Our NewWSO Member Stories
Joanna Luo
Violin
"It's been a really great community, and people are friendly and welcoming."
After moving to Westchester and not having played violin for several years, I wanted to find a new community orchestra to join. It's been a really great community, and people are friendly and welcoming. Some of my favorite concerts were the Messiah Sing Along where we perform alongside the audience, and the sense of camaraderie really contributes to the holiday spirit.
What she would say to a new member: "I would definitely encourage them to try it out. Whether they stay for a single concert or the whole season, I think they would enjoy it".
Dan Prener
Violin, Viola
"It was the ideal way to get back to playing, after not playing for several decades."
I knew the conductor. The orchestra had just been formed. There were no violas at the time, and the orchestra needed some. It was the ideal way to get back to playing, after not playing for several decades. The organization has always been welcoming and accepting. Playing excellent music in professional (non-simplified) editions has been both challenging and rewarding.
Words for new members: "Try it. It's a lot of fun."
Rachel Goldstein
Viola
"I enjoyed the performance opportunities I had. The community was very friendly. I got to make some new friends outside my age group and start networking to build up my music career."
I heard from a friend who used to do orchestra with me in college. I'm a college graduate with a BA in music and biology. I wanted to do something with my music degree until I was able to find a steady job where my music degree can be of use. I also do NewWSO as part of the musical portion as my role as a music teacher so I can share my experience with my students. I enjoyed the performance opportunities I had and the community was very friendly.
Words for new members: "This is an open community. The people are so welcoming and very friendly."
Kayo Totsukaya
Oboe
"I was impressed with the opportunity to play the oboe d'amore."
I found NewWSO on the internet. This orchestra was the first to show up after I googled the words "Westchester" and "community orchestra". I joined because the rehearsal place is close to my house, and people are so nice. I’m Japanese, so I’ve never played music like the Messiah in a church in Japan. I was happy to have such an experience.
Words for new members: “Please join us!!”
Jewelle Yamada
Clarinet
"I appreciate being part of an ensemble that has a welcoming mindset of inclusivity to community members with a passion to make music together."
I was invited to attend a concert by two friends who play in community concert bands with me and who also play in the NewWSO. They encouraged me to consider joining. I really like the variety of orchestral music selections that our maestro Steven challenges us with, and I appreciate being part of an ensemble that has a welcoming mindset of inclusivity to community members with a passion to make music together. I enjoy the music selections we play and I especially like how Steven takes time to explain the history and mindset of the composers when they wrote the pieces we play.
Words for new members: "Follow your passion. Don't hesitate. You'll find this is a very welcoming community of musicians."
Jesse Abing
Oboe
"I cherish the opportunity to make connections through music."
I found the group online but was a bit nervous to try playing in an ensemble again after so many years of not playing. The members, especially the oboe section, was so welcoming and uplifting. I've gone on to make really great friends in the orchestra and look forward to playing at rehearsals and concerts. My friends and family have also loved coming out to support the performances!
Words for new members: "From beginners to pros, it's a great experience for all!"
Sarah Zeegen
French Horn
"Very supportive to someone who had not played their instrument for almost 30 years!"
I found NewWSO through a Google search. Jesse was super friendly and inviting when I expressed interest in joining the orchestra. It has been very supportive to someone who had not played their instrument for almost 30 years!
Words for new members: "Join! Everyone is amazing! Concert repertoire is fantastic."
Shameka Loney
Violin
"Everyone was so welcoming, friendly, and kind. I really enjoyed going and look forward to continue."
I decided to join because I always loved playing when I was in school and continuing with it was always in the back of my mind. I paused my participation in the group when I got accepted to go back to college to get my degree. But from the start everyone was so welcoming, friendly, and kind. I really enjoyed going and look forward to continue.
Words for new members: "Do it! There is no pressure to play well, only that you enjoy yourself."