The musical lives of GRSMA musicians Susan Mora and Robert Johnson extend beyond their work in the symphony. Get to know how they have incorporated their love for their instruments in other interesting ways!

 

GRSMA: Where did you grow up, and were you part of a musical family?

 

SUSAN MORA: I grew up in Redford, Michigan, in the Detroit area. My dad loved to sing the harmony part in church services, and my mom was a pianist. They were both very supportive of our musical lives, and my brothers and I all played one or two instruments.

 

ROBERT JOHNSON: I'm originally from the Chicago area, but we moved to Traverse City when I started middle school. I'm definitely a Michigander! My dad plays guitar here and there, but otherwise my family is not musical.

 

GRSMA: Tell us about your musical studies. Where did you receive your training to win an audition for the Grand Rapids Symphony (GRS)?

 

RJ: I did my undergrad degree at Central Michigan University with Ed Fedewa, and my Master's and DMA degrees at Michigan State University with Jack Budrow.

 

SM: When I was growing up, I studied with Morris Hochberg, a violinist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Then I studied music education at Calvin College, where I had private lessons with former GRSMA violinist Cynthia Burger.  

 

GRSMA: Who are among your musical mentors and heroes?

 

SM: I would say my mentors and heroes are all of the incredible musicians that I have studied and performed with in my life. I am grateful to have spent a big part of my life creating music with others and have learned from all of them.

 

RJ: Being my primary teachers, Ed Fedewa and Jack Budrow are certainly my greatest mentors. Another is my undergraduate voice teacher, Dr. Eric Tucker. I remember him being the first to look me in the eye and tell me unequivocally that I would be successful, and I've leaned on that memory often.

 

GRSMA: Who are your favorite composers?

 

RJ: This is always such a difficult question to answer! I tend to default to German romanticism, so Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss come to mind first. Igor Stravinsky, John Adams, Samuel Barber, Sergei Prokofiev ... I'm so sorry, I'm going to wind up just listing almost everyone!

 

SM: I love pretty melodies and exciting rhythms. I have a soft spot in my heart for Felix Mendelssohn, because hearing his Violin Concerto is what caused me to choose to play the violin.

 

GRSMA: If you weren't a musician, what other career path would you have taken?

 

RJ: Before going to music school, I was enrolled in an auto mechanic's program. I'd probably be doing that or engineering, maybe medicine or law. 

 

SM: One of my favorite parts of teaching violin is the connection with students and walking beside them through life's joys and challenges. If I were not a musician, I would enjoy a career as a counselor in some capacity.

 

GRSMA: What are your hobbies or interests?

 

SM: I enjoy improvising on my instrument in many different styles, so I suppose this is an interest and an enjoyable part of my job. I love being a mom and spending time traveling, playing games, and supporting my daughters in their lives.

 

RJ: Most of our GRSMA colleagues already know, but I'm also a luthier. I work at Grand Rapids Violins for GRSMA bassist Kevin Flannery and his business partner Matt Noykos. Maybe I shouldn't list a second job as a hobby, but it's very interesting and rewarding, and lots of people do fine woodworking as a hobby so I think it still qualifies! Otherwise, I particularly love trivia, reading, and board/card games, especially Euchre.

 

GRSMA: What would you say is the most rewarding part of being in the Grand Rapids Symphony?

 

RJ: In the short time that I have been here, I've loved watching the orchestra grow and develop.

 

SM: The most rewarding part of being in the Grand Rapids Symphony is creating music and bringing that beauty to audiences.

 

GRSMA: Is there a past GRS concert that you will always remember fondly?

 

SM: Years ago, there was a summer Picnic Pops concert at Cannonsburg that my country band and I played along with the symphony. This was a great feeling to combine these two parts of my musical life!

 

RJ: I think that would have to be my first time subbing in the GRS. I had the uncommon privilege of having worked with the other GRS bass players in other orchestras, so walking into the GRS for the first time felt very comfortable. That program was Antonin Dvorak's "New World" Symphony, and it was such a treat to play with so many of my favorite bassists in one place.

 

GRSMA: The 2024-25 GRS season is underway. What upcoming concert are you looking forward to the most, and why?

 

SM: I will enjoy the program with Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, and I look forward to hearing soloist Blake Pouliot. https://www.grsymphony.org/tchaikovskyviolin

 

RJ: I think I'm most looking forward to the Richard Strauss tone poem "Death and Transfiguration," which ends the GRS season in May. It seems to be rarely performed, and I am so incredibly excited to play it again. https://www.grsymphony.org/finale

 

GRSMA: Is there anything else that you wish to share?

 

RJ: I just want to say how happy I am to be here. Y'all are great.

 

SM:  I am thankful for 30 years of music making in the GRS, the friendships, and all of the great memories!