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  exposition - The Dream

I had toyed with the concept for several years of starting my own music business. The idea really began to take shape in the spring of 2002 when I was assigned the job of planning my OWN wedding!

It became very important to me that all the details and nuance of that special day reflect my fiancé, Andy, and I, and our unique relationship.
 
     
  development - The Reason

We were lucky in regards to the music for our wedding. I have years of experience in the genres of jazz and acoustic music AND an M.A. degree in Classical Violin Performance. For that reason, finding our perfect event music was a wonderful process.

Since that time I have watched friends go through this same course of planning their weddings. Not being musicians themselves, they are often unaware of the amazing variety on the musical palette, which could easily be accessed if they just knew where to look. Let’s be realistic though: when planning a wedding, no bride or groom to be really has the time to become a classical music historian or jazz connoisseur on top of everything else.

By creating Effesenden music, I wanted to help people discover the music for their wedding or special event that would truly reflect their unique styles and tastes

 

     
recapitulation - The Credibility

So now some information about me: I am an individual who enjoys both the creative side of music and the organizational side. As my former professor, Derric Johnson would often say: “Music is communication. We are in the art of communication.”

I graduated in the top of my class from George Fox University. While a student there I was selected to represent the university in an elite traveling music ensemble called Dayspring. We traversed the United States singing and playing in schools, military bases, and performing the national anthem at professional sporting events.

While at George Fox University, I also created, developed and directed a benefit musical theater revue titled Night of Broadway, which generated thousands of dollars in donations for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Continuing my education at Portland State University, I earned my masters degree while serving as a graduate teaching assistant to Portland State University orchestral director, Dr. Keith Clark.

I was also a private pupil of renowned violinist, Carol Sindell, who studied with legendary concert violinist, Jascha Heifitz. When not buried in the library among music reference books or practicing my scales and etudes, I broadened my improvisational scope immensely under the tutelage of nationally renowned Jazz Pianist Darrell Grant.

 

     
  cadenza - Unique Experiences

The past few years have been quite the ride! Even beyond the wedding, the completion of graduate studies and the establishment of Effesenden, I was surprised by the adventures that life presented.. In the summer of 2001, I attended the Mark O’Connor Fiddling Camp in San Diego, CA, which really broadened my musical horizons.

The camp, which is sort of the Mecca for all different types of fiddling—from Irish to Bluegrass to Jazz, offered me an amazing sense of validation for a type of violin playing that has always been very close to my heart. Many of the world’s top fiddlers were in attendance—, Matt Glaser, Sara Watkins, Natalie MacMaster and of course, Mark O’Connor himself. I learned so much from the conference and also felt mightily encouraged as these leaders in their profession expressed confidence in my abilities as a fiddler.

More...

 

     
  coda - Happily Ever After

I am enjoying this adventure of Effesenden Music immensely. It has been wonderful sharing in the wedding celebrations of so many happy couples.

I have enjoyed providing musical ambiance to special events as well and look forward to more playing engagements this Fall and Winter.

Thank you for visiting Effesenden Music and I hope to see you soon.
 

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