May Creech

May Creech
Violin

Has played with the Salina Symphony since:
1992 – My thanks for Eric Stein and Dr. Nickell for asking the Symphony Guild to hire a string teacher to coach rusty players during the summer before auditions.

Hometown: Salina
Current City: Salina

Education:
Salina Vo Tech and Marymount

Job Title:
Retired, monitor technician at Salina Regional

Earliest musical memory:
While in the second grade I attended a concert where a famous violinist performed. I think it was Fritz Kreisler. I remember that he even made the sound of laughter with the violin. I turned to my mother and said I wanted to play the violin. She replied that she had her old instrument up in that tick waiting for me. I’m still learning to play it.

Best part of being a Salina Symphony musician:
I love being a part of this wonderful group of very talented musicians and hearing the music from the inside out as we practice.

Most memorable performance with the Salina Symphony:
Every concert is the “best” one.

Favorite composers:
All the greats – perhaps Beethoven the most.

What song best describes you when you first wake up in the morning?
“Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!” (“Oklahoma!” was the first musical I attended as a child.) I love mornings.

What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
The car radio stays on NPR. Classical.

How do you spend your free time?
I don’t really have free time yet because I choose to be part of my grandchildren’s lives, or plan for the next trip out, or do a church activity, or garden, or read a novel, or…

Whom do you admire?
I admire the talented young musicians who are dedicated to their music and choose to be a part of this orchestra.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
While in my 50’s, I backpacked in Europe, stayed in hostels, did the tourist stuff. Loved it.