The Mukilteo Community Orchestra will be starting its 25th Season this November. We talked with current president Jessie Goodpaster about her start in music, what she likes to play, volunteering, and her summer playlist.
DM: When and where did you start studying music?
JG: I started playing cello when I was 3 years old. We were living in Moscow, ID at the time and I was fortunate to study the Suzuki method with Bill & Linda Wharton, a wonderful husband-and-wife team who have blessed so many cellists with their love of teaching music!
DM: What instruments do you play?
JG: Mainly cello and piano, but I also dabble with some ukulele, accordion, and recorder for fun. 😊
DM: Why did you pick your instrument(s)?
JG: My parents originally chose the cello for me as a toddler. I took a 4-year break from playing when we moved from Moscow, ID to Boise, but when it was time to start orchestra again in 5th grade, I chose it for myself that time! I remember being in the music shop and still being able to play “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and thinking, “That’s a start! Might as well continue instead of starting back at square one!”
What is your highest level of education?
JG: Honors Bachelor of Science in Psychology
DM: Did you go to a college or university? If so, where?
JG: Idaho State University (Pocatello, ID)
DM: How long have you been with the Mukilteo Community Orchestra?
JG: I started with the orchestra in December 2010 after moving here from Idaho post-graduation.
DM: How long have you been performing in orchestras or bands?
JG: My whole life! My first experience with playing in a group was as a toddler in the impressive cello choir led by the Whartons. We would fill up the whole bandstand in the park each summer! Once I restarted the cello at age 10, I played in school orchestras, youth symphonies, community orchestras, Idaho State Civic Symphony, and now Mukilteo Community Orchestra!
DM: Are you involved in any professional organizations?
JG: If so, do you have a title or rank within these organizations? (Include organizations where you are just a member) Yes – I am a self-labeled “professional volunteer”! I am currently the President of Mukilteo Community Orchestra, the Vice President of Membership for the Mukilteo Elementary PTSA, and an avid classroom volunteer at the school.
DM: What do you like about performing in the Mukilteo Community Orchestra?
JG: I love that we are a community first and an orchestra second. From the minute I first stepped foot in a rehearsal, I have always felt welcomed by our members. We truly feel like a family! It is also so exciting to be able to look back at how far we have advanced musically and to be able to freely share that with our community.
DM: What is your favorite thing about performing?
JG: I love the sense of coming together as a group to share our hard work and love of the music with members of our community.
DM: What is your favorite to play?
JG: I tend to enjoy the romantic composers the best – Respighi, Brahms, and Chopin to name a few.
DM: What are you currently listening to and why (music, podcasts etc.)?
JG: Currently, my Alexa has been taken over by my children this summer, which means a lot of Disney!
DM: Do you volunteer? If so, where?
JG: I enjoy volunteering in many ways at my children’s school – as art docent, classroom volunteer, book fair, and other PTSA events.
DM: Are you married? What is your spouse’s name?
JG: I have been married to my husband Darin since 2014
DM: Do you have children? What are their names and ages?
JG: We have two children together: Emma (7) and Will (5)
DM: What kind of pets do you have, if any? What are their names?
JG: We have a 12-year-old Westie named Parker (named after Charlie Parker)
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