San Luis Obispo Symphony’s Newsletter
July 2024
Jessica Hoffman, Principal Oboe
Jessica self describes as an extrovert. After coming from Colorado for her first year at UCLA she joined the marching band because “I knew I would immediately have 200 new friends, and people to do stuff with on weekends.” She purposely chose the tenor sax to play in the band for all four years because “It was so big it was transported by the bus to the field and back I knew I wouldn’t have to carry it.”
While earning her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at UCLA, and playing in the marching band, Jessica played English horn in the American Youth Symphony under the baton of Mehli Mehta. When Maestro Meta became ill, his son Zubin Mehta replaced him at a concert at the Granada in Santa Barbara. Upon completion of the Roman Carnival by Berlioz, Jeccica said “Maestro Mehta waved his hand to motion for me to stand for a bow. I stood but he continued to motion for me to stand; he was making a joke because he knew I was so short.” Also, during her university years Jessica played English horn or oboe for the L.A. Opera, Burbank Symphony, Downey Symphony, and Marina Del Rey.
To connect the dots from engineering to music Jessica explained “My mother and father have PhDs in chemistry, and my sister has a PhD in musicology. I’m the dumbest one in my family. I only have a master’s. My father always had classical or baroque playing. I always knew I wanted to play an instrument. I started the piano at four when we were living in Texas. If we’d stayed in Texas I would have learned the cello, but we moved to Colorado when I was in fourth grade where there were no strings in the school programs. We had the recorder instead, so I started on the oboe when I was ten.”
After university Jessica worked for various engineering and manufacturing corporations in Southern California. In 2010 she was brought up to the Central Coast for a position with Atlas Copco Mafi-Trench, a green energy, geothermal and sustainable technology manufacturer, or as she put it in layman terms “anyway to make power that’s green energy.” Her position has required her to work in more countries than most people can find on the map including Turkey, China, India, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman, India, Kazakhstan … and then this writer’s pen ran out of ink.
Somewhere along her busy path Jessica lived in Florence and Antwerp. Italy seems to be her favorite country, but she and her sister are traveling to Berlin this December for the Christmas Market. She also loves Turkey, especially Troy and Ephesus, and plans to visit again because “We don’t have dead stuff (historic ruins) like that here.” She also wants to return to Kazakhstan as a tourist to “see the beauty of the mountains and the Caspian Sea.”
Regarding her non-classical music tastes Jessica said “I like country, but not western. I listen to pop music so I can understand what my younger employees are talking about. If I’m house cleaning, I listen to Stevie Wonder. I make pasta listening to Bob Marley. I grew up with a Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Molly Hatchet, and Metallica. In the 80’s I listened to The Cure, Morrissey, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and the Dead Milkmen.”
This October will mark the start of Jessica’s 14th season with the Symphony. She has served on the board of directors since 2016, much of that time as treasurer. She plans to work on audience development and fundraising in the upcoming season. The photo of Jessica is her at her workplace with an impeller. The impeller, again in layman’s terms, “Spins by the gas flow and creates energy which in turn makes electricity.”
Join Us!
As we continue to thrive and grow, we’re thrilled to announce TWO fantastic career opportunities within our team. If you or someone you know is looking to take the next step in your professional journey, these might be the perfect fit!
To apply or read more about these positions click HERE.
The mission of the San Luis Obispo Symphony is to support an outstanding community orchestra, to foster symphonic and chamber music education and to contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of the central coast community.
Bastille Day Party!
There is a long tradition of community members throwing parties to support the Symphony. The Parties With a Purpose are completely donor sponsored, with all costs incurred by the hosts, and all proceeds going directly to the Symphony. This is a great way to support the symphony, while having a great time.
Bastille Day, July 14, is hosted by longtime Symphony supporter Cindy Marie Absey, and Shannon Smith, in Cindy Marie’s lovely San Luis Obispo home. The theme is French, of course, so spend a charming afternoon celebrating France’s National Holiday. Cindy Marie will serve a French style picnic fair, with cocktails and beverages. Enjoy live music by accordionist Michael Gutin and the Symphony’s own violinist, Paul Severtson.
Congrats Paul!
We are proud to announce that our own Paul Severtson is a recipient of the 2024 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Volunteer Award from The Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO). Nominated by the SLO Symphony to recognize his exemplary volunteer service, Paul has had a major impact on SLOS over the past 30 years! Please join us in congratulating Paul!
Music Education Notes
Summer Experience
SLO Symphony is thrilled to partner with San Luis Coastal Unified again this summer to bring 3 classes of beginning strings to students participating in the Summer Experience program at SLO High School and Morro Bay High School. The symphony provides the instruments, curriculum materials, and instructors to bring violin and cello to 58 students this summer!
Coming Up
Pops-by-the-Sea
Saturday, August 31, 2024 ~ Avila Beach Golf Resort
Our 2024 POPS Concert, Movie Magic, takes a journey through the last fifty years of famous movie scores and themes. From Richard Rodgers Slaughter on Tenth Avenue, West Side Story, Magnificent Seven to the Adventures of Robin Hood, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Nigel Hess’ Ladies in Lavender, there is something for everyone! Join us on Labor Day Weekend for a beautiful day of music and fun by the beach!
Get your tickets HERE.
Buy 1 Get 1: Thanks for being an early reader of High Notes! Use promo code HIGHNOTES to buy 1, get 1 general admission ticket for free. Offer only valid now until July 8th.
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