Suzanna Dennis Bratton - Clarinet

 

Your name:

Suzanna Dennis Bratton (Suzy Bratton)

 

Your instrument/position in the orchestra:

Principal Clarinet

 

How old were you when you started playing your instrument?

11 years old when I began (6th grade)

 

Hometown:

Portland, OR

 

When did you join the orchestra:

1998-99 season

 

Education:

BM, BA-- Portland State University, MM-- University of Michigan, Artist Diploma-- Duquesne University

 

What made me choose the clarinet? 

I didn't!  I wanted to play the flute or saxophone but the band director needed clarinets so I was stuck!

 

Hobbies:

walking, cooking, home projects, organizing fund-raising events, wine and BEING A MOM

 

In a few words or sentences, how would you describe yourself?

friendly, fun-loving, family oriented, liberal, hard-working, working on my ability to say "no"(!)

 

Favorite saying:

The universe unfolds as it should.

 

Pet Peeve:

poor service at a restaurant

 

Most memorable moment:

My now-husband approaching the stage (unexpectedly) with flowers after I played the Mozart Concerto,

Sibelius 2 with Santtu-Matias Rouvali,

Rach 2 with Martha Bowman,

Symphonie Fantastique

 

Inspirations:

Success in anything takes a Positive Attitude and Discipline

 

Favorite TV show:

Downton Abbey

Once Upon a Time

Scandal

 

Bad habit:

procrastination

 

Influential teachers:

Mark Nuccio and my ONE lesson with Alan Balter; also the conductor of my youth orchestra, Jacob Avshalomov

 

Last book you read/what are you reading now?

House of the Spirits by Isabele Allende

 

Favorite piece of music to play:

Brahms Clarinet Quintet

 

Dream vacation:

Discovering ancient ruins, European culture, and beautiful/interesting landscapes (sans tour bus)-- so, basically everything!  And after driving to Oregon and back with the family, I would love to discover all 50 states from the road.  We have such a beautiful and diverse country.

 

Favorite thing about GR:

watching a city blossom

 

Parting thoughts:

I wish there was more tolerance of each other's differences, both in this community and in the world