1. Where were you born? Tell us a little about your youth and upbringing.
I was born in Fulton, Missouri. My dad was professor of French at Westminster College, and my mother was professor of violin at William Woods College. She also taught privately. I have a younger sister. My mother did her best to make me a virtuoso pianist and violinist, but I chose flute later on so that I could play in the high school band. (Orchestras in small midwestern towns were very rare.) Our family traveled a great deal, played a lot of backyard softball, and were active in the Presbyterian Church. In eighth grade, I began playing in the Jefferson City Symphony in which my mother was concertmaster.
2. Earliest musical memories?
My mother's private students came to our home. I heard a wide variety of piano and violin selections, though I don't remember anything specific until I was at least three.
3. Your education. Where did you attend college, primary teachers?
During high school, I spent two great summers at the National Music Camp, Interlochen, Michigan, studying with Frances Blaisdell. In high school my teacher was Ramona Dahlborg, Stephens College, who also taught fencing there. At the University of Missouri, I studied with Dr. Richard Hills. I graduated in 1965 and entered the Eastman School of Music, studied with Joseph Mariano, and received my master's degree in 1968.
4. Why did you choose your instrument?
I was determined to play the trombone, but my parents would not hear of it. I held out for two years and finally agreed to play whatever they chose for me. I simply HAD to get into the band. I was still only about 4' 8" tall, so I waited until college techniques classes to learn a little about my first love, the trombone.
5. When did you know you wanted to be a professional musician?
In high school. Later, Igor Stravinsky was the guest conductor of the Eastman Philharmonia and met with other groups. Performing with him was my major realization of how great it would be to play professionally.
6. Who were/are your most important musical influences?
My mother, a Juilliard graduate, was my earliest. She also taught speech skills at the Missour School for the Deaf after I was grown, and at age 66 began to study harp. My lawyer grandfather was a church organist for many years while serving as president of the Federal Reserve Bank in St Louis. My physician grandfather was a singer. I learned early that it was possible to be a good musician while pursuing a career in another field. The only full-time performer in the family that I can recall is my aunt who was a pianist for Warner Brothers in Hollywood. She was also the founder/conductor of the St Louis Women's Symphony during World War II.
Maestro Andrew McMullan gave our relatively small communities the gift of a professional orchestra. The musicianship, energy, capabilities, and determination of this gentleman have influenced me beyond belief.
7. Most inspiring composers?
Bach! Others are Mozart, Haydn, Brahms, Schubert, Sibelius, Dvorak, Stravinsky, Copland, and Broadway composers of the 30s and 40s. I know I've left someone out.
8. What would you be if not a musician?
The same thing I have been in spite of being a musician--a registered nurse. Six years ago I retired from St Lucie Medical Center where I was the night supervisor and worked the floors and units for 20 years.
9. What is your favorite thing about playing in the ACO?
The music selected for our performances and the friendships with other performers and staff.
10. With what other ensembles do you perform? Where do you teach?
Treasure Coast Flute Choir (25 years), TC Symphony (25 years), Greensward Consort baroque ensemble (27 years), St Lucie River Fife and Drum Corps (2 years), Interational Flute Orchestra tours of Europe, China, and South America (13 years), other community groups, large and small, and free-lance, both in Florida and in California. I am secretary of the Florida Flute Association. Eight years ago I wanted to join a wind ensemble in San Diego that was going on a free trip to Europe. No vacancy existed for a flutist, so I started playing bassoon. It was a wonderful tour!
I am the flute teacher at Indian River State College, 1989-92 and since 2006.
11. What is in your CD player right now?
I am currently transferring my uncle's vinyl collection of about 200 jazz, classical, and Broadway albums to CD. Glenn Miller is in my CD player now.
12. What do you like to do outside of work? Hobby? Past times?
I enjoy knitting for charity and reading nonfiction. I have run about 17 marathons and have ridden about 2500 miles on bicycle trips with other Floridians. I play golf and love camping. I am past-president of my Rotary Club and delivered Meals on Wheels for 12 years.
13. Anything else particularly interesting or enlightening that you would like to share?
I have been married to Terry Oestreich for 42 years. We met when we were six years old. He graduated from Westminster College and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Florida. He is a retired university professor (organic chemistry), forensic chemist, and worked 36 years as a sports official, primarily in football and basketball. He is in the Florida High School Sports Hall of Fame.
I was a high school band director for 10 years before attending nursing school. Other jobs included a parade musician role during eight Christmas seasons at Walt Disney World.
I am affiliated with Sigma Alpha Iota (music) and Kappa Alpha Theta (social).
I refereed football and basketball for three years.
I plan to retire from the ACO within two years.
