The people behind the music

Symphony Spotlights

Your neighbors, your teachers, your friends — one story at a time.

Our musicians aren’t a faraway orchestra. They’re your neighbors — teachers, students, retirees, and professionals who rehearse on their own time and play for the love of it.

In our Symphony Spotlights, we introduce you to the people behind the music, one story at a time. Get to know them. Cheer them on. And listen a little closer the next time you’re in the audience.

David Cervantes-French Horn

🎺 Symphony Spotlight: David Cervantes 🎺

Meet one of our French hornists — and the story of how he got the instrument is the best kind of accidental.
In 10th grade, a band director begged the class for a French horn volunteer. Two minutes of dead silence went by… until David felt bad for the guy and raised his hand. Three seasons with the CSO later, it’s safe to say it stuck. 😄

Madilene Loosier-Principal Viola

Meet Madilene Loosier, Principal Viola — 29 seasons strong, and one of the most remarkable people in our orchestra.

At age 10, she chose the viola because the cute boy holding one had no line — then played “Mary Had a Little Lamb” on the spot. 43 years later, she’s still playing. 🎶

Debbie Andrew-Bassoon

Meet our co-principal bassoonist, 14 seasons strong — and her origin story might be our favorite yet.

When her junior high band needed a bassoon, her director asked if she’d like to play it. Debbie’s answer? “Yes — what is it?” 😄 She taught herself in the choir room, one note at a time.

Today she plays on a 103-year-old bassoon 🎼

Joel Meder-Violin

Fifteen seasons in the first violin section — and it all started when a six-year-old picked up a violin and never put it down.

Joel’s first music teacher was his own dad, who taught him everything from violin to trumpet to guitar. When we asked what he’d say to his father now, his answer stopped us in our tracks:

“To my dad I would say simply — I love you.” 💛