The Conroe Symphony Orchestra is honored to present Colleen Bennett as their Symphony Spotlight. Bennett has been a member of the CSO for about six years and is our Principal Violist and serves as our Personnel Manager.

Mrs. Bennett first picked up an instrument when she was 12 with dreams of being a country fiddler. “I started out on violin, and I wanted to be a country fiddler,” she said. “The elementary school I attended began an orchestra program when I was 12, so I convinced my mom to sign me up. We lived in a small community in Idaho and I had never heard of a viola. After a couple years on violin, I switched to viola and absolutely fell in love with the sound. I love the middle tone and the harmonies the viola provides in the orchestra.”

During her time in high school, Bennett won state solo competitions and attended all-state orchestra. She graduated from the College of Idaho with a BA in viola performance and secondary instrumental music education and a Masters in teaching.

Bennett loves being able to continue to share her talents with the CSO.

“I love making music with others,” she said. “There’s a magic in listening across the room, recognizing what all the sounds are, and hearing all the different things come together that creates a beauty in the air. I enjoy being a part of the collaborative effort of creating something that so many enjoy together.”

Her days are as busy as you would imagine a wife and mom of three would have, often filled to the brim with activities.

Between homeschooling and teaching students music lessons in her studio, she currently enjoys improvising on violin in her church worship band, playing viola with the Conroe Symphony, riding horses, and reading. She fills her days bike riding, hiking, playing board games, and exploring new places. Bennett is also the caretaker of a cat, a dog, a bearded dragon, a beta, glowfish, and seventeen chickens.

The CSO allows her to have some well-deserved mom’s night out time.

“I love my role in the orchestra.” she said. “This is my mom’s night out and how I de-stress. It’s relaxing to go play music with others and I look forward to it each rehearsal.”

Bennett loves being a part of the CSO and the city of Conroe. “I love the diversity of art and all the opportunities to participate.”