Andrea von Schriltz, Violin II
How old were you when you started playing your instrument?
“I have always loved music and knew I wanted to play an instrument. I was 9 years old when I started at Eissler Elementary School here in Bakersfield. I attended my first school assembly which was a tour comprised of all the district’s music teachers including the music and arts administrator. Together they played selections highlighting each instrument and various styles of music. I remember seeing the administrator, now a retired Bakersfield Symphony member, play a gorgeous violin solo quite effortlessly. I locked in on this performance and was determined to learn the violin. Our school’s music teacher, Mr. Richard Meeks then gave us a music listening test which I passed. With Mr. Meeks, I quickly learned the fundamentals of violin playing. He encouraged I study privately with Bakersfield Symphony violinist and co-founder of the Bakersfield Youth Symphony, Mrs. Barbra Byers. From elementary to junior high school, Mrs. Byers centered my lessons around successfully earning a spot with the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra, which I did on my first try. She also encouraged me to attend performances of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra. I continued lessons with her in high school and shortly before she passed away, she gave me her violin which I still play today. I continued playing in both violin sections with the Bakersfield Youth Symphony and Bakersfield College orchestras, studying under Bakersfield Symphony violinist, Amy McGuire. I successfully auditioned with the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra studying with retired concertmaster, Rebecca Brooks. I completed my Music degree with California State University Bakersfield as a student of our concertmaster, Julia Haney. Music will always be a part of me. I am forever grateful for my teachers for developing an aspiring musician to always add value to life with music.”
What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring musician?
“I encourage anyone pursuing music to delve into all facets of music: the history, genre, instrument, past and current professional musicians and groups performing. Social media can help reach many communities and like-minded individuals to help understand the life of a musician as well. Find a local group and a teacher to study with. Learn as much as you can about yourself by setting goals for your education and have a vision for where you see yourself in the future with music. Always find time to practice and become a well-rounded musician who can reap those benefits in every aspect of life.”
What do you enjoy most about playing with the BSO?
“I am forever grateful for the opportunity to learn as a member of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra. Our orchestra has a wide array of pieces in our performance repertoire. Some are pieces revisited and others are completely new. I always enjoy seeing after personal study how we align our collective interpretations with one another. A great conductor and orchestra will catch on quickly and we have managed to do that quite well. Stilian is an emotive conductor who always brings the meaning of pieces out by sharing its history, how he learned or discovered a piece, where he last conducted it, his teachers’ advice or a soloist's tip that added an interpretive twist. This with our work is what enhances its performance history.
As musicians we are conduits for composers’ works. Whether it’s a downbeat, solo, expressive passage or the final note, we have the privilege to perform and bring pieces to life. Learning with my fellow musicians to capture and share these real moments with our audience is what I enjoy the most and what makes me proud to be a member of nearly twenty years with the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra. ”
Fun Fact About Andrea
“I enjoy gardening, cool weather, and love my orange kitty named Clive.”