate Assistant. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Alma College, studying with Dave Zerbe.

Mitch is an active freelance percussionist and educator in the Cape Fear Region and currently holds the Principal Timpanist position with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra. He regularly performs with the  Wilmington Symphonic Winds, Onslow Winds Jazz Ensemble, and in the pit orchestra with Opera House Theatre Company and Thalian Association Community Theatre.

Mitch has performed with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Lansing Concert Band, Capitol City Brass Band, the award-winning Alma College Pipe Band, Petoskey Steel Drum Band, and many more. As a member of the Alma College Percussion Ensemble, Mitch performed all over the Midwest including Detroit International Jazz Festival, Notre Dame Jazz Festival, and others. He has attended and performed at numerous Michigan, Oklahoma, and North Carolina Music Educators Association Conventions. As a High School Band Director in Edmond, Oklahoma, he had the privilege of conducting in Carnegie Hall.  

When Shirley moved to Wilmington in 2003, her first call was to Joanne Riesz -- then the Wilmington Symphony's Orchestra Manager -- to request an audition. Performing as a violinist in the Orchestra since then has been a perfect fit for her. In fact, just four years after joining the Wilmington Symphony she succeeded Joanne as the new Orchestra Manager/Music Librarian and still fills those shoes today.

Prior to her time in the Wilmington Symphony, Shirley worked for the Air Force providing pilots with weather briefings. She has a degree in Atmospheric Science (she and her husband are both meteorologists and met while working at a private forecasting company outside of Boston in 2000).

She also loves cars and tarantulas! She drives a 2001 Impreza 2.5RS and performs the maintenance herself. Shirley and her husband once owned two dozen tarantulas.

When asked who influenced her to become a musician, she says "As far back as I can remember, I wanted to play the violin. My 6th grade and also high school orchestra teacher, Mark Cornell, was a talented violinist with the Albany Symphony. I will forever be grateful to him for the personalized instruction he provided me. When my skills had outgrown my student instrument, he loaned me one of his personal instruments until my parents were able to purchase a more suitable violin for me. At the age of 38, Mark Cornell was killed by a drunk driver on his way home from a high school pit orchestra rehearsal. Over a decade later, I still think of him from time to time, wishing he could see me continue to grow as a musician."

In addition to playing violin in the Wilmington Symphony, Shirley also plays at weddings and receptions and in pit orchestras with local theater companies, including the 2010 re-opening of Thalian Hall.

Here's an interview with Shirley in 2020:

How long have you played the violin?
Since 1987, so close to 33 years.

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
Since 2003, so close to 17 years.

What do you do for a career?
Freelance musician, private violin instructor, and brand ambassador.

Where did you grow up?
Albany, NY

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
Having all the symphony musicians on stage at the start of each concert while serving as orchestra manager.

Favorite meal or restaurant?
Tom Yum Noodle Soup from Umaii.

Favorite beverage?
Soy chai latte

What is your favorite vacation?
Meeting up with my husband in Sydney after he finished supporting the Australia bushfire season.

You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist and/or movie do you want with you??
Spotify's Peaceful Meditation playlist

What's your pet situation?
Mick (Yellow-Naped Amazon parrot) & Minnie (Domestic Shorthair cat)

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
Your support of our symphony helps provide so many opportunities to the children of the Cape Fear region through our various youth programs.

How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?
Teaching violin privately online. Learning an Avett Brothers setlist for their fan meetup event rescheduled for October. Working on Paganini Caprices and Mozart Sonatas. Catching up on yard work.

Any words of wisdom to help others through this pandemic?
Be kind to one another.