Name: Lindsey Bordner
Member of DSSO since: 2015
DSSO Position: Violin
Education: Bachelor of Music – University of Minnesota
Master of Music in Violin Performance and Chamber Music – University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
What made you decide to pursue a career in music?
It kind of always seemed like an option. My dad was a career musician as well, so I knew what a career in music would look like better than any other career. But what made me want to learn the violin was coming across 2 old fiddles while my family was cleaning out my late grandparents’ North Dakota farmhouse when I was 7. I wanted to learn to fiddle.
What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
While it’s maybe not my greatest achievement, I’ve discovered I enjoy arranging pop and rock songs for string quartet. It’s a joy to see them come to life and to get to perform them – it’s a version no one’s heard before, played by unexpected instruments.
What made you choose to play violin?
(Oops… see above)
What’s the most challenging thing about playing the violin?
In general, having to keep motivated to practice, not always being able to see or gauge your progress while practicing, and doubting yourself or comparing (impostor syndrome!). With the string instruments, intonation is something we always have to work on too. We can’t just press down a key or put our finger on a fret and expect that it’ll be in tune… We have to be constantly listening and adjusting. Same with tone. The bow has to be placed just right and moving at the correct ratio of speed to weight to get a pleasant sound. It’s very frustrating for beginners and it’s why when you imagine a kid beginning violin, you hear screeches; but it’s something we still think about even as seasoned performers.
Do you have a favorite piece of orchestral repertoire to play and/or listen to?
Beethoven’s symphonies are my favorite to play.
When you’re not performing, what do you do for fun?
Go for walks with my husband and dogs, watch Netflix, try new restaurants and breweries, and home improvement projects.
What’s one thing you hope people take away from a DSSO concert?
I hope they find that music, even classical music, is universal. You don’t have to know anything about it to have it stir up emotions in you. Sometimes reading the program notes will help you learn something cool or understand the historical context or composer’s intentions, but just relaxing and letting your imagination run during a concert can be done by anyone. (I even had a deaf audience member once compliment a performance – he was holding a railing and took it in through the vibrations!)
Do you have any advice for those looking to pursue a career in music?
Take opportunities to learn wherever they pop up. We’re never done learning.
