Meet the Orchestra

Music Director & Conductor: Dr. David Schultz

Dr. Schultz is an accomplished conductor, violist, and composer based in Dexter, Michigan. In May 2019, Dr. Schultz became the Dexter Community Orchestra’s third music director and conductor.

Jeff, French Horn

I joined the DCO after its first season, about 13 years ago.
There is no way to say what I enjoy the most, as there are too many points of enjoyment.
However, I would have to say the people are the most enjoyable aspect to the group.
I spend most of my time in my root canal specialty office taking care of patients. I love taking photos, playing a swiss Alphorn, spending time with my wife, kids and grandkids, when not in my office.

Margaret, cello

I have played with the DCO since 2009. I was searching for a welcoming and vibrant community orchestra in which I could play.
I love that the DCO has players of all ages and levels of ability, that everyone is kind and that the musicians generally take the music seriously so the group manages to produce some sweet music. I guess that's more than one thing but it is the quintessential community orchestra, serving both its members and the community in a number of positive ways.
When not playing with the DCO, I am a part-time library employee, dog wrangler, chamber musician, social activist, and occasional troublemaker.

Mira, violin

I’ve been playing 2nd violin with the DCO for approximately 13 years. I went to watch their concerts much longer before I joined the group as I started learning to play violin. I grew up learning classical piano (like many kids). After I had my first child, I wanted to explore learning and playing another music instrument and violin got my pick.
The DCO allows me to be part of an orchestra group and developing and maturing my violin skill. This community group is an amazing platform for me to keep up playing violin. There are plenty number of phenomenal musicians in the group that I can learn and improve my musicality.
Playing with the DCO allows me to gain orchestral experiences sans the stress level of professional orchestra groups. The group is like a family that advocates the enjoyment of being together to make a beautiful music together without stressful competitions.
I love being active - physically, mentally, and spiritually. Outside of playing with the DCO, I do daily yoga (yep, 7 days a week), biking, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, rock climbing, and been in love with Argentine Tango dancing for a few years now. I also started learning Japanese Taiko drumming that I found so fascinating - not merely musically, but also spiritually.
I have one teenage daughter who’s a senior at Pioneer High School, and currently is busy with college applications.
I go to my birth country every summer to visit my family in Bali, Indonesia. Overall, exploring various places around the globe is my favorite thing do.
My violin is not quite a full size as my fingers are relatively a tad short to play a full size. I’ve got a customized 7/8 size.

Carol, trombone

I have played with the DCO since its inception in 2005. Dan and I had just closed on the building of our home right here in Dexter Twp. I saw signs in town one day advertising the start of a new community orchestra. We were eager to get back into playing in an ensemble so we showed up to rehearsal and the rest is history.
I love everything about the DCO. I love the music and getting the opportunity to play and perform a diverse repertoire including the classics and newly written pieces. I love the educational spirit of the organization, which includes collaborating with youth musicians. I love that it's truly a community group open to individuals of varying abilities who have a desire to play. And I love the people, especially my section mates, who make going to rehearsal each week so much fun.
When not playing with DCO, I live in a multi-generational home and I am the mother of 2 very busy teenagers. I am a licensed Realtor and a licensed Occupational Therapist.

Jake, double bass

I have only been with the DCO for 2 months. I was drawn to the DCO as an adult beginner bassist who was looking for a way to play in an orchestra that welcomed all levels!
I really enjoy learning from my other section members. It's inspiring to be around other dedicated musicians.
I am an electric bassist in a touring Detroit rock band, Jeremy Porter and the Tucos. I also take private double bass lessons to become an even better contributor to the DCO! Recently, I've also started learning to tap dance.

Alexis, viola

I just started playing with DCO in August 2022! I had been away from my viola for a couple years and wanted to pick it back up with a welcoming and supportive group.
I love having the opportunity to play with a group of awesome people who are really passionate about music. I also love improving from whatever your baseline is by playing challenging music with the support of other musicians.
I work in pediatric neurology clinical research at Mott Children’s Hospital! In my free time I enjoy hiking and volunteering at the humane society of huron valley.

Elizabeth, violin

I’ve played with DCO for one year. I was drawn to the camaraderie within the group- everyone I meet in the orchestra is so kind and fun to talk to!
I love being able to continue to play music into adulthood. The concerts are a blast and rehearsals are too!
Outside the DCO I work as a Physician Assistant in internal medicine. I also enjoy playing pickleball, trivia, and trying to find dogs to pet on walks around town.

Meghan, violin

I joined the DCO as a second violin in 2016, so this is my 7th year playing with the DCO! I’ve been playing violin since I was 7 years old and have played in various orchestra groups since high school. Once I finished school and started working in industry, I was looking for a group with a more community feel and an opportunity to meet people with lots of different backgrounds. I was drawn to DCO mainly because of the sense of community and welcoming that I felt when I first started coming to rehearsals.
I enjoy the variety of music we play over the year, as well as being able to learn new things about the different pieces of music we play. I also like meeting people from across the community!
Outside of orchestra, I work as a machine learning specialist at the University of Michigan. I love reading and traveling- this past summer I visited Germany, Austria, and Italy, and I’ve also been to Ireland, Scotland, Sweden and Finland! I also like playing golf, soccer, and spending time outside. Last year, I even completed the Visit Every Park challenge to visit all 163 parks in the Ann Arbor park system! I volunteer with the Michigan Science Center and sing and play violin at St. Mary Student Parish in Ann Arbor. I live in Pittsfield Township with my husband Brendan and dog Gatsby.

Joe, viola

I'm pretty sure this is my fourteenth season! I was looking for a community orchestra to join after we moved to Ann Arbor. I had heard a few musician-friends speak favorably about the DCO.
By far, it is the people that make up the orchestra. They are all wonderful and friendly. That's a huge part of what makes the orchestra so great. And we get to explore and perform the best orchestral music out there!
I play in a couple of string quartets and another orchestra as well as the DCO. Along with that, I watch a lot of baseball. I spend lots of my spare time listening to all types of music and watching movies. I also spend a lot of time sorting through my huge collection of recordings and videos. I worked in record and video stores for a long time. I accumulated a ton of music and movies. It's a never-ending process of paring things down, weeding things out, and digitizing.

Tom, trumpet

I have been with the DCO since about year 3, so a long time!
What I enjoy most is the repertoire we get to play, some of which are long-time favorites and some my first time playing.
In addition to the DCO, I also play pit orchestra jobs, play in a brass quintet, and the occasional church gig. By day I am student ombudsperson at the University of Michigan. I have two grown kids, so I enjoy time with family. Also reading, and I'm a big sports fan.

Rachel, viola

I've been playing with the DCO for a year now. I was looking for a community orchestra that would help me to keep playing, but would also fit in with my schedule.
I love the people in the orchestra; they make this group so welcoming and enjoyable. I also love that we're able to make great quality music without the stress and competition of a professional group. Coming to rehearsals is truly a highlight of my week.
Outside of the DCO, I teach history and geography to elementary school students at a Catholic hybrid school program. I also teach private violin and viola lessons. I enjoy craft projects, reading, learning new things, spending time outside, and going on random adventures with my husband.

Julie, cello

I’ve been with the DCO for 5 years. I had been playing with another group and was looking for a change. Tony Elliot was conducting at that point and he’s a phenomenal cellist, so I joined in hopes that I would gain some cello knowledge! I also knew a few people already in the group so I figured it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to fit in with the group.
I like the laid-back attitude that the group has, and I really enjoy David’s conducting. I also like the range of pieces we play.
I have been playing for about 35 years and I’m really happy that I’ve been able to continue through all different seasons of life. I’m married and have two teen-age daughters. We live in Ypsilanti with our dog Fizzics (named by my husband – the ultimate dad joke…) I work at the University of Michigan Hospital, and my background is in clinical research, as a research coordinator. I recently joined the Research Pharmacy as their Protocol Coordinator. I love to read, relax and weed, but rarely get enough time for any of it!

David, violin

I started playing violin in 4th grade. During graduate school, medical school, and residency I didn't touch my violin very much until our daughter was born. When she was a year old she would sit on my feet as I started to practice scales again. So playing the violin 24 to 40 years depending on how you count it.
DCO has let me restart something that was important to me that I had essentially lost and wasn't aware I had lost. I didn't realize how much music meant to me until I left it for 16 years and then came back to it
In the real world, I am an internist who focuses on inpatient medical care - hospitalist - at the University of Michigan. I'm married and we have a 9th grader at Skyline High School. I am also an annoying cat person who will talk about his two cats if given the opportunity.

Carrie, oboe

This is my first season with the DCO and the group was recommended to me by other musicians in the region.
I appreciate the skill and supportive attitude of our music director; the dedication and focus of the musicians during rehearsals; the selection of classical repertoire; and being able to share the joy of music with the community.
I am a Biology professor, teaching students entering health professions. I also run a home beeswax candle business. Outside of work I enjoy trail running and cross-country skiing.

Hilary, Cello

I joined the DCO in September 2010..
I started to learn to play the cello after I retired in 2001.I was living in Buffalo, NY, where I had played with the Amherst Symphony ( a local community orchestra) for 5 years before moving to Ann Arbor with my husband in 2010 to be nearer to family.I asked a grandson to find me a local orchestra, and that is how I found the DCO.
It is much more fun to play with other people than alone, and the orchestra allows me to play without an audition!
It gives me incentive of practice regularly & improve my playing.
I also enjoy singing in a church choir in Ann Arbor, and dancing--Scottish Country Dancing, weekly in Ann Arbor.

Bern, violin

I joined the orchestra in 2009 at the suggestion of Mike Garrahan. He knew I used to play violin instead of the viola I was playing at that time, and he suggested I take it up again and play 2nd violin as more 2nds were needed in the orchestra. I have enjoyed doing that ever since.
I enjoy several things, and cannot decide which is "most". Playing the violin again. Social interaction with other musicians. Making music. Working with the excellent conductors we have been lucky enough to have. Exposure to pieces that I have not heard before.
When not playing with DCO I have several hobbies that occupy much of my time. Playing viola with the Life Sciences Orchestra. Hosting audiences for ballets and operas and musicals in my rather sophisticated home theater. Designing and maintaining electronics for my home theater. Gardening around the house. My loving wife and I have been married for 56 years and have two children and two grandchildren. We used to travel extensively and have been to all 50 States, 83 countries, and all 7 continents.

Maddie, violin

This is my first season with DCO in September 2022! It had been a few years since I had played in an orchestra, but was excited to find one close by and I was eager to join!
I enjoy the opportunity to meet new people and continue learning new music. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, it is nice to play excellent music with a great group.
I am a research technician at the Cooperative Institute of Great Lakes Research in Ann Arbor. I work primarily on the lower food web of Lake Michigan, studying larval fish and zooplankton. I enjoying going for hikes, knitting, snorkeling and skiing!

Nate, trombone

This is my seventh season playing with the Dexter Community Orchestra. I started playing with the group as a sub for rehearsals. I had so much fun that when the opportunity came up to join the trombone section I jumped at the chance.
I always feel like the best part of making music with a group is the people. The camaraderie, working toward a common goal of performance, and of course the joy of performing together. I love that a group like the DCO brings together so many people from various professions, ages, backgrounds, and experience and unites us all in a common love of music making.
I live in Saline with my wife Nicole. We have two adult sons. Ryan, who is also a trombonist, is a Junior Human Biology major at MSU and is a member of the Spartan Marching Band. Alex is a graduate student at the University of Toledo in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. I have been a music teacher in Saline Area Schools for the past twenty six years. I teach four high school level concert bands, jazz band, marching band, pep band, and occasionally music theory and guitar.
I enjoy travelling, hiking, cooking, baking, gardening, chess, and I am a huge history nerd.

Hayley, flute & piccolo

I have played with the orchestra since 2017 and can be heard as piccolo and flute 3.
I went to music school then took a break after graduating, and eventually began playing again first with the Dexter Community Band and then the Dexter Community Orchestra because I missed the music and comradery of playing in these big groups. I've always loved hearing the music happen, and my favorite music to play is within the orchestral setting.
When I'm not in rehearsal, I'm usually spending time on one of my hobbies such as learning banjo, doing puzzles, working on my house, and spending time with my friends and family.

Madelyn, cello

I recently moved to Ann Arbor and began playing with the DCO at the beginning of the 2022-23 season. I was looking for a community orchestra to join to keep my playing up during a gap year from school, and the DCO has been a great resource for me!
The members of the DCO are all kind and hardworking musicians, and it is so inspiring to work with musicians who are balancing full time jobs outside of music like myself. The rehearsal room is always an enjoyable and friendly environment, which I believe is a contributor to the great music we create!
When not playing with the DCO, I am working to further hone my skills on the cello in the hopes of being accepted into a Master’s in Music program. I also enjoy getting creative with crocheting and hand embroidery!

Sarah, violin

Hi, I am Sarah Massey. I am a violinist and this is my first year playing with the DCO! I recently moved back to the Ann Arbor area after growing up in Saline and moving away for college. I stopped playing during the pandemic and was itching to play in a group again. I remember watching some DCO concerts when I was in high school and was excited to play with such a great group of people. I also partly joined because this concert season featured two of my bucket list pieces to play: Pictures at an Exhibition and Holst Planets Suite.
My favorite part of playing with the DCO is getting to meet so many new people. I have lived in the Ann Arbor area my whole life but as an adult I haven't gotten the chance to meet many new people. This has been a wonderful opportunity to get to share common interests while learning about the people who live in my community.
When I am not playing with the DCO I love traveling to see musicals. At this point I have seen over 20 musicals across the midwest and have lots more on the docket for the next year. It's been fun to explore different midwest cities while getting to see spectacular shows! When I am not traveling, I love to spend time at home with my partner Patrick and our four cats, Maxwell, Blue, Mochi and Kermit.

Gayle, flute

Well, I didn't make a mental note of it, but I believe it was about 6 or 7 years ago I joined DCO. I was looking for another group to play in locally. I'm already in the Dexter Community Band as principal flute. I was also looking for something that would provide more of a challenge. I'd not participated in a full orchestra before.
Orchestra has been a bit of a challenge (key signatures not as common as community band music, lol, and a repertoire that's completely different). But the atmosphere is also different. It's more relaxed, there's a unique camaraderie here. I'm seated between 2 exceptional people, Laura & Hayley, and I definitely take advantage of that as I don't have advanced musical knowledge, I just love to play! We flutes have also gotten together on a few separate occasions to play. I do enjoy playing in smaller ensembles, also.
For the first 3 years of retirement, my husband (Anthony) of now 40 years & I were in the position of taking care of ailing parents, then handling their affairs. Now we're settling into a new home & looking to do regular retirement stuffs. We've always enjoyed traveling and camping, so we're hoping to ramp that up a little bit. We bought a 1990 motorhome last year that had been stored, thankfully inside, that is in really good shape & is getting safety & routine maintenance right now. This will replace travel trailer camping for the most part, although I do have a pull behind I'm still using for some girl's trips. And we've done car trips & cruises and will continue those periodically.
My flute often goes with me. I feel like the pied piper as it tends to draw people in when we're camping. But, as I said, I love playing and these are opportunities for me to noodle around on pieces other than what's programmed for our concerts.
We also inherited a 110 acre farm. No livestock, just barn kitties and crop fields a local farmer leases. We'd considered getting some livestock, but it does conflict with our plans to travel more. We have some wooded acreage we can hunt in (yes, I hunt) and gather firewood (yes, I run chainsaws & other various power tools, as well as the tractor and the mini- excavator *this, not very proficiently, haha).
My husband is retired from City of Ann Arbor field services. We have one daughter, Jillian. She's just turned 32 this year. She works from home in Lansing as tech support for Solimar, a company based out of San Diego. We have indoor pets; one rescued, very affectionate Boxer/Catahoula mix & 2 independent & feisty tabby cats that believe breakfast should be at 4 am. And we currently have one highly energetic grand-pup and a very laid back grand-kitty.

Lori, cello

Ever since I moved to Dexter in 1989 I had wished (idly) for a place to play orchestral repertoire so it was a dream come true when Don Parrish started Dexter Community Orchestra in 2005. I had not met Don but he was my hero already because he started the string program in Dexter schools. The timing was not great for me as I had just moved houses, was president of the Dexter Rotary Club and had my hands full with two school-age kids. I took a hint from my dear husband Jim and made some time in my schedule to join DCO in its second season.
For me, the best part of playing with DCO is getting to spend a couple hours every week where I have to be totally 'in the moment'. I have to empty my mind of all my other concerns and concentrate on staying in sync with the group and doing justice to the music. It's very energizing!
There are probably other places I could get the musical experience but DCO has a real sense of community and caring that I cherish. It's a bit corny but I like to say "Community" is our middle name. DCO members are very supportive of one another and the organization.
I'm retired from an off-and-on career in engineering so when I'm not playing with DCO you can often find me mentoring the Dexter High School robotics team (Go Dreadbots!) I'm also still involved in the Dexter Rotary Club. In summer, aka boating season, Jim and I enjoy cruising northern Lake Michigan in our 49' steel trawler.

Arthur, bass

This is my fourth year -- I think.
The scale and quality of the ensemble, as well as the repertoire. The conductor and members' camaraderie ain't bad either.
When not playing with the DCO, I'm practicing double bass and playing with some other orchestras.

Mary, viola

I started playing with the DCO fall of 2023. I was drawn by the chance to play wonderful music with a talented orchestra.
I love that the music is challenging, but not overly so, and is such a wonderful variety. Our conductor, David, drives us but also makes it fun at the same time. Additionally, my section mates were welcoming from day one and are wonderful to play with. It's an awesome community.
I'm a retired engineer, and I enjoy spending my time playing my viola, volunteering at the local Humane Society, dabbling in my art work, enjoying the outdoors and traveling.

Sirenna, violin

I joined the DCO in 2023, so this is my second year with the group! I’ve been playing the violin since I was five years old, and after finishing graduate school I was looking for a community orchestra so I could continue to create music with others.
I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people through the DCO. Everyone is so welcoming, and it’s been fun to share my love of music with everyone in the orchestra.
Outside of the DCO, I enjoy traveling, swimming, reading, ballet dancing, playing pickleball and volleyball, and exploring the outdoors!

Paul, violin

This is my first full year with DCO after joining in March for the May concert in the 2023-24 concert cycle. I’m excited to be here - orchestra brings me a lot of joy and I already had connections / people I knew already in the orchestra from my friends circle and other hobbies. I also wanted to continue making time for music and be able to utilize the acquired skills from all the years of musical training over my lifetime.
I touched on orchestra bringing me a lot of joy in the draw to the group, and find that I am able to notice the love of music and ensemble through the other orchestra members all the way to the conductor and get along great with them. Everyone appears to take the appropriate attitude toward wanting to be great at the repertoire while knowing that most of us are working day jobs in something other than music and the conductor pushes us to be great at it while understanding the same. The board members show their appreciation by their dedication on beyond the music. As such playing in DCO is a hobby that we all invest in, and to quote high school musical, “We’re all in this together”.
There are probably other places I could get the musical experience but DCO has a real sense of community and caring that I cherish. It's a bit corny but I like to say "Community" is our middle name. DCO members are very supportive of one another and the organization.
Professionally:
My name is Paul and I work as a data scientist at Ford Motor Company. I have five years and change of experience since I started working there in 2019, spanning data operations to customer experience and service and credit analytics. I currently am a data scientist in sales / service analytics at Ford.
Hobby-wise / other:
I do have other musical endeavors playing in the worship team at church and accompanying local community choirs. When time permits I sit down and transcribe other people’s music. I had pursuits of being a performing musician on piano 10 years ago competing in New York City though I unfortunately wasn’t able to cut it as such.
Aside from music, my main hobbies are in sports / physical activities primarily doing tennis, weightlifting, and running. Tennis led to an affinity of decorating headbands which I have done at times (the headband in my photo was decorated a couple weeks prior to Michigan’s semifinal win over Alabama). I’ll do hikes from time to time too typically with my mom, dad, and older sister. I will watch a variety of sports on TV too and have season tickets to Michigan football games as well and have my own blog where I make score predictions on the college football games each week during the season.

Melissa, violin

I’ve been playing violin with the DCO since 2010, although I took a break during the COVID pandemic. I live in Dexter and was looking for a good community orchestra to play with in order to keep up my skills and enjoy playing orchestral music for a few hours a week outside of my professional career.
As a Dexter resident, I’m very happy that there is a good orchestra in my community to play with! Over the years, I've also volunteered my time to the DCO as a member of the board and as the webmaster. It's a great community of people.
I'm a Senior Software Engineer and IT Specialist who enjoys spending time with family, beach combing, playing Celtic harp and very recently Native American flute.

Mike, viola

This is my fourth season with the DCO! My sister-in-law, who plays in the second violin section, invited me to join one of the DCO's summer meetups. I had such a great time connecting with everyone and rediscovering the joy of playing in an orchestra that I decided to officially join in the fall.
After being away from orchestra for a while, I truly appreciate the sense of community within the DCO. The members are incredibly friendly, and there's a shared excitement for making music together. Our Director is outstanding, consistently challenging us with complex pieces, and it's rewarding to see our hard work pay off in every performance!
I'm an uncle to two amazing nieces, Ellie and Lucy. I work at the University of Michigan in engineering leadership education. Additionally, I have a side gig as a travel advisor, driven by my passion for exploring new places. I also sing baritone and play viola at St. Mary Student Parish in Ann Arbor. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, biking, running, and I'm a board game enthusiast. I also love experimenting as a mixologist from time to time!

Alex, cello

Have played with DCO for just 1 year (2023-2024 season); I know 2 string players in the orchestra and they spoke highly of it!
I enjoy the variety of music the most, both modern + more traditional orchestral pieces.
I'm a graduate student at the University of Michigan (Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences) reconstructing past ocean/climate conditions from seashell fossils. Other hobbies of mine include music in other capacities (piano, singing/songwriting), reading & writing, and bowling.

Tess, cello

This is my first year playing in the orchestra. I wanted to join this orchestra because I recently graduated from college and wanted to have a way to keep playing music.
The thing I like most about this orchestra is that everyone takes the music very seriously but it can still be low stress and very fun.
Outside of DCO I work as a research assistant in the Auditory Perception and Neuroscience Lab at the University of Michigan. I also enjoy running, playing the guitar and writing my own music.

Laura, flute

I joined DCO in 2008 (I think). At the time I was in a Community Band at Schoolcraft College that rehearsed on Wednesdays. I had always wanted to be in an orchestra, though. I auditioned for DCO after receiving an email that they were holding auditions for a Principal Flute player. The rest is history!
I love playing orchestral music because it is more challenging than most band music. I enjoy the camaraderie of playing with so many like-minded, talented musicians who also have lives outside of music. It's a great "club" to be a part of.
Besides playing with the DCO, I am also a member (and current Board President) of the Livingston County Concert Band. I work as the Administrative Assistant for South Lyon East High School's Band and Choir Departments. I am a "dabbler" in many different things including (but not limited to); crocheting, crafting, woodworking, gardening, cooking, and any other Pinterest idea that tickles my fancy.

Ralph, Clarinet

I had my first lesson in 1959, and stopped playing altogether between 1976 and 1980. Restarting in community bands and theater orchestras, I ended up playing with several groups for Balkan folk dance events, weddings and Bar Mitzvahs . But just after all my paying gigs ended during the recession of 2008, I ran into college friend and DCO percussionist Rick Rinke (of blessed memory), who said the DCO needed a clarinet player.
The DCO has my learning new repertoire every year, pieces that I should have learned 50 years ago. My wife Deborah is a flutist and we just had our first grandchild.
I retired from an IT career 4 years ago. As amateur (ham) radio licensee AA8RK, catch me on 20m FT8, Echolink, DMR, or any of the many fine local FM repeaters. And this old backpacker's annual walking goal of 600 miles is just under 90% completed.

Andy, viola

I joined the DCO in January 2017. I wanted the opportunity to play in a high-quality amateur orchestra, and the DCO fits this description.
I live in Dexter, and enjoy performing orchestral music in my community. I especially like our Gazebo Concert, and the annual Holiday Concert. I also enjoy the opportunity to play with high school students in our Collaboration Concert.
I am a retired health care administrator. I began playing viola as a child, but "life got in the way" and I set it aside once I entered college. After a 40-year hiatus, I realized how much I missed making music, and gradually worked my way back to semi-competency on my instrument. I also play in the University of Michigan Life Science Orchestra. My son is a musician, and is working on his masters degree in French horn performance at DePaul University.

Ian, violin

I joined DCO just last month, in September 2022. I first learned about it soon after moving to Ann Arbor in 2016, through one of my violin teachers. I remember seeing it perform in Dexter in 2018—that would have been during my sophomore year in high school.
I always loved music—listening to it or playing it. I’ve played in various orchestras starting with a children’s orchestra in Taipei, Taiwan in 4th grade, so playing for DCO is a continuation of what I’ve always done.
At home I enjoy practicing violin and piano, and I watch YouTube a lot—mostly musical things, funny videos, and travel videos. I also like downhill skiing in the winter—I first learned it as a child during a Christmas trip to Grand Rapids, got better at it in Japan, and now I usually go to Mount Holly.

I was born in Taiwan and lived there until I graduated from junior high. While there, my family moved quite often, so we lived in Tamsui, Taipei, Hsinchu, Sanchung, and Zhongli; I attended Hsinchu International School, then Taipei Adventist American School. Musically, my parents started me on piano lessons when I was in 1st grade and then, when my father discovered I had perfect pitch, on violin in 2nd grade. I joined the children’s section of Taipei New Century Orchestra in 4th grade and became a member of its junior section in 7th grade. During summer return trips to the US, I went to Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp for the first time after 6th grade. Almost all of my early musical training was in Chinese.

After moving to Ann Arbor in 2016, I played in Pioneer High School’s Symphony Orchestra for four years. I also entered the UM’s String Academy, and from 2018-2020 I played in MYSO. In the summers from 2017-2019, I played in Blue Lake’s Advanced Chamber Orchestra (I would have played in 2020, too, but Covid hit). I also had the chance to play in the Michigan Youth Festival Orchestra in Kalamazoo in 2018.

I’m on the autism spectrum, and reading and writing are very difficult for me (my father is helping me to write this), so my parents and I decided I would go to an occupational school, Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI). But the Covid pandemic hit, so I more or less just sat at home for a year after graduation. I finally was able to enter MCTI when it reopened in 2021, and I studied “pharm tech,” but the place was still under very strict Covid controls, and the whole experience was unpleasant—I left after two months. I am now working at the Kroger Store on Maple.

John, cello & tuba

From the first rehearsal, about seventeen years ago. Playing cello in an orchestra was a long time personal goal.
Playing the music well, when we can do it.
I am a music grad and an engineer by profession, hoping to retire soon so I can spend more time practicing.

Evan, violin

I started playing in 2018 and played until the pandemic in 2020. I then went to graduate school in Washington D.C. to earn my master's degree and rejoined the orchestra in 2022. I joined the group because Anthony Elliott was conducting and I had played under him in the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra when I was a high school student.
I like performing and inviting friends to the concerts. I've played in orchestras since I was in high school so I like continuing with it.
Professionally, I work in financial services. I'm an avid swimmer and I play tennis and basketball whenever I can. I also sing in the choir at St. Thomas the Apostle in Ann Arbor.

Kayla, percussion

I have played on and off for the last 4 years as my qork travel allows. I was recommended to the orchestra by the Ann Arbor Symphony's Principal Timpanist when I moved to the area after performing with the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra for five years.
The calm demeanor and approach to playing music. It makes for an enjoyable time after a busy work day.
I am an engineer at a test automation company and I work on setting up automated tests for engines, transmissions, batteries, and full vehicles. Dealing with both hardware and software integration and problem solving on a daily basis. At home, I live with my boyfriend and my two 70lb puppies, Onyx and Eevee. I also am Twitch Affiliate and regularly stream myself and friends playing video games.

Kyndra, violin

I have been playing since the 2016/2017 season, and I initially joined for the chance to play Mahler, but have stayed because I love playing orchestral music.
Getting to play some diverse programming and having the chance to play with an ocean of string players.
I also play with the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra, work at Shar Music, and do stage combat (i.e. sword fighting, any "stunts" or choreographed action on a stage) with a Ypsilanti based group called Theatrica Gladitoria.

Mike, violin

I joined in march or April this year. I thought it would be fun to revisit playing with a larger group and hopefully find smaller groups to play with. I haven’t played with an orchestra for decades.
The challenge of learning my part well enough so I can listen and enjoy how all the parts fit together.
Married with fur-children. I am a data scientist who loves playing tennis and improvising jazz and bluegrass along with classical.

George, bassoon/contra-bassoon

I've played with the DCO since its 2nd or 3rd season.
I joined to play quality concert orchestral music (I had played in pit orchestras for the U of M Gilbert & Sullivan performances and The Comic Opera Guild for a combined 30+ years)
I am one of the founding members, and still play with the Ann Arbor Concert Band and am also playing now with the North Oakland Concert band.
I am professionally an orthodontist and have contributed a chapter on head and neck skeletal anatomy for a dental anatomy textbook. I am also a photographer, graphic artist, deer hunter, fisherman, audio recording tech, among other things.
Along with some friends & family last year I built a 26x42 foot barn on my my property located on the edge of the National Guard property outside of Grayling.