people

Sue Coons, musician and award-winning volunteer, talked with us about her longtime association with ESO.

How did you get involved with ESO and how long have you played with the orchestra? 

I started playing with ESO around 1984. It’s been over 35 years now. I played under Dale Clevenger and then Stephen Alltop.  I remember my first concert with Stephen was an outside concert at Elmhurst College (now Elmhurst University). 

Later, I became involved with the symphony’s wonderful Auxiliary. We met monthly where we enjoyed treats and musical programs. The Auxiliary supported ESO with fundraising and meals provided to the orchestra members before concerts. I was the last elected president of the Auxiliary before they disbanded.

I also served on ESO’s Board of Directors and encouraged my husband, Bob, to get involved. He served as president of the Board for several years during which time ESO celebrated their 50th Anniversary.

What instrument do you play and how did you get started playing?

I’ve played the violin with ESO for many years and a few years back I switched to the viola.

At age seven, I started piano lessons. When I was nine, my next door neighbor had a violin and  I knew then that I wanted to play it.  At the time, my elementary school in River Forest offered violin lessons, so I started playing.  I joined the orchestra in grade school and continued to play through high school. 

In addition, I attended National Music Camp in Interlochen, MI for four summers, starting after sixth grade. While there, I studied the viola, organ and oboe in addition to the violin and piano.

I also played handbells for over 30 years. 

What piece is on your ‘Bucket List’ and why?

I don’t have a piece in mind but I do love Baroque music like Beethoven, Mozart, and Handel. I enjoyed playing Beethoven 9 last season.