Where were you born and (if different) where did you grow up? Columbus, Indiana but grew up in Barrington, RI from first grade on.

Current residence and marital status/family (including pets): South Royalton, VT. Married to trumpet player David Ellis. I have a daughter, Emily Ellis, actor/dancer in NYC; son, Miles Ellis, Part time UVM student & sports trainer/nutritionist in Burlington, VT and three cats ¬ Alice, Fred & Molly

Education: Attended Indiana University but transferred to the Juilliard School from which I earned a Bachelor’s & Master’s degree in performance. *When did you start playing with the VSO? 1989 Other current jobs besides VSO: Ellis Music Company, designer, manager of database and office manager.

Favorite composer: It’s difficult to single out just one but J.S. Bach has written so beautifully for the oboe family (oboe, oboe d’amore & English horn) that it’s hard not to put him at the top of the list.

Hobbies: Swimming, cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, gardening…when I’m not making reeds!

How did you get started in music? I heard someone playing the piano when I was three and begged to begin then but we didn’t get a piano until I was eight. I began playing right away and really took off. I had a private teacher but my dad was my additional coach. He threw unfamiliar music at me once a week and forced me to play without stopping or looking down at my hands and I became a great sight-reader. BUT I grew to love the sound of the oboe and after having to go through the drudgery of memorizing a piano recital piece that I hated, I put my foot down and demanded to start oboe lessons. That was just before I entered the 6th grade and that’s how I got my start.

Describe a typical day: When I’m not going to a rehearsal , playing a concert or teaching, I get up at 6 am to exercise, do the Classical Stretch at 6:30, go to Ellis Music after breakfast, return home for late dinner, practice & make reeds!

Dream job if not musician: Uhm..dreaming of retiring so I can read, enjoy some of my hobbies & travel.

Favorite vice: Cafe latte; anything chocolate.

Best advice I ever got: Favorite way to spend an evening: Not making reeds!

Pet peeve: Hearing anyone say “I’ve been there; done that”

I’m most proud of: my children and my students.