ORS’ concertmaster, Maggie Duggan, has been with the program for years, starting when she was in high school. In preparation for the Spring Concerto Festival, we’ve asked her a few questions so that you can get to know her as you prepare to attend the festival this weekend! Read on to learn how ORS connects with students, and what Maggie loves to do.
Q: You have been a constant face with ORS for a few years now. When did you first get involved, and where are you now?
I first came to ORS as a section violinist when I was in high school. I played off an on over the years and later came to be the concert master, orchestra personnel manager/recruiter, and for a time, a member of the board. I started performing in the fall piano trio concerts in 2019 and have really enjoyed it.
Q: At ORS, we are all about the personal connections with our participants. What is your favorite story or experience connecting with an ORS student?
I think the most memorable experiences with ORS students have to be the ones that need a little support getting across the finish line. Sometimes students have memory slips or get their fingers in knots during a concert. Evin [ORS’ conductor] has always told the orchestra that it is vital for us to help struggling students get to the double bar at the end of the piece and get them to finish strong. Otherwise, students are in danger of never returning to the stage and developing phobias around performing. Evin has such a special connection with the students. It’s a real partnership and you can tell they trust him. He always gets to them to that double bar.
Q: You are a musician and an educator. Could you tell us more about what you do?
I am the new band and orchestra director at the Tacoma School of the Arts in downtown Tacoma. It’s exciting for me because I was a student at SOTA as a teenager. I still am freelancing and performing as well.
Q: What is one of your hobbies or interests that you enjoy outside of music?
I love gardening, reading, and traveling. I have traveled pretty extensively over the years but that’s really been put on hold during Covid. I can’t wait to go somewhere again.
Q: Last but not least, one more question. What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
This one is tough. Maybe that I am very shy. I have never had trouble performing or being on stage as long as I’m playing music. But as soon as my violin is out of my hands it feels much more difficult to express myself and I avoid attention. I think there are a lot of performers who feel similarly.
Learn more about ORS and our Founder and Music Director Paul Twedt at our about page.
We’re also looking for volunteers to help at the Spring Concerto Festival with crowd control, guiding fellow audience members, and cleanup after concerts. Click below for more information and to check out available volunteer hours (just 30 minutes before or after a concert)!