“The creativity that can be unleashed as a chamber musician is so freeing. To have more agency with musical ideas and to play at a high level with your friends is just the best.”
– Lenelle Morse
How did Bellingham become your home?
My granddaughter was born in January of 2020 in Bellingham while I was living in Maryland and teaching at Peabody Preparatory. It quickly became apparent that I could not be a twice a year grandma so I moved to Washington in 2021 and now also have a grandson.
Do you remember a time when you were young and something musical just grabbed you?
There are too many times to mention but I became obsessed with Shostakovich 5th Symphony when I was at music camp in high school. My love of orchestral music started at Sewanee Summer Music Center in TN.
How did you decide to make a life in music?
In college, I was getting a music degree but my father “strongly suggested” that I have something more practical so I got a math minor as well. I knew from the beginning that I would never be using the math degree because I loved the music so much.
Where did you complete your musical studies?
I studied violin performance with Paul Biss at Indiana University
Are there any musicians or teachers in particular who have played important roles in forming your thoughts as a musician?
Itzhak Perlman was my idol and I had every one of his LP’s when I was growing up. If you’re forming a sound in your mind, it doesn’t get much better that Perlman. Aside from the influence of my violin professor, I had the great fortune of studying string pedagogy with Mimi Zweig at Indiana and I owe her so much with my own teaching. My favorite violin performers these days are Augustin Hadelich and Janine Jansen.
Share some of the musical moments that have most inspired you? Performances you’ve watched or been involved in or both.
In general, there are times in an orchestra or chamber music performance that it all just clicks. That’s hard to explain but I remember a friend saying that playing in an orchestra is the highest level of socialization that you can have. 70+ people playing their best and most creatively at the exact same moment. It’s a real thrill.
What are your (current) favorite classical pieces with and/or without the violin?
Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet has always been my “desert island” piece – it has everything! Two meditative favorites are Arvo Part’s – Spiegel im Spiegel and Shostakovich Piano Concerto #2 slow movement. Both of these touch the deepest part of us with their simplicity.
What was a most unusual performance you were involved in?
Years ago I filled in as the only 2nd violinist with a touring ragtime orchestra that was in town and their other violinist was sick. There was no time for a rehearsal and it was an unfamiliar style – what a blast!
Tell us your thoughts on the art of chamber music?
While I love the orchestral repertoire, the creativity that can be unleashed as a chamber musician is so freeing. To have more agency with musical ideas and to play at a high level with your friends is just the best. The vibrant chamber music community in Bellingham was a happy surprise after I moved here.
How do you spend your time outside music? Other interests?
I play a lot of Legos and read plenty of books with little grandkids, which I truly adore. I’m very big into birding with this area being so rich in wildlife. I’m also very spoiled with the walks/hikes here in Bellingham and I love investigating new areas. My private students are wonderful and they keep me moving in different directions. I’ve also just started going down the sourdough bread making rabbit hole. Wish me luck!
