Grossmont Symphony String Quartet
 The
Grossmont Symphony String Quartet is the resident string quartet of the
Grossmont Symphony Orchestra at Grossmont College . It's two-fold
mission is to serve San Diego 's East County community through
performances of chamber music at local venues, in addition to
performing educational concerts at Junior High and High Schools
throughout our San Diego ’s East County community. As principal
members of the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra's string section, they
also assist the music director of the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra
in coaching members of its string sections, in addition to mentoring
their inside stand partners in rehearsals/ performances. It's varied
performing repertoire includes chamber music suitable for serious
chamber music concerts, to educational performances, to lighter
music for social events.
Patricia
McCormick,
first violinist with the Grossmont Symphony String
Quartet, and Concertmaster with the Grossmont Symphony
Orchestra.
Exactly twenty years ago, at the mere age of 13, Patricia joined the
GSO because her violin teacher wanted her to get some orchestral
experience. After two and a half years with GSO, she left to join
the San Diego Youth Symphony followed by the San Diego Young Artists
Symphony Orchestra- both conducted by the late Louis J. Campiglia.
She toured with them all over Europe and Mexico. In the last four
years, Patricia has played first violin with the La Jolla Symphony,
the Orquesta de Baja California, and the Filarmonica Internacional
de las Californias. Patricia attributes her tenacity, passion, and
love of music, in large part, to Maestro Campiglia’s high standards
and appreciation for music. Patricia
studied violin with Lillian Hester, Janos Negyesy and Michael
Tseitlin and has received chamber music ensemble training from
Joseph Evans (Michigan State University), Tarla Grau (Deutsches
Symphonie Orchester Berlin) and Rainer Mehne (Berliner
Philharmoniker). She attained her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical
Engineering and a minor in Advanced Music Performance from the
University of California, San Diego followed by an International MBA
from United States International University (2001). Patricia
married in August of 2001 and currently runs her own manufacturer
representative business from home. She and her husband became proud
parents of a baby girl late August of last year.
Elizabeth Valdez, second violinist with the Grossmont
Symphony String Quartet, and Principal Second Violinist of the
Grossmont Symphony Orchestra, Elizabeth Valdez is passionate about
music! The granddaughter of an accomplished pianist and folk harp
maker, her musical roots run deep. Through early private study with
Lillian Hester and playing with the Helix High School Orchestra, it
was seemingly effortless for Elizabeth to create a solid foundation
and love for music. Her abilities continued to flourish in local
orchestras, including the USD Symphony, Palomar Symphony Orchestra
and the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra. Her talents (and eagerness to
learn from mentors) have progressed her to the professional level
that she now enjoys with the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra and
Grossmont Symphony String Quartet. With over 10 years volunteering
as Principal 1st Violin for the CCT (Christian Community Theatre)
Orchestra, she has performed in hundreds of musical productions.
Elizabeth has also taught privately from her home and coached the
string department at Valhalla High School. With a strongly developed
style of playing she has naturally progressed into a leadership
role. Performing with her home church vocal band and in several
local church orchestras as well as founding Sunrise Strings (for
weddings and parties), Elizabeth continues her quest to grow
professionally and is excited to learn new techniques from her
classically trained peers in the Chamber Orchestra. In the future,
she plans to study with a tutor and improve on her talents and
technique. Elizabeth has been married 5 years and is a proud,
stay-at-home mother of two young boys.
Mark Crellin, violist with the Grossmont Symphony String
Quartet and principal violist with the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra,
is a native San Diegan. He began his music studies at the age of 10
playing piano, reed, and brass instruments until, at the behest of
his High School orchestra director, he discovered the viola. Mark
has studied with noted San Diego violists Louise Ottaiano, and Karen
Elaine. Mark has performed professionally with such orchestras as
the Minot Symphony Orchestra of North Dakota, and the San Diego
Chamber Orchestra, in addition to local San Diego community
orchestras.
Gordon Grubbs, cellist with the Grossmont Symphony String
Quartet and principal cellist with the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra,
has performed in chamber music and as soloist throughout Southern
California and Mexico. He began studying cello in his home town of
Wichita, Kansas, with master teacher Lois Ayres Gordon, and quickly
distinguished himself as a soloist, a chamber musician, and
orchestral player, winning competitions and scholarships to help
further his musical studies at the National Music Camp at
Interlochen, Michigan. Mr. Grubbs joined the Wichita Symphony
Orchestra while pursuing a degree in music performance at Wichita
State University. These years provided many opportunities including
founding The Chamber Orchestra of Wichita, and becoming a member of
the W.S.U. Faculty 20th Century Ensemble while still an
undergraduate. After relocating to Southern California, Mr. Grubbs
studied with Los Angeles Philharmonic cellist, Ronald Leonard. He
has toured extensively in Mexico with the Camerata de Enseneada de
Todos Santos and recorded with the Orquesta Pro Musica Ensenada. Mr.
Grubbs stays active in the professional musical life of San Diego
appearing frequently in recital.
For more information, please call the Grossmont College Music
Department Office at: (619) 644-7298.
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