Playing the violoncello is my principal avocation. My studies of this instrument began when I was eleven years old and lasted until I was sixteen; after a forty year hiatus of no ‘cello playing, I resumed my lessons. My teachers have been: Clarence Sauer, Marga Eicholt, Paul Vance, and Ernie Lloyd.
Although I have performed solo a few times (including helping with the SVSU recital of pianist Felicia Hessling and performances at church), most of my work has been with ensembles: the Springfield (Illinois) Symphony Orchestra in my youth, and latterly The Valley String Ensemble, the Germania Symphony Orchestra, SVSU’s Collegium Musicum, and Forever Strings (SVSU’s string orchestra). I have since retired from the Valley String Ensemble. Churches where I have performed include: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, St. John's Episcopal Church, and Holy Family Roman Catholic Church. My musical experiences have included attending the Raphael Trio Music Workshop and the Interlochen Chamber Music Conference. I am a member of the Amateur Chamber Music Players.
A minor activity is performing on the alto recorder, usually with the Collegium Musicum.