|
Caroline Coade is not one to sit by and wait for things to
happen. One wonders if she has any time to sit at all. She's
on the String Audition Committee and the DSO Executive Committee
Board, she's a Volunteer Council liaison, participates in
the DSO Civic Orchestra sectionals, plays in a quintet and
a trio, teaches at two universities, brainstorms marketing
efforts with the DSO and ballroom dances competitively. And
her main job is violist with the DSO!
A graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, Oberlin, the Curtis
Institute of Music and Julliard, this California native moved
to Detroit in 1996 when she won a position with the DSO. At
the time, she didn't know a soul here but was looking forward
to putting down roots and getting involved.
"I'm interested in anything educational," says
Coade (pronounced "code"). To that end, she's runs
Civic Orchestra sectionals, is an adjunct faculty member at
Wayne State University and has taught master classes at the
University of Michigan. She's also a member of the DSO Ambassador
Quintet, an ensemble that performs at schools and even at
the DSO's Tiny Tots concert (you can see them April 24 in
"Peanut Butter, Jelly and STRINGS!") Caroline is
narrator and violist for the concerts and creates the programs
with fellow quintet member, DSO bassist Marshall Hutchinson
(cellist Paul Wingert and violinists Marian Tanau and Hai-Zin
Wu are also in the quintet.) "We select music and write
scripts to keep the kids engaged and interested, especially
the young ones," she says. "It's really challenging
to create something that they'll learn from and enjoy."
Since 1997, Caroline has been a member of the String Audition
Committee. She feels that being a part of the selection process
for new orchestra members is really important. "I'm helping
to choose new colleagues and setting the bar for the level
of playing for DSO musicians. This is such a big part of the
high caliber of music that we create."
Caroline is also an elected member of the DSO Executive Committee
of the Board of Directors. Being involved at that level got
her thinking about different ways she could help ensure the
Orchestra's success. "Connecting with people is my greatest
joy, and if I can continue the legacy of the Orchestra by
talking to people, then I'm happy to do it." Last year,
Caroline proposed the Greeter Program, a "meet and greet"
where Orchestra musicians mingle with patrons in the Atrium
of the Max before concerts. To get it started, Caroline and
fellow musicians greeted patrons, shook hands and thanked
them for their support before every concert in December. "The
first thing some people ask me is what I'm selling. I tell
them I'm not selling anything. I'm a violist with the Orchestra
and just want to thank them for coming to the concert and
for supporting the DSO." Subscription sales went up dramatically
with the efforts of Caroline and her colleagues, and it's
now an official program. "There are subscribers who have
been coming to the DSO for 30 years and have never had the
opportunity to meet a musician. As artists, we need to go
above and beyond just playing the notes. These days, the arts
need all the support they can get."
So what does Caroline do with her free time? After playing,
practicing, greeting, and teaching, one would think she would
find a quiet place to read a good book. Instead, she puts
on her dancing shoes and heads to the ballroom. "I always
dreamed of being a dancer and regretted not studying it formally."
A few years ago, she met Glenn Clark, former owner of the
Stardust Dance Studio in Southfield and a dancer in past DSO
New Year's Even "Night in Vienna" performances.
She signed up for three initial lessons with him, went to
one, and hasn't stopped. "Most people take one lesson
a week, but I did three lessons in three days. I couldn't
wait to go back." Dancing competitively with Glenn for
over a year and a half, Caroline absolutely loves it. "Expressing
myself through dance is so different than playing an instrument
on stage. It's very intense and athletic. And I feel so centered
after dancing." Perhaps surprisingly, dancing has improved
her viola skills as well. "Since I've started dancing,
I have better rhythm and more self-confidence, something that
definitely helps me on stage."
|
