Janet Hopkins

Violin

How long have you played?

Since the 4th grade – 67 years

Occupation (or what keeps you busy when you’re not making music):

I am a retired Medical Technologist having spent 34 of my 43 years working in the Laboratory at CoxHealth in Springfield. I now enjoy travelling and camping with my husband and attending grandchildren activities. I volunteer 2 days a week at the Springfield Symphony Office.

How did you get started playing your instrument?

My mother was a violinist and had me and my 2 sisters start playing violin in grade school.

Musical groups I’ve played with:

Parkview High School Orchestra
Springfield Youth Symphony
University of MO Symphonic Orchestra
Missouri Philharmonic
Springfield Symphony Orchestra

Favorite piece I’ve ever performed:

Beethoven 9 th Symphony

A piece I’d love to perform someday:

Any Beethoven Symphony!

Favorite composer or musical style:

Brahms

Favorite hobby besides music:

Travelling and Camping

Favorite food or restaurant:

Pizza

Favorite movie or TV show:

Star Wars – all the movies

A place I’d love to visit:

Antarctica

Something most people don’t know about me:

I am a big football fan, especially the MO Tigers and KC Chiefs.

If I could have dinner with any musician (past or present), it would be:

Ludwig von Beethoven. I would like to find out how he could write compositions after becoming deaf.

What do you enjoy most about playing in the Ozark Festival Orchestra?

I enjoy leading the 2 nd violins and working with Carla to help the orchestra grow and improve with every concert.

What advice would you give someone thinking about joining?

Come and be a part of an orchestra that is a fun group of musicians. We work hard to make beautiful music. This orchestra, in the small town of Monett, is very special. It’s great to keep music a part of your life.

Favorite orchestra memory:

I especially enjoy working with the young artists. They are very talented and are the musicians of the future.