Laura’s Music Story:
In grade school, children try different instruments to find one that they will eventually learn. My music teacher needed a bass player and enlisted my mom’s help. Since I knew how to play piano and I was one of the tallest in my class I was told that I would be learning to play the bass. I had no choice.
That 5th grade event in the suburbs of Chicago started me on a path leading to EMSO. School orchestra segued to the Southwest Symphony Orchestra. Over the years I played all over the Chicago suburbs. It seemed that there were always opportunities for bass players.
In 1997, my 3M subsidiary was sold. I moved my entire life along with my son and bass to the suburbs of St Paul. It was wonderful that I did not have to search for an orchestra, 3M had one! The 3M Club Symphony Orchestra, which morphed into EMSO, became my orchestra home.
I have supported EMSO in ways other than playing my bass. I handled publicity for a few years and helped connect the orchestra with the Merrill Arts Center. Currently, I hold the position of treasurer. I’m also in charge of cookie procurement.
Now in retirement, I enjoy gardening, traveling and making rhubarb wine. I play bass with my church praise group when not singing tenor. I love playing with Musical Chairs Offering, a summer orchestra formed with strings from EMSO.
Music has always been a source of inspiration, peace and healing. I hope to have many more years playing bass (aka contrabass, upright bass or acoustic bass) with the talented musicians of EMSO.