Ake-Eric Renqvist , Conductor: Before leaving his native Finland to make his home in Virginia, Conductor/Violinist Ake-Eric Renqvist was awarded the distinguished title "Director Musices," as signed by the president of Finland in December 1995. For 29 years he was a violinist/violist with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. Renqvist taught at the Helsinki Conservatory and a number of other music academies, and served as director of a private music school in Helsinki. He completed his studies in violin at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and studied conducting with Premysl Charvat, principal conductor for the National Opera in Prague. Renqvist has broad experience not only in performance but also in both musical research and administration. Recently Renqvist moved from Finland to the United States with his wife, who is a Virginian. His studio is in Newport, in Giles County, where he resides with his family.

Violin I

Ashley Keffer, Concertmaster, secretary: Ashley is a home-schooled high school junior, and has lived in Blacksburg for most of her life. She has been a member of the BCS since Fall 2002, and became concertmaster in Fall 2003. She has been playing violin since 1999, and is currently a student of Doris Lederer. In addition to BCS, she is a member of other performing groups, including the Roanoke Youth Symphony, the New River Valley Symphony, and Virginia Tech's Early Music Ensemble.

Madeline Brumback

Joyce Chen

Louis Chen

Elizabeth Gichana

Cyrus Makoui

Amy Nichols, publicity: Amy is a full time mother of three and a substitute teacher. She started playing the violin almost three years ago quite by accident. Although her musical background was in classical piano as a child and teenager, she fell in love with the violin immediately and joined BCS in the fall of 2002 at the request of her teacher, Dr. Edith Carter. "Being a part of BCS not only gives me the opportunity to meet and play with other musicians in the area, but also a place to grow and learn, and become more confident in my skills. There never seems to be a dull moment with this group. We are all so diverse and come from so many different backgrounds. I think that's what makes us unique."

Violin II

Janet Donahue, principal, president: Janet started instruction in the violin at age nine in the New York school system, and continued through graduation. She enjoyed performing in her high school's pit orchestra for musical productions. Somewhat later in her adult years, she played briefly in the Arlington Symphony (a community group) in Massachusetts, but then didn't return to the instrument seriously for twenty years. Janet has two adult children, and works as a research technician in Biochemistry at Virginia Tech. She has been with the Blacksburg Community Strings since 2002. This led to participation in other musical events: the Summer Musical Enterprise pit orchestra (three seasons), string quartets and Summer Music Camp. "Music should be available to everyone."

Judy Davis, treasurer: Judy Davis grew up in Roanoke, graduated from Patrick Henry High School, and received her bachelors degree from Mary Baldwin College. She is employed by the Medical College of VA as a research interviewer. Judy has a grown son who lives in Falls Church, VA. She and her cat reside on a farm in Dublin. Judy studied the piano as she was growing up, and has been a student of the violin for the past nine years. Judy also plays with Eurydice, a community chamber orchestra in Roanoke.

Catherine Fendley, librarian: Catherine lives and works on her farm in Floyd County, VA, with her husband and daughter, where they provide full time family services for adults with special needs.   Catherine began taking violin lessons in Jan. 2003 with Dr. Edith Carter, and joined the Blacksburg Community Strings Group in Sept. 2003. "It has been a great challenge learning to play the violin at my age with no formal musical experience, but through the supportive environment provided by the BCS my abilities are growing steadily."   

Viola

John Howell, principal, associate conductor: John Raymond Howell is Associate Professor of Music at Virginia Tech. His graduate study was at Indiana University, where he studied viola with William Primrose. John was a professional entertainer with Warner Bros. and Decca recording artists The Four Saints performing on five continents, all 50 states, and the major TV variety shows of the 1960s. He has played with the Roanoke Symphony, Lynchburg Symphony, Southwest Virginia Chamber Orchestra, and Henry Mancini Orchestra, and directed shows at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. He has published articles and a book about string educator George Bornoff. He is a composer and arranger, and serves as BCS's associate conductor.

Benjamin Broyles

Edie Carter, membership

Maria Roth

Cello

Dan Foster, principal

Ryan Burbey

Bass

Anthony Blackburn: Anthony has been playing the double bass since age 11, and began private lessons with Ake Eric Renqvist after moving to Narrows in 1999. He started home schooling in 7th grade, and likes video games, soccer & tennis. He has played with the BCS since fall 2000.

2/13/08