LOCALadk Magazine

8 Spring 2015 LOCALadk Magazine What's the one defining moment when you knew you wanted to be a musician? Even though my brother can't recall the conversation, it was a pivotal moment for me. In my third year at music-college in London, with less than a year to graduation, he challenged me to consider the future. His concern triggered something that demanded I do some serious soul searching. After several days' reflection, I realized my true calling to become a professional musician. This led me to seek out the best possible teachers, and impress them with my talent and potential so they would agree to take me on as a student. It's taken hundreds of hours of practice, blood, sweat, and tears to realize the success I've achieved over the last 30 years. Do you come from a musical family? Growing up I was surrounded by music. My parents always played music, but never became professional musicians. However, they were incredibly supportive of my two siblings and myself who have all become professional musicians. My greatest mentor is my Aunt Louise, who is a talented violin teacher, and from the age of three years old when I started playing, I yearned to emulate her. Where did the idea for The String Pulse Experience come from? It was when I moved to Peekskill, NY. I'd been touring internationally and doing gigs in New York City, but craved involvement in the local community. Serendipity came knocking when my husband, Joe, bumped into an old high school friend who was the artistic director at the local Paramount Hudson Valley Theater. They started chatting, and the next thing I knew, I'd agreed to play a concert there. Unknown in the community, and with a 1,100 seat theater to fill, I needed to begin some serious outreach. I played anywhere and everywhere I found a crowd willing to listen, from Chamber of Commerce meetings, Rotary, to parties and restaurants. Gradually I became known, and along the way I was introduced to the head of the education foundation for one of the local school districts. She raved about their award-winning high school choir, and suggested they sing as back up to my band. I'd never performed with children before, and was somewhat skeptical, but once I heard them perform, they totally blew me away. I had a similar experience with a local dance group, and an 11-year old solo singer. It was magical. I discovered a genuine connection with children, and a natural ability to inspire them. Despite an amazing career, I decided this was an opportunity to give back and encourage music education. What prompted you to bring The String Pulse Experience to the Adirondacks? We chose the Adirondacks because we absolutely love the area, and are fortunate to have many wonderful friends here. One of them introduced us to James Lemon, the artistic director at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, who agreed to partner with us, and donate the space for this performance. We researched all the music programs at the local schools, and found seven different programs willing to work with us. Namely: Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Keene Valley, Tupper Lake, Willsboro, Ausable Valley, and Peru. The teachers volunteered to invest extra time to prepare eager students to participate in the project. They've done an amazing Pluck ing Strings in the Adirondacks An inter view with international classical/rock violinist, Daisy Jopling Story by Susan Friedmann Photos by Scott Mierop

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