Player Portrait

Clarisse Atcherson

Violin

First season with the Oregon Symphony:

1985-1986

Most influential teacher(s):

My first teacher, Doris Prencil (in Iowa City, Iowa), had a tremendous influence on me. I studied with her from age 5 to age 18. She helped me to develop the foundation of my musicianship and a deep love of music. She also was a role model for behavior — she taught me to be supportive of my fellow students and to set a good example for younger students.

Earliest musical memory:

I remember tapping rhythms on the floor at one of my first lessons, and I remember the first pieces I fell in love with. I also remember fondly my practice sessions with my Dad, who could play the violin up to a certain point. He always tried to make it fun, and I remember many times he made me laugh.

"I first knew I would make music my career when ... "

I went to Interlochen National Music Camp as a teen and discovered I had a certain competitive instinct. One of my friends (who was at that time a better violinist than I) learned that same summer that she hated competing in any way. She knew then that she would not choose a music career.

Favorite composer and/or period?

I find that my taste in composers has changed as I've grown older. As a teen, I adored Tchaikovsky above all. In college, Beethoven symphonies were my favorites. Now I seem to favor chamber music — I listen to quartets and sextets every time I drive somewhere. I feel the most satisfied when I play Bach or Brahms.

Why did you choose this pose for your photograph?

This photo illustrates the joy and commitment I share with my students, and how I enjoy all ages of students, not just advanced teenagers. I know from my own experience how important it is for a beginner to have a good teacher, and I enjoy the challenge of being an "all-levels" teacher. I constantly learn new things about violin playing, and I get to know the nicest families. I make time for teaching because it is important work. I also teach at the Community Music Center, where classes are available for both children and adults.

What do you enjoy most about performing?

When a performance is great, there's no feeling like it. There's the inner experience of putting your all into it, and expressing things for which there are no words, and there is the outer experience of sitting on stage with people watching, trying to communicate music to them. Performing well is euphoric.

Other than playing great music, what do you see as the Symphony's most important role?

I think education is really important. In America, our schools focus so much on career preparation that true education is not offered. Can a person who has never heard a symphony or played an instrument be considered educated? Music education is important not just because it's fun or because Mozart's music raises IQs, but because music is one of the achievements of civilization, and everybody should know something about it.

What is your favorite part of being a member of the Oregon Symphony?

There's an excitement to performing that cannot be duplicated, and I enjoy the variety of solo artists and conductors.

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