Why is music important to you?
I think music is important to everyone. It brings out the good in everyone and helps people get through the bad stuff too.
Has your musical background helped you with your profession?
Having so many musicians around me has been great fun. In school I sang in chorus for a short time, and it gave me great confidence at a young age. Performing in front of a crowd was intimidating, but in the end, it was exciting and rewarding. Some of these experiences have given me the creativity and people skills needed in my profession.
How did you get involved with WFSM?
When I attended a WSMA Middle Level State Honors orchestra concert, I first heard about WFSM and the work that it does. I had no idea what it was really all about. After hearing the quality of music that came out of the middle school kids, the light bulb went on: this organization does amazing work and is shaping many accomplished musicians at a very young age. I knew I wanted to get involved somehow.
You are a member of the WFSM Board of Trustees, chair of the WFSM Development Committee, and an annual donor. Wow! Why have you chosen to commit so many of your resources to WFSM?
I owe it to my two step-daughters Alex and Lauren. Their talents and commitment to music moved me to get involved. I’m in the marketing and communications profession and the development committee seemed to be a natural fit. Eventually, I was happy to be a voice on the Board as well and have been honored to do so with so many other people who are fun, passionate and dedicated to music education.
Why are you leaving us for California?
We love Wisconsin, but have always dreamed of living in California. We are following our dreams.
Looking ahead do you plan on staying engaged in music education non-profits?
I sincerely hope that I can. It is something that’s in my heart and I would like to stay engaged if I have the opportunity. I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by talented family and musician friends and want to give back where I can.
Would you encourage others to give to WFSM?
Absolutely! Around the state of Wisconsin, there are over 600 music programs that WFSM supports. It is a unique music program that spans the entire state. I think of all of the thousands of kids it has a positive impact on and how the skills they acquire will carry through into their adulthood. Not just in music, but life skills that are important to society that are being developed through participation in music education. It can’t be put into words.