After a brief attempt at playing the violin (I was encouraged by my father who was a good amateur violinist), I found that I was strongly drawn to the clarinet, which I started to play in the fifth grade. Growing up in northern New Jersey, I played clarinet in my high school concert band and tenor sax in the marching band and dance band. After high school I continued my musical endeavors in both the concert and marching bands and, more importantly, the orchestra at Brown University. These groups provided some of my most treasured college experiences. After graduation I went on to medical school at Georgetown, but after my second year I no longer had the time to spend with my instrument and reluctantly took a break while I completed my further training at UW Madison and the University of Connecticut.
An old college friend, who was a trumpet player, encouraged me to start playing clarinet again as I was finishing my rheumatology fellowship in Connecticut, and when I settled in Milwaukee, I got serious about the instrument again. I took lessons from Russ Dagon and later from Diana Haskell and Bill Helmers over the years. I also joined the Knightwind Ensemble. In the late 90’s I joined the MFSO (which was still the Milwaukee Catholic Symphony) and have enjoyed playing with this fine group of musicians over the last 20+ years. My favorite memories include performing some of the “old warhorses” including Tchaikovsky’s Fourth, Mahler’s First and Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphonies. These were a real challenge! Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony and Handel’s Messiah at the Irish Cultural Heritage Center were also high points.
In addition to the MFSO, I perform with a quartet, The Cream City Clarinets, and until recently had continued with the Knightwind. During several summers I attended the Raphael Trio Chamber Music Workshop in New England studying and performing both classical and contemporary chamber works.
On a personal level, I still enjoy keeping current on selected medical topics and giving free medical advice to my family and friends (I tell them that they get what they pay for). My non-musical hobbies include biking, taking long walks and snow shoeing. I am convinced that music and exercise are both essential to a healthy life style. Finally, I am looking forward to getting back to the MFSO as soon as we can safely gather again.
Hello, my name is Pam and I am the principal violist for the MFSO.
I did not come from a musical home. My parents listened to instrumental easy listening favorites (elevator music) and only in the car! I was dared to choose a stringed instrument by the boy next door when I was nine, and I chose viola. He chose bass. My parents were surprised, but very supportive.
Excellent music teachers from public schools in Watertown and Eau Claire taught me to be a musician. They insisted on practice and excellence, but made learning fun. I continued on to study at the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire, where I received my Bachelor of Music Education degree. In the following years, I taught music to children, ages 3-18, for the public schools in Kaukauna and in Menomonee Falls. I performed as a violist with the Fox Valley Symphony and the Festival City Symphony as well as occasional fill in jobs with other Wisconsin community-based orchestras.
I stepped back from teaching in order to spend more time with my children. Thus ended a career, but not my musical vocation. At about that time, the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra moved right into my backyard. Perfect timing for me! I joined in 1999. Over the last 20+ years we have performed such a wide variety of great music. Music written by the old master composers of classical music is always a favorite, but we have also performed new works that have been beautiful and quite challenging. Plus, the more popular style music the MFSO programs for some of our concert is just fun. I have been truly blessed to have the opportunity to have been a part of this for so long.
Outside of my musical life, my husband of 28 years and I own Tall Paul’s Tall Mall, which is an internet-based business that specializes in housewares for taller than average persons. We are active in our church and help support a Lutheran seminary in Nigeria. We have made good friends with some of the faculty and love to host them in our home when they visit our country. I enjoy traveling in the US, venturing to 34 states over the years - only 16 left to go! In quieter times you may find me relaxing on our patio while listening to a good book or podcast and drinking a great cup of coffee. Or music - I might be listening to some music too!
It is rare for a community the size of ours to boast that a symphony orchestra makes its home here. This is one of the things that makes living in Menomonee Falls and Sussex special! You have the opportunity to hear great music played by an ensemble of experienced musicians right here. We all look forward to getting back in the concert hall and performing for you.
My name is Judy Keene, and I am principal French Horn in the MFSO. I first started playing with the orchestra about 25 years ago.
I have always enjoyed music, and I think this interest originated with my mother. Music had been a very important part of her life, and she played violin, marimba, and French horn. Naturally she wanted to instill that love of music in her kids as well. I started out playing piano. When I was old enough to play a wind instrument, I followed my mom’s lead and took up the French horn. This was a decision I regretted in grade school when I had to carry the heavy case around! In Junior High I began to appreciate the beautiful mellow sound of the instrument, and the way the horn fit into the ensemble.
When I went off to college, I was specializing in the sciences. I wasn’t sure how much time I would be able to devote to music. Initially, I decided that I was just going to play in the orchestra. But by the time I graduated, I was taking almost as many music credits as in my major. Music had become such a key part of my life. I have continued to try to find a balance between the arts and sciences.
Currently, I work in the field of toxicology at ACL Laboratories, a part of Advocate Aurora Healthcare. In my free time, I play in a number of musical ensembles. These include concert bands, brass groups, pit orchestras, and my favorite -- the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra. I find playing in the orchestra both challenging and very rewarding. The horn is often given independent and musically interesting parts which are really exciting to perform. The four-part harmonies that can be produced by the full horn section are particularly fun to play. The teamwork involved makes it even more gratifying.
There have been many memorable concerts with the MFSO. The one that stands out most was a performance of Mahler Symphony No. 1. It is an amazing piece of music, and we had a great six-person horn section. Playing with bells up at the end of the piece was literally a “blast.”
The MFSO is also a special group to play with. It has had a close relation to the community over the years. Highlights include the Armed Man performances on the anniversaries of 9/11, the Messiah sing-alongs, the Valentine’s Day concerts featuring local musicians, and the outdoor Falls Fest performances. The orchestra has always programmed music that appeals to everyone. Mike and some of the orchestra members have made excellent arrangements as needed!
When not at work or playing my horn, I spend time at my cabin in Northern Wisconsin. I enjoy hiking, kayaking, photography, and playing with my two dachshunds.
What is your role with the MFSO? How long have you been with the MFSO and in what capacity?
I’ve been the concertmaster since 2016. I joined the MFSO first violin section in 2004 after moving to Menomonee Falls and became principal 2nd a few years later. After a break in 2015, I was happy to be able to return as concertmaster.
Do you play with any other orchestras?
I’m a member of the Wisconsin Philharmonic and I sub with Festival City Symphony. In the past I’ve played with the Racine, Kenosha, and Green Bay Symphony Orchestras.
What is / was your working profession?
I’m a Certified Public Accountant and have worked in mutual fund and tax accounting. Currently, the majority of my time and attention goes to my 1 and 3-yr-old daughters. They are a blast and keep me very busy. Our days often include baking, ballet, biking, books, and blanket forts.
Do you have any hobbies?
Apart from music, I enjoy running, yoga, being outside, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and reading widely.
Do you play any other instruments?
Viola, singing and a bit of piano. I have dabbled with wind and brass instruments, but strings are a better fit for me. I love teaching all ages.
What are some memorable concerts you recall and why were they special?
We have had so many fun concerts and memorable soloists over the years. I loved playing Cosi fan tutte [the opera], The Armed Man [by Karl Jenkins], various Valentine concerts, and soloing with the Dvorak concerto back in 2011. I have missed performing and seeing everyone in 2020, but looking forward to resuming this fall. Hope to see you at one of our concerts!
My name is Nancy Wiecki (vee-ET-skee), and currently I am the principal flute player with the MFSO. Since 2002 I have served secretary on the MFSO Board of Directors. I have been a member of the orchestra since 1995, not long after I moved here to begin my current job as a high school music teacher at St. Thomas More High School.
I have always loved playing music! I started on piano, added flute a few years later, and added saxophone during high school so that I could play in jazz band. During my senior year of high school, four of my classes were music: band, jazz band, choir and show choir. It doesn’t matter the instrument; I just love to perform. That love of music led me to a career in music. I have a B.A. in Music Education from the College of St. Teresa in Winona, MN and a M.M. in Music Education from Northwestern University. I also did post graduate work in flute performance at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
Currently, in addition to the MFSO, I am a member of the Gutekunst Flute Choir and have been playing 3rd flute/piccolo with the Cardinal Stritch Community Orchestra. I look forward to when we can go back to performing again!! I always enjoy playing in the “pit” for musicals; but one of my favorite memories performing is when the MFSO performed The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. I was looking forward to performing Peter and the Wolf with the MFSO before last season was abruptly ended.
Career Highlights
A few highlights of my career: in 2004 the Milwaukee Civic Music Association awarded me their Milwaukee Teacher of the Year award, after being nominated by a group of my students and their parents; in 2010 I was awarded one of the Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship awards; and in 2013, after being nominated by a former student who was graduating, the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) awarded me their Excellence in Teaching award.
When not performing, I enjoy attending a variety of live performances. The most memorable concerts include hearing the French flute player Jean-Pierre Rampal at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis; seeing Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Phantom of the Opera at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; and hearing the National Symphony Orchestra providing live accompaniment for one of the Harry Potter movies at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.
Music is certainly a big part of my life, but when I have time, I love spending time with family and friends, kayaking, traveling (especially to Lake Superior!) and reading.
I joined the Milwaukee Catholic Symphony Junior Orchestra in 1946. It was under the leadership of Eugene Wilczewski. In High School I transferred to the Senior Group under the leadership of Edward Zielinski. I continued to perform with the group in many concerts and various venues. In 1986, Michael Kamenski became our conductor. In 1997, we became the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra. I have continued to perform with all the various moves as I enjoy the music selections, the fellow members, and just being able to keep my playing intact. After 72 years with this orchestra, I retired as a playing member. I still perform with the Silver Strings (a senior group which performs at various senior citizens’ homes). I will continue to serve on the MFSO Board of Directors. I am not quite “out to pasture” yet!
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