Lisa Gattuso, violin

Lisa grew up in Maryland and moved to North Carolina for college. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from UNC-Greensboro, taught orchestra at Holly Shelter Middle School, and now teaches at Roland-Grise Middle School.
 
When asked what attracts her to performing in the Wilmington Symphony she says, “I missed performing in a professional ensemble when I first moved to Wilmington. The symphony allows me to continue practicing the violin and perform challenging repertoire with other professionals.”
 
She was influenced to become a musician by her public and private school music teachers.  About her own teaching, she says, “The life lessons students receive through music education are so important. I try to pass on a passion for music to my students every day.”
 
In 2014 Ms. Gattuso was chosen by WWAY as their Teacher of the Week.  See the video and article here:  http://www.wwaytv3.com/2014/01/14/teacher-of-the-week-lisa-gattuso
 
In addition to her time in the Wilmington Symphony, Lisa performs with the Tallis Chamber Orchestra as well as weddings and events throughout Wilmington.

Here's an interview with Lisa in 2020:

How long have you played the violin?
23 years

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
9 years this season

What do you do for a career?
I teach orchestra and guitar at Holly Shelter Middle School. I'm also the director of the Wilmington Junior Strings, have a private studio, and play weddings/private events.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Crofton, Maryland, nearby Annapolis. 

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
My favorites change all the time: I love Tchaikovsky and Dvorak. Current artists include Ingrid Michaelson, The Civil Wars, and Time for Three.

Favorite meal or restaurant?
I love all Asian food, favorite local restaurant is either Indochine or Fun Bowl.

Favorite beverage?
Coffee is always my favorite

What is your favorite vacation?
Probably the islands of Thailand: Koh Samui or Koh Tao

You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist and/or movie do you want with you??
Probably a Harry Potter book, some TwoSet Violin entertainment, and a few episodes of The Office

What's your pet situation?
I have two cats: Sassy and Gabe, One is like her name, the other is like a playful dog (Main Coon).

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
The WSO is a wonderful community of musicians who care deeply about the arts. I'm lucky to be a part of an organization who promotes the education and love of music.

How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?
I'm spending my time communicating with my students via Google Classroom and colleagues via Zoom. I'm also using this time to do some home improvements, gardening, and home-made crafting.

Any words of wisdom to help others through this pandemic?
As I've told my students: we should think about the great things that have happened, and look forward to the future, this is only a moment in time.

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