Instruments Played: [Rita] “My primary instruments are piano and organ which I have played every Sunday at church for over 45 years. I play cello in the Saline Symphony Orchestra and church. I also play a little Irish penny whistle.”

[Lindsey] “I play trumpet in the Saline Symphony Orchestra, but I teach middle school band, so I often play other instruments at school. At church, I usually lead worship by singing and playing bass guitar.”

Background in Music: Both have extensive experience, but we’re curious about the instruments they play in the orchestra! Both have foundations on piano; Rita plays cello with the orchestra, and Lindsey plays trumpet.

[Rita] “When I was about 52, I decided, since we had my son’s cello, that I would learn to play it. I enrolled online. That was not so great! So, I heard about Mr. John Wood, who taught cello lessons locally and I started lessons with him.”

[Lindsey] “When I was old enough I was excited to join the Bryant Band on trumpet and found my people and my place to shine! Many of the best experiences in my life have centered around making friends through playing music.”

Why you play with the SSO: [Rita] “One day, John Wood called me and said an orchestra was starting up in Saline County and he thought I could do it. I told him there was no way I could do it. He talked me into going to the first rehearsal. I was so nervous, but everyone was so nice and not critical at all. One person in particular who has been so helpful to me is Mardell Lasiter, who also plays cello with Saline Symphony Orchestra. I have learned so much playing with the orchestra, but still have a lot to learn.”

[Lindsey] “Like my early experiences with music, I play in the SSO because of my Mother. She joined the orchestra in its very beginning years and encouraged me to join with her every semester until I gave in! I wasn’t sure if I would have the time necessary to devote to it, but I have enjoyed being a part of the SSO for 3 years now. It has made me a better player by giving me a chance to play my trumpet regularly.”

One piece of advice: [Rita] “Enjoy music and let it take you where you were meant to be to use it in your life, whether for church worship, your vocation, for enjoyment, or all three. It can change you and make you a better person.”

[Lindsey] “I would say that music has helped me overcome many fears in life. From stage fright, to fear of failure, you have to cast all of that aside when you are playing music to focus on what you are trying to do. It also puts you in a supportive environment where everyone else in the group wants to see you succeed. So I say my advice to others who deal with anxiety or stress is to get involved playing music; there are so many benefits to learning to play an instrument besides the joy of creating beautiful music.”

Funny Story: [Rita] “This is about playing piano, not cello. When I was very pregnant with my son, I went to the piano to play for Sunday morning services, and my pregnant belly hit the piano keys as I sat down on the bench. I was so embarrassed! 🤦🏼‍♀️”

[Lindsey] “I think every rehearsal is a funny story in the trumpet section! We sit back there and tease each other when we make mistakes, but we also cover for each other when one of us gets lost or when our lips wear out. It’s that kind of back-handed, pseudo-competitive, slightly sarcastic, support that lets me know I’ve found my people!”