The End of an Era

     Cellists at WMU have a unique experience. Our studio-life blends together with orchestra since we are unified by having just one orchestra and our studio professor, Bruce Uchimura, serves as its maestro.

    I’m not sure what other sections in USO see when they look at us in rehearsal. Maybe… an eclectic mix under the watchful eye of our Hawaiian overlord. We have no shortage of personality, strong personalities at that. We hail from every corner of the state of Michigan (St. Joseph, Detroit, Flint, and Manistee to name a few), national locations (D.C and Hawaii), and even international homelands (Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and even Northern Iraq). Each member brings a unique set of talents to the table. Yet what really binds us is our constant support of each other. I am so grateful of that. Even with our petty conflicts, comedic antics, or competitive spirit, it is the love of making music and seeing each other succeed that drives us forward. As section leader and as a section member, in studioclass or in private lessons, I always thought that it was my duty to serve and help you as a graduate assistant. But I now realize that is all of you who have taught me the most invaluable lessons of my graduate degree. Thank you for your patience, your tolerance, and most of all, your support.

    Today is my last USO concert, and perhaps, my last university orchestra concert of my academic career. The program includes Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture, the Frank Martin Ballade for Flute featuring Maria Vizcarra, William Kraft’s Timpani Concerto featuring Amber Feltrin, and the John Williams Tuba Concerto featuring Chance Huiet. The highlight for me, and I think the rest of the section, is the Rossini’s William Tell Overture with its famous five-part cello section solo. The fun begins at 3:00 in the Miller Auditorium!