symphony spotlight
Meet Verna Verspieren
conroe symphony Violin
The Canine Chorus
Meet Verna Verspieren, violinist, French teacher, and proud Texan of six generations.
Verna Verspieren has the most enthusiastic practice audience in the orchestra. “My two dogs join me howling and wagging their tails when I tune my violin,” she says. “They are my canine chorus.”
Verna came to the violin after first trying piano and flute.
“When I tried violin, I loved it,” she says simply, and that was that, back in fifth grade.
Today she’s in her third season with the Conroe Symphony Orchestra, and she plays with a palpable sense of gratitude for what the experience gives her.
“Every concert is a special time to gather and enjoy the beauty of the pieces, and the way music brings people together.”
-Verna Verspieren
She has particular affection for the CSO’s holiday concerts.
“The Christmas concerts are incredible! I love playing with everyone as they sing along.” And she has warm words for the podium: “I love the variety of music our wonderful conductor chooses, and the way he leads us with excellence and humor.”
Off the stage, Verna teaches French at Frassati Catholic High School, and her life is beautifully full. She and her husband have six children and three grandchildren, spread from Texas to Oregon to Alaska to France.
“I am grateful that the airport is not too far!”
She reads with her book club, paddleboards on Lake Conroe, and swims. Her family, she notes, has been in Texas since 1850 — six generations of Texans and counting.
Her favorite composer is Handel. “The depth and the beauty of The Messiah is stunning, and it is a privilege to play it.”
Verna credits her parents for the start of it all, investing in a fine violin when she was a teenager, and encouraging her to tour with the Orange County Youth Symphony at 16.
“I was in high school and it was my first trip to Europe,” she recalls. “We played concerts in Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria, including a concert at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. The tour opened my eyes to rest of the world beyond Southern California. My brother and sister met me in Germany and we went to France and England as well. Forty years later, I am still very grateful to have had that opportunity, and I am still friends with my stand partner from the trip!”
Her advice to young musicians carries that same spirit of gift and gratitude:
“Music is a great gift which brings joy to ourselves and others. Find the instrument you love and keep playing!”
-Verna Verspieren
Verna has been with the Conroe Symphony Orchesta for three years and has become one of the favorite faces on the front of the stage. She often is heard saying what “a great privilege and pleasure to make music with the Conroe Symphony Orchestra is, and to play for such a supportive audience.”
Thanks to everyone in the Conroe Symphony Orchestra community and to our audiences for your kindness and generosity! See you at the next concert!
-Verna Verspieren
Verna, Off The Stage
She Can't Live Without
Morning Cup of Tea
Violin
Fun Fact
Her family has been
in Texas since 1850!
Notable Achievements
3 years with the CSO
Teaches French at Frasatti Catholic School
6 Children & 3 Grandchildren
Come Hear Verna 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
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