Violinist available in the Atlanta metro area

[Beach Runner]

My daughter, Beach Jacket, has decided to start offering her services as a violinist in the Atlanta metro area after receiving offers to play in weddings there. Because there are so many members of this board from the Atlanta area, I thought I'd post the following. You can pm her if you're interested or know someone who would be interested in taking advantage of her services.

Beach Jacket began playing the violin at the age of seven. She studied under Ms. Kerren Berz, current concertmaster of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and whose work can be heard on albums by Outkast, Destiny's Child, Pink, Sinead O'Connor, and others. From the age of eleven until she moved to Cambridge to attend MIT, Beach Jacket studied under Professor Patricio Cobos, retired chairman of the violin department at Columbus State University, current conductor of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, and current associate concertmaster of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. When she was a participant in the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program, she also studied under Professor Manual Diaz, chairman of the viola department at Columbus State University and principal violist for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. She made her debut at the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra at age eleven and was a member of the orchestra from age eleven until she left for college. She has performed in a string quartet at parties honoring former President Jimmy Carter, as well as at many other parties, weddings, graduations, church services, etc. She is currently a student at Georgia Tech and is available to provide her services as a violinist in the Atlanta metro area.

[Johnrudy]

Impressive resume. Just curious - - is she continuing her studies for a degree in violin performance?

Good luck to her as this is a wonderful part-time job. Not necessarily a flexible one but still a good one for extra money & to retain her skills.

[Beach Runner]

Impressive resume. Just curious - - is she continuing her studies for a degree in violin performance?

Good luck to her as this is a wonderful part-time job. Not necessarily a flexible one but still a good one for extra money & to retain her skills.

Thanks. She plans to go to med school. She decided that art and music would be her avocations instead of her vocation. Frankly I think she'd lead a less stressful life following her artistic talents, such as being a web designer (since she's a whiz at web programming and graphic design) or a musician.

Yes, one can make some nice money doing gigs. As a student, she doesn't have time to be in an orchestra (too many rehearsals), but one can make some nice money as a soloist at weddings, parties, corporate events, etc.

BTW Kerren Berz is also concertmaster of the Nashville Concert Orchestra and has performed in our home. On our 25th anniversary, Big D and I renewed our vows, had a church wedding, and had a reception at our home. Kerren was in a trio that we hired to play at the reception.

[Johnrudy]

Thanks. She plans to go to med school. She decided that art and music would be her avocations instead of her vocation. Frankly I think she'd lead a less stressful life following her artistic talents, such as being a web designer (since she's a whiz at web programming and graphic design) or a musician.

Yes, one can make some nice money doing gigs. As a student, she doesn't have time to be in an orchestra (too many rehearsals), but one can make some nice money as a soloist at weddings, parties, corporate events, etc.

That's what I thought.

My son wants so badly to get a degree in cello performance and we're trying to encourage him to consider music education instead for job stability.

It's all so interesting.

[Beach Runner]

That's what I thought.

My son wants so badly to get a degree in cello performance and we're trying to encourage him to consider music education instead for job stability.

It's all so interesting.

I understand. However, my new therapist has really put me at peace with all of this. What he made me think through is that although I have my own personal goals and goals for my child, my major goal for my child should be for her to be happy and healthy because really those are the most important things in life. When we try to impose our wishes on our children, it causes us and them unnecessary stress and unhappiness. Therefore, my goal is to always be strong and "be there" for my child and, more importantly, be supportive of my child in achieving *her* goals.

[Johnrudy]

I understand. However, my new therapist has really put me at peace with all of this. What he made me think through is that although I have my own personal goals and goals for my child, my major goal for my child should be for her to be happy and healthy because really those are the most important things in life. When we try to impose our wishes on our children, it causes us and them unnecessary stress and unhappiness. Therefore, my goal is to always be strong and "be there" for my child and, more importantly, be supportive of my child in achieving *her* goals.

Oh I know. He's adamant that this is to be. But I'm afraid that he will lead a life of various gigs in addition to other part time jobs. It's not easy getting a full time position in a symphony. But you're right... if that's what makes him happy, then I need to be supportive and then back off a little.

[2bfabian]

Its sad that so many Americans have a hard time apreciating the Arts. I know you had to of had many great moments listening to her while she was growing up. I believe that the ex Fed chairman Greenspan went to juilliard and played a wind instriment. So many accomplished people have left music to do like your daughter.

[2bfabian]

I always told my daughter there are more astronauts than there are great musicians making a good living playing a classical instrument. But God its got to be great listening to your children Play the first Cello suite by Bach.

It is hard to let them grow up and be the adults that you raised them to be. I know they will be fine.

[Johnrudy]

I always told my daughter there are more astronauts than there are great musicians making a good living playing a classical instrument. But God its got to be great listening to your children Play the first Cello suite by Bach.

It is hard to let them grow up and be the adults that you raised them to be. I know they will be fine.

I took a break to check this board to see what's happening because I've spent the last week researching college music prgrams across the country for my son. The auditions are brutal. The competition is fierce. The academics have to be stellar. Practice is a minimum of 3+ hours daily. We've been told by every college advisor that music is one of the most rigorous majors. I now believe it. I wish I could hire someone to help us sort through all this and we're not even to the financial/scholarship part yet!

And yes, the Bach Suites are glorious. There is a special feeling of personal accomplishment that comes to a musician, no matter what the age. I witness it almost every day.

[organicmama]

Oh I know. He's adamant that this is to be. But I'm afraid that he will lead a life of various gigs in addition to other part time jobs. It's not easy getting a full time position in a symphony. But you're right... if that's what makes him happy, then I need to be supportive and then back off a little.

Living a musician's (or artist's) life is.... different. It's not bad or rough. It takes the inner peace knowing that this is God's/The Universe's gift to the person possessing it.

I swore I'd never marry a musician... too much baggage... but the pedigreed accountant I dated for 6 years during college had more luggage than a 747! Nor could I ever tell my husband to stop music & get a real job, as music is as much a part of his life as breathing is. It's essential.

And, it takes planning, as the need for musicians waxes & wanes, but it can be done and be thought out well enough so that it runs like a clock. making the most of a career, investing & working the multiple streams of income make the lean music times not lean financially. It's similar to a Pro Athlete and their time frame with their career. If they plan well, they are set for life. If they don't, they are broke within a few years.

My father thinks that we can't possibly make it with my husband being a musician. We can and we are. It's a beautiful life.

[organicmama]

It is hard to let them grow up and be the adults that you raised them to be. I know they will be fine.

I think about that daily. Thanks.

[organicmama]

My daughter, Beach Jacket, has decided to start offering her services as a violinist in the Atlanta metro area after receiving offers to play in weddings there. Because there are so many members of this board from the Atlanta area, I thought I'd post the following. You can pm her if you're interested or know someone who would be interested in taking advantage of her services.

Beach Jacket began playing the violin at the age of seven. She studied under Ms. Kerren Berz, current concertmaster of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and whose work can be heard on albums by Outkast, Destiny's Child, Pink, Sinead O'Connor, and others. From the age of eleven until she moved to Cambridge to attend MIT, Beach Jacket studied under Professor Patricio Cobos, retired chairman of the violin department at Columbus State University, current conductor of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, and current associate concertmaster of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. When she was a participant in the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program, she also studied under Professor Manual Diaz, chairman of the viola department at Columbus State University and principal violist for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. She made her debut at the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra at age eleven and was a member of the orchestra from age eleven until she left for college. She has performed in a string quartet at parties honoring former President Jimmy Carter, as well as at many other parties, weddings, graduations, church services, etc. She is currently a student at Georgia Tech and is available to provide her services as a violinist in the Atlanta metro area.

I'd put her in contact with Buckhead Church or North Point Community Church in regards to weddings the musicians from there play. Does she have a demo of performances? We will be heading that way next week for hubby to record for a camp related to NPCC & then many of them will be here this summer for 2 months. Plus a few of our musical ATL friends will be here for The Lighthouse Retreat in July.

[Smiling JOe]

BR, you should also get her to visit the Private Country Clubs in the area and speak with both the Event Coordinator and Club Manager, introducing herself and delivering a card with web address where they can hear samples of her music and her resume. It will take more than that one visit to get the business, especially if they use someone currently for that type of music. However, if she sends them an email once a quarter, reminding them that she is available, there will eventually be a phone call requesting her services, and it grows exponentially from there. There are quite a few private clubs in the metro atlanta area.

[2bfabian]

just wanted to ask you have you heard the eroica trio's (baroque album)? It is one the best classical albums I have ever listened to. Many traditionalist are a little put back,but if you don't have it you need to get it. There interpretation of bach's chaconne is out of this world. If you love classical music this album is a must.

[Johnrudy]

just wanted to ask you have you heard the eroica trio's (baroque album)? It is one the best classical albums I have ever listened to. Many traditionalist are a little put back,but if you don't have it you need to get it. There interpretation of bach's chaconne is out of this world. If you love classical music this album is a must.

Eroica has an ever so slight gypsy feel to their music - ala Stephan Grappelli.

There are purists who are snobs about traditional classical music but I say, anything musical that turns a person on, more power to them. There's room for it all (most of it, anyway).

[2bfabian]

I would try not to use the word snob. It evokes distrust to the other side. Its my belief that purest are looking for the sound that the composer had in mind. I see their point to a degree but this group definitely intrigued me. There are many reason why purist feel the way they do,and in fairness to them I often agree.

[Johnrudy]

I would try not to use the word snob. It evokes distrust to the other side. Its my belief that purest are looking for the sound that the composer had in mind. I see their point to a degree but this group definitely intrigued me. There are many reason why purist feel the way they do,and in fairness to them I often agree.

I hear ya.

[Beach Runner]

I'd put her in contact with Buckhead Church or North Point Community Church in regards to weddings the musicians from there play. Does she have a demo of performances? We will be heading that way next week for hubby to record for a camp related to NPCC & then many of them will be here this summer for 2 months. Plus a few of our musical ATL friends will be here for The Lighthouse Retreat in July.

Good idea. The minister at Northside First United Methodist christened her. I'm sure he could give her some contacts.

BR, you should also get her to visit the Private Country Clubs in the area and speak with both the Event Coordinator and Club Manager, introducing herself and delivering a card with web address where they can hear samples of her music and her resume. It will take more than that one visit to get the business, especially if they use someone currently for that type of music. However, if she sends them an email once a quarter, reminding them that she is available, there will eventually be a phone call requesting her services, and it grows exponentially from there. There are quite a few private clubs in the metro atlanta area.

Another good idea. I'll get her to check into that.

[Tupelo Honey]

I teach piano and violin as my full time job and love it. I support myself. Gigs come and go, but there are loads of ordinary people who want to learn to play an instrument and who need a teacher.

Not many musicians with a performance background would consider teaching to be rewarding. Teaching is humbling work and the ego must be left behind. In music school there were the performance majors and the music education majors, two different types of attitudes.

It is no longer about performing for others who "ooo and ahh" about how great one's playing is. It is about listening to a musically challenged person play all the right notes in Little Brown Jug and being thrilled that they could do so because it bought them so much joy.

I would recommend teaching as a side job.

[Smiling JOe]

Tupelo Honey, that is the sweetest post I've read this week.

[kathydwells]

Tupelo Honey, that is the sweetest post I've read this week.

I totally agree with you!!!

[Johnrudy]

I teach piano and violin as my full time job and love it. I support myself. Gigs come and go, but there are loads of ordinary people who want to learn to play an instrument and who need a teacher.

Not many musicians with a performance background would consider teaching to be rewarding. Teaching is humbling work and the ego must be left behind. In music school there were the performance majors and the music education majors, two different types of attitudes.

It is no longer about performing for others who "ooo and ahh" about how great one's playing is. It is about listening to a musically challenged person play all the right notes in Little Brown Jug and being thrilled that they could do so because it bought them so much joy.

I would recommend teaching as a side job.

[Beach Runner]

I got invited to play in a quartet at a reception this week for an exhibition of the Cochran collection (see NY Times review http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpag...20Art%20Museum). I am so honored (and scared ... just got the music tonight).

[Miss Kitty]

good for you...don't get all strung out!

[Beach Runner]

good for you...don't get all strung out!

LOL. Gull, you are the Pun Queen, as well as the Partay Kitty!

I *am* a bit strung out. Because of the new music, "Practice, Practice, Practice" is now my motto.

[Johnrudy]

Bravo, Beachrunner! Bravo!


Hopefully since it is summer you will have the time to practice, practice, practice.

[Beach Runner]

Bravo, Beachrunner! Bravo!


Hopefully since it is summer you will have the time to practice, practice, practice.

Thanks. We saw the collection tonight. One of my favorites is a Salvidore Dali of Abraham Lincoln. Love the Romare Bearden stuff after seeing the Romare Bearden exhibition at the High Museum in ATL in 2005.

I'd love to do a hip-hop solo in the midst of all of the classical stuff. LOL.

[Johnrudy]

Thanks. We saw the collection tonight. One of my favorites is a Salvidore Dali of Abraham Lincoln. Love the Romare Bearden stuff after seeing the Romare Bearden exhibition at the High Museum in ATL in 2005.

I'd love to do a hip-hop solo in the midst of all of the classical stuff. LOL.

I LOVE Dali. There is his museum in St. Petersburg. Pretty cool stuff. Other than Dali, I'm pretty illiterate about most art.

And speaking of a hip-hop solo, my son is learning the 1st movement of Haydn's concerto in C maj. and thinks he should be able to add-lib & free form the cadenza in the middle. I think NOT. You musicians do have a creative mind of your own, no doubt!

[Beach Runner]

I LOVE Dali. There is his museum in St. Petersburg. Pretty cool stuff. Other than Dali, I'm pretty illiterate about most art.

And speaking of a hip-hop solo, my son is learning the 1st movement of Haydn's concerto in C maj. and thinks he should be able to add-lib & free form the cadenza in the middle. I think NOT. You musicians do have a creative mind of your own, no doubt!

The Dali piece is neat. Up close, you look at it at you see a small square with Lincoln in it. Then when you step back about 20 feet, the entire composition is a portrait of Lincoln. How cool is that? I minored in art history at Tulane, so art is one of my loves. That's why Goedel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid is my favorite book -- it explores the relationship between my loves -- math, computer science, art, and music.

Your son is right. A cadenza is an opportunity for an artist to do whatever creative interlude s/he desires. Any time I've backed up an artist doing a cadenza, we just wait until s/he does his/her "thang" until we pick up to the pre-written music.

[Johnrudy]

The Dali piece is neat. Up close, you look at it at you see a small square with Lincoln in it. Then when you step back about 20 feet, the entire composition is a portrait of Lincoln. How cool is that? I minored in art history at Tulane, so art is one of my loves. That's why Goedel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid is my favorite book -- it explores the relationship between my loves -- math, computer science, art, and music.

Your son is right. A cadenza is an opportunity for an artist to do whatever creative interlude s/he desires. Any time I've backed up an artist doing a cadenza, we just wait until s/he does his/her "thang" until we pick up to the pre-written music.

Yes, I just hope he knows what he's doing and probably shouldn't mix styles and periods. I'll let him and his prof. figure that out! It is now beyond my control or my limited input anymore.

I forgot about Escher. Love him but then, who doesn't? My son loves him too. I'm definitely looking for the book for him that you've mentioned.

Good luck practicing...

[Beach Runner]

I'm gonna brag. Tonight was fabulous. The exhibit was exceptional -- it was the owners' 20th Century collection. They also have an Andy Warhol collection, an African-American collection, etc., that tour art museums all over the country. There were hundreds of people at the reception. The art was great, and our string quartet got rave reviews. I was so proud to be included. Afterwards, the owners of the collection along with a group of attendees and the musicians went out for dinner. What a fabulous evening!

[Jdarg]

I'm gonna brag. Tonight was fabulous. The exhibit was exceptional -- it was the owners' 20th Century collection. They also have an Andy Warhol collection, an African-American collection, etc., that tour art museums all over the country. There were hundreds of people at the reception. The art was great, and our string quartet got rave reviews. I was so proud to be included. Afterwards, the owners of the collection along with a group of attendees and the musicians went out for dinner. What a fabulous evening!

Get down with your bad self!! Proud of you!!

[Ocean Lover]

I'm gonna brag. Tonight was fabulous. The exhibit was exceptional -- it was the owners' 20th Century collection. They also have an Andy Warhol collection, an African-American collection, etc., that tour art museums all over the country. There were hundreds of people at the reception. The art was great, and our string quartet got rave reviews. I was so proud to be included. Afterwards, the owners of the collection along with a group of attendees and the musicians went out for dinner. What a fabulous evening!

Awesome. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Beach Runner]

Thanks for the applause, jdarg and OL!

[Johnrudy]

I'm gonna brag. Tonight was fabulous. The exhibit was exceptional -- it was the owners' 20th Century collection. They also have an Andy Warhol collection, an African-American collection, etc., that tour art museums all over the country. There were hundreds of people at the reception. The art was great, and our string quartet got rave reviews. I was so proud to be included. Afterwards, the owners of the collection along with a group of attendees and the musicians went out for dinner. What a fabulous evening!

[Miss Kitty]

...wow, you learned that music, like fast!!! So glad it turned out to be such a memorable evening!!!

[Beach Runner]

...wow, you learned that music, like fast!!! So glad it turned out to be such a memorable evening!!!

I thought I was well prepared. Then when we arrived at the event, we were given a stack of music to play that we'd never practiced. We played for almost three hours. Except for a couple of pieces we were given on Monday, the rest of it was totally sight reading.

We were invited to the afterparty. When the collectors arrived, the entire restaurant gave them a standing ovation. BTW their Warhol collection was exhibited at the Met in NYC this spring.

Felt sorry for Big D. He was invited to play (he plays the string bass), but he had dinner with a major customer and couldn't go to the rehearsal on Monday. He was very sad that he had to bow out (pardon the pun).

Nevertheless, it was a funn evening.