Next up in our cello spotlights, a long-time cellist with RVS, Lynn!

I have been teaching orchestra in the Medford School District for over 20 years, and have played in RVSO for about the same length of time. I am married with two boys and 4 grown step children. We have a hobby farm on the north side of Roxy Ann and raise Black Forest Draft horses, sheep, goats, and chickens. I started playing cello as a 4th grader in the public school system in Puyallup, WA. I love to travel and have lived abroad in Germany for a couple of years.

When the orchestra instruments were introduced to us when I was in elementary school, I decided on cello because of the size of the instrument as well as range of sound. I had a favorite Christmas album that my family played, and it featured Silent Night on the French Horn. I absolutely loved that sound, and when I heard the cello, to my 4th grade ear, it sounded like that horn on Silent Night.

Playing with some of the same friends and colleagues I’ve known for 20+ years, playing great music, being challenged both technically and musically, being surrounded by that “live symphonic sound” which is only experienced while playing with a full symphony orchestra. I also have had the opportunity to play together in RVSO with several of my former students, which is pretty neat!

I have a lot! I run to keep in shape and reduce stress and have completed 14 marathons. I love to ride horses, and am currently focused on Dressage, or classical riding. I garden and love the outdoors, hiking, skiing etc. I love to travel!

Both my grandfathers fought in World War II, but on opposing sides. My maternal grandfather was a foot soldier in the German army in Italy. My paternal grandfather was an officer in the US Navy in the South Pacific. For me, this is a reminder that however ugly, despairing, and futile a situation may be, we will get through it and there is always hope.