Norma-Jean Forshey

ARTIST INFORMATION

Meet the Musician

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

I was born on the east side of the state and now call Mattawan home.

Where did you study? Who did you study under?

My Bachelor of Arts in Music Education is from Kalamazoo College, and I studied under Dr. Barry Ross. I also attended WMU to earn my master’s degree in music.

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

At my elementary school, instrumental music was offered to fifth graders. I couldn’t decide between the clarinet and the violin. My best friend at the time wanted to play the cello, so I chose violin – since that meant we would be in the same class together. I was 10 years old.

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

Since I studied with Dr. Ross, I attended KSO concerts as a student. When I was a college senior, Dr. Ross urged me to audition. I didn’t get accepted right away, but KSO later called me and offered me a position. I was thrilled.

I love orchestral playing. I have many great memories of so many wonderful concerts with the KSO. One highlight was performing with Itzhak Perlman! Another was when Raymond Harvey played Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. It was a challenge but so rewarding.

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

Dr. Ross still inspires me. He has become a good friend and is still willing to “be the teacher” and share what he has discovered in his playing and performing. He’s special to me because we have a lot in common and many years of friendship.

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

Kalamazoo is very arts-oriented. You could attend a concert or theater production or visit a visual work of art almost every day. I love reading, doing paper crafts (mostly rubber stamping!), and resale shopping.

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

This is also a tough question. I listen to a wide variety of stuff – from Mannheim Steamroller and George Winston to John Denver. And classical music. Since I am an elementary vocal music teacher, I listen to a lot of children’s songs all day long during the school year.