Featured Family Member

Name:  Deborah Kauffman Mishoe

Hometown:  Lancaster, PA

Instrument:  Cello

When did your musical experience begin? I actually began with dance at age 2! Added to the artistic “mix” were piano, church choir, clarinet, and school choruses and, last but not least, cello.

What brought you to the CSO family? Fate. When I was about to graduate from college I auditioned for the Jerusalem Symphony and Charlotte Symphony. I was most fortunate to have this dilemma: which job to accept? Both were “foreign,” unknown places, but Charlotte was a bit less volatile – and I have not had a moment’s regret!

Describe your role within the CSO family: My specific job description is “section cellist.” However, the symphony offers many opportunities for community outreach and I currently participate in Healing Hand, performing in hospitals and retirement centers and with the Education Department.

With Healing Hand, I play quite a variety of music, much of which I arrange, in a small ensemble. I desire to pass on my rich heritage, therefore I am involved with coaching and teaching, presently in the Winterfield school’s Orchestra program.

I also serve as the AFM liaison in providing musician contacts for community requests, whether for private teachers or special events, such as weddings and receptions.  In whatever the setting, the impact of music on people’s lives is palpable and I treasure the opportunity to share in these moments of meeting.

What are your artistic dreams and aspirations? I have been fortunate and thankful to have lived a life doing what I love.

Like a diamond with many facets, so are my interests in creative pursuits.  I get great pleasure from arranging – both music and flowers, and am involved with 2 chamber groups. I would like to further develop a small publishing company, Mariner Music Productions. Teaching and coaching will continue to be a part of my life and there are plans to record with my husband. I’d like to learn other musical styles, particularly Latin, and I expect to continue with my book compilations as I enjoy being around words... perhaps a little electric rock cello, too. So many interests, so little time!

Name a performer you respect; why? Three come to mind: Yo Yo Ma, Tony Bennett and the eclectic group, Pink Martini.  Each conveys an authenticity, creativity, and artistry. To me, they represent the life-giving power of music.

What’s your vision for the future of the arts in Charlotte? I hope that what has begun here will continue and grow...that the arts would be acknowledged as fundamental to a civil, human society.

My vision?  This quote from Goethe:
One should hear a little music,
read a little poetry,
and see a fine picture every day of one’s life,
in order that worldly cares may not
obliterate the sense of the beautiful.

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