Judy Moonert

ARTIST INFORMATION

Meet the Musician

Where were you born? Where do you call home now?

Euclid, Ohio | I now live in Portage, Michigan.

Where did you study? Who did you study under?

Indiana University with Professor George Gaber and Professor William Roberts.

When did you first discover your instrument? How old were you?

I was in sixth grade when I began the drums. I have always been fascinated with drums, and I actually have a picture of myself at two years old with a toy field drum I got for Christmas. My neighbors had a kid’s drumset that I would always play when visiting. So when I went with my Mom to pick out an instrument, it had to be the drums, even though my Mom told me how great the flute was.

How did you come to be with the KSO? What is your best memory here?

I came to Kalamazoo for a teaching position at Western Michigan University. I was a substitute player my first year and became a section member the following year. There are so many great memories from KSO, but playing the Glory and the Grandeur by Russell Peck with Ken Jones and Mark Guthrie as soloists with the orchestra was certainly a highlight of all the years I have played in the orchestra.

Who is a musician/mentor who inspires you? What makes them special?

KSO Principal Tuba Robert Whaley is a musician who always gives me inspiration. His love for music and longevity playing in the orchestra is amazing. He always plays beautifully and sounds great. As I get older, I am even more appreciative of his artistry.

What is your favorite piece you’ve ever played? What did it feel like to play?

Mahler Symphony No. 2 is exhilarating and has so many magical moments. Sitting in the orchestra, even when I am not playing, is a beautiful experience in rehearsals or performances of this Mahler symphony.

What do you love most about Kalamazoo? What are your hobbies/interests outside of the music world?

I love the artistic focus of Kalamazoo, not just in music but all of the arts (Wellspring Dance, Civic Theatre, Kalamazoo Institute of the Arts, Gilmore Festival, Kalamazoo Concert Band, and many, many other artistic groups). I love being near Lake Michigan. I have always lived near a Great Lake, being originally from an area on Lake Erie. I love the small-town atmosphere in a city with large city qualities such as many entertainment opportunities, excellent restaurants, excellent medical facilities, and support for the arts. My interests outside music are golfing, biking, and walking in nature.

Your playlist recap is here…who is your most listened-to artist? (of any genre)

Andrea Bocelli