This newsletter features two of GRSMA's violinists so that we could get to know more about their background and interests. Clara Schubilske just received tenure with the GRS last October, and Patty Kates has been a member of the GRS violin section since 2002.

 

GRSMA: Where did you grow up, and were you part of a musical family?

 

CLARA SCHUBILSKE: I grew up in Minnesota where my mom played violin in the Minnesota Orchestra. My uncle and cousin also sing and play guitar, and my aunts play violin as well. It has been such a joy and privilege to be surrounded with music at family parties.

 

PATTY KATES: I grew up in the midwest too, in Oak Park, Illinois. But my family wasn’t musical like Clara’s. Nobody in my family plays an instrument, except for me.

 

GRSMA: What led you to play the violin?

 

PK: My older brother had wanted to play the cello and begged me to take it up, but I chose the violin over the cello.

 

CS: The violin was so close to me growing up, and I loved hearing my mom play, so I wanted to try it.

 

GRSMA: Tell us about your musical studies. Where did you receive your training to win an audition for the Grand Rapids Symphony (GRS)?

 

CS: I went to Northwestern where I studied with Professor Blair Milton and for my masters I went to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and studied with Professor Simon James. Both of them were so inspiring and dedicated, and I really appreciated their experience and expertise coming from major orchestras. I was also very fortunate to have lessons with my mom and some of her colleagues before the GRS audition. 

 

PK: I stayed in the midwest for my training. My undergraduate degree is from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, and I went to the University of Michigan for my master’s degree in violin performance.

 

GRSMA: Who are your favorite composers?

 

PK: Actually, I have a top ten list! Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Stravinsky, Arvo Pärt, Tchaikovsky, Ravel, Beethoven, Brahms, Bartok, and Bach.

 

CS: For me, the list changes all the time, but for today I’ll say Debussy, Bartok, and Brahms.

 

GRSMA: If you weren't a musician, what other career path would you have taken?

 

CS: Marine psychologist. You'll have to ask me why.

 

PK: A Certified Public Accountant, even though I know that this is an insane time of year for CPAs (because many of my family members work in the field, and I get to hear about it year round).

 

GRSMA: What are your hobbies or interests?

 

CS: Being a new member of the orchestra, I like talking to Patty and my other colleagues who have been so friendly and welcoming!

 

PK: Oh, thanks, Clara! I enjoy talking to you, too. My hobbies include traveling, running, yoga, kickboxing, and motorcycle riding.

 

GRSMA: What would you say is the most rewarding part of being in the Grand Rapids Symphony?

 

PK: You know, I really like the thrill of ending an exciting concert!

 

CS: Being able to make music with so many amazing musicians, and seeing the reactions of friends coming to concerts who have never gone to an orchestra concert before, are very rewarding to me.

 

GRSMA: Is there a past GRS concert that you will always remember fondly?

 

CS: The recent South American Heat Masterworks concert was super fun. It was so exciting to be a part of such a big production, with the ballet, the chorus, and the soloists, and I loved playing “Cantata Criolla” by Estevez.

 

PK: I enjoyed last month’s Masterworks concert with "Pictures at an Exhibition" and the Grieg Piano Concerto. It’s music that never gets old for me to hear and perform.

 

GRSMA: Are there any upcoming GRS concerts in March, April, or May that you are looking forward to performing?

 

CS: I’m looking forward to all of them, but especially our March Masterworks concert for several reasons. First, Mahler is always so intense. The GRS cello section is so strong and will shine in the Villa-Lobos. Finally, I have never heard a timpani concerto before and look forward to experiencing this. (Timpani, Front and Center!)

 

PK: I’m also looking forward to performing Mahler’s Fourth Symphony this month! https://www.grsymphony.org/mahler

 

GRSMA: Thank you, Patty and Clara, for sharing your answers with us!