Joan Winters

Principal Second Violin

Year you joined the ECSO:1986

Joan performs regularly with the Con Brio Orchestra and prior to moving to CT, Joan was a free lance violinist with the Binghamton Symphony, Tri-Cities Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Broome County Pops Orchestra, Utica Symphony, and Catskill Symphony. Joan earned her degree from Ithaca College in 1981, and in 1990 went on to study violin performance and conducting at the University of Ct. Joan’s professional career of 34 years was dedicated to teaching and serving the students in the Waterford Public Schools before retiring in 2018. Among the many awards and honors earned during her 34 years of teaching, she is most proud of being named Connecticut Music Educators Middle School teacher of the year and receiving the Heifetz International Music Institute Pedagogy Fellowship. Additionally, Joan has been honored to serve as guest conductor of orchestra festivals in CT and RI, and most recently served as music director and conductor of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Youth Orchestra. She was also one of the co-founders and first conductors of the New London Community Orchestra.

Hidden Talent(s):Paddle Boarding, Dessert Making, Sit Ups

Favorite Musical Memory:Guest soloist with ECSO in 2017 performing “Mediation from Thais”

Favorite Motto or Quote:“Never Enough”

Favorite Composer:Tchaikovsky

What/Who Inspired You To Take Up Your Instrument:Pat and Jack Vartanian, Ralph Metcalf and Mary Dooley