symphony spotlight
Meet Joel Meder
conroe symphony orchestra first violinist
Joel Meder chose the violin at age six. Nearly a lifetime later, he’s still playing — and for the past fifteen seasons, he’s been doing it with the Conroe Symphony Orchestra.
Joel came to music honestly. His first teacher was his own father. “From violin to cymbals to trumpet to baritone to guitar and also vocals, my dad was always there to teach and encourage me,”
Joel says. Asked what he’d say to his father now, his answer is simple and complete:
“To my dad I would say simply — I love you.”
-Joel Meder
When he’s not in the first violin section, Joel keeps busy in ways that might surprise you. He serves on the Montgomery County Appraisal Review Board during protest season, plays with his church praise band, and strums his guitars whenever there’s time.
What keeps him coming back to the CSO after fifteen years? “The challenge of the music,” he says, “and getting to play beside such accomplished musicians.”
His favorite memory reaches back a few seasons: a concert with Sal Viviano singing Frank Sinatra favorites.
Joel shares his home with his wife, Sue, and their three-legged ginger cat, Simba. And when he looks out from the stage, two familiar faces are always in his first row: his friend and chair sponsor, Charlotte Belin, and Sue.
His advice for young musicians is the kind earned over a lifetime of playing:
“Pick an instrument that you can truly fall in love with — and practice, practice, and practice some more.”
Joel, Off The Stage
What He Can't Live Without
His Wife Sue
“Oh, garlic & onions too”
Fact You Might Not Know
He is A Huge Nascar Fan
Other Roles Within the Orchestra
Serves as a Board Member
Assistant Concert Master
Come Hear Joel For Yourself
“The musicians in the orchestra must have music in their hearts to make such a sacrifice to come to rehearsals after their day jobs. They just have music-making as part of their lives.”
— Gary Liebst, Music Director
To Learn More About Our Musicians
Honor Joel
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Chair sponsorships are one of the most meaningful ways to support the CSO. Every dollar goes directly toward the artistic operations of the orchestra — music rentals, guest artist fees, venue costs, and the countless behind-the-scenes needs that make each concert possible.
Chair sponsors are recognized in every concert program alongside the musician they support.
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