CFCC student makes learning a lifelong journey
Following her mother’s advice, Jennie Galloway put her musical ambitions aside and studied for a career that would provide her with an income. She dutifully attended Washington State University, earned a degree in math, and began work at GE Nuclear in California where she met her husband.
In 1994, Galloway found herself relocating to the Atlantic Coast after her husband’s job at GE was transferred to the Wilmington plant. Once the family settled into their new community, Galloway decided to pursue a degree in music.
PURSUING THE PASSION
Galloway studied several instruments growing up, beginning with piano lessons at the age of five. She added the cello in the fifth grade but gave it up for the flute because the high school band was much more exciting.
Galloway played piano throughout her adult life and progressed to teaching piano lessons. However, while pursuing her music degree, she revisited the cello which reignited her passion for the instrument. She later joined a small orchestra made up of mostly retirees.
The orchestra group mostly performed for a conducting class at UNCW, and, in exchange, they were provided with practice space. Eventually, the group moved their practice space to a local church. That’s when CFCC Arts & Humanities Music Program Chair Philip Singleton became involved.
NEW REHEARSAL SPACE
Singleton brought the group to CFCC as the Studio Symphony Orchestra. Bringing this program to CFCC seemed like a natural fit for CFCC’s community enrichment offerings. Singleton also wanted to attract more musicians to the group.
“Using CFCC music facilities is a wonderful way to appeal to the musical community,” commented Singleton. “In addition, area musicians find the prospect of performing on the Wilson Center stage very appealing.”
BEST RECITAL STAGE
Galloway is looking forward to this year’s concert. “Our Studio Orchestra not only meets in a wonderful classroom in Wilson with all the necessary furniture and instruments for rehearsing but we also get to play our performances on the stage at Wilson Center.,” she enthuses. “The Wilson Center has all of the equipment along with the beautiful piano and the acoustic assistance available there. It is very special to play our concerts there.”
The recital will feature a variety of music – from classics to popular to heavy metal. Galloway says that everyone in the orchestra loves Singleton’s choice of music.
“Philip is good at picking the music,” Galloway said. “Everybody loves it and Phil’s personality is just perfect for this situation. He has the patience to work with a range of skill levels.”
Members do not need a music degree to participate, just the desire to play. Galloway points out that some members are just starting on instruments and others have played for years. Some members are returning to their musical instruments after years of not playing like Galloway.
“Jennie is a wonderful cellist,” remarked Singleton. “And is responsible for keeping the orchestra going through all its phases.”
The next session of the Studio Symphony Orchestra is enrolling now. Register here.
