Urban Legends

Preparing for Urban Legends with the Dubuque Symphony

This fall I am preparing for one of the most meaningful projects of my career: performing as a soloist with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. For over 21 years I’ve played in this ensemble, 18 of them as Principal Viola. This will be my first time stepping out in front of the orchestra in a solo role — and it’s both exhilarating and humbling.

The Music

The piece we are performing is Urban Legends by Michael Abels, a concerto for string quartet and orchestra. If the name sounds familiar, you may know Abels from his collaborations with filmmaker Jordan Peele — in fact, Urban Legends served as the basis for the score of Nope.

I’m honored to share the solo spotlight with my colleagues and fellow principals: Nash Ryder and Katie Klocke on violin, and Philip Bergman on cello. Together, we form the quartet at the center of this dramatic, colorful piece.

Getting Started

The music arrived from the publisher on August 18, and from that very first day I started keeping a practice journal. Each session, I jot down what I worked on — sections, passages, problem spots. It helps me track progress, keep myself accountable, and stay mindful of the big picture.

I’ve also had to learn some brand-new tools. The score had no safe page turns on paper, so I invested in a Samsung tablet and a foot pedal for turning pages. It’s a whole new skill set for me! I still prefer paper, but I’m slowly getting used to reading on a screen.

The Physical Side of Preparation

At age 47, I can’t just pick up my instrument and practice for hours the way I did in my twenties. My body has its own needs now, and keeping it healthy has become an essential part of preparing for this concerto.

I’ve built a whole team to help me stay in playing shape. My personal trainer has tailored my workouts to strengthen the specific muscles I use while playing. I get regular massages, chiropractic adjustments, and keep up with stretching. I’ve added a heating pad and even a lacrosse ball to my toolkit for reducing pain and stiffness.

It’s not glamorous, but this physical care is what allows me to show up to rehearsal ready to give my best.

Support at Home

Behind the scenes, my husband has been my rock. He’s kept everything running smoothly at home so I can focus on practicing and recovering. From meals to rest, he makes sure I don’t forget the basics in the middle of such an intense preparation period.

Looking Ahead

As the concert approaches, my focus is on preparation, not perfection. Anxiety feeds on uncertainty, and the best antidote is to be as ready as I can be. I want to walk on stage not worrying whether I can play all the notes, but simply savoring the privilege of making music with my colleagues and sharing this powerful work with the audience.

I can’t wait to bring Urban Legends to life with the Dubuque Symphony and to step into this new role — after two decades with this orchestra, it feels like the start of a brand-new chapter.