WMSO Maestro Theresa Dick
Theresa Dick's Bio:
Following in the tradition of her family, Theresa A. Dick began playing violin at age seven. She studied with private instructors since there was no orchestral instruction available in the public school she attended. In junior high school she auditioned and began studying with Harry Taub, Assistant Concertmaster of the Buffalo Philharmonic.
Her first real experience with conductors was during this time when she played under the baton of Paul Ferrington, who later became a Conductor for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Ferrington not only sparked her interest in playing in a symphony setting, but was a big factor in her desire to conduct a group of her own someday. After graduating from high school, Theresa attended the Ohio University School of Music, Athens, Ohio, under the guidance of Howard Beebe on violin, a former student of Ivan Galamian. During her time at Ohio University, she spent time working on her conducting skills under the direction of Ronald P. Soccarelli and was further guided by Ray Fowler. Where Soccarelli taught her the basic skills of conducting, Fowler helped Theresa to understand the creativity and musicality that was needed to accompany the baton.
Theresa completed her BMUS with her focus in performance on violin and music education. She completed a dual degree in music while being a section violinist, principal second, and concertmaster of the Ohio University Symphony at various times. She also had the privilege of auditioning and playing section violin with the Charleston Symphony in Charleston, West Virginia, under the direction of the esteemed Thomas Conlin.
Upon completion of college, Theresa began her professional career as a teacher and conductor of orchestral music in Winterhaven, Florida, before moving to Arizona. Her 13-year teaching career in the Yuma school systems resulted in the building of the orchestral music program that went up through junior high and eventually into the high schools. During that time, she also performed with the Imperial Valley Symphony and spent some of her years as the Director of the Yuma Chamber Orchestra.
Mrs. Dick now resides in the White Mountains with her two children. She is assistant director, Junior high mentor, and the high school English Instructor at Jefferson Academy of Advanced Learning. She maintains her private violin studio along with the orchestral program she is developing at Jefferson Academy.
Theresa said, “As a performance major and education major, I loved playing because it allowed me to create and express myself musically. However, when I was in college, I found that one of my favorite courses was conducting. Not only was I able to immerse myself and express myself in music, but conducting also allowed me the opportunity to guide others in feeling and expressing the music. I was and am able to use the God-given talent I was blessed with so I can share it with others. It is absolutely uplifting to work with such gifted musicians in such a beautiful area!”
|
