Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
Fetter Chamber Music Ensembles, a perennial feature on campus, consist of small groups of like-minded musicians who perform, jam, and just generally gel with one another. Stephanie Whang, a freshman, is a rather new violin addition to a string quartet. We caught up with her this week to learn about the musician’s life, see how she was adjusting, and ask “what do musicians really talk about at brunch?”
Daily Gazette: How is it for you as a new member and a freshman?
Stephanie Whang: It’s a good time commitment, three times per week. We get gigs, too, like this Scott Arboretum dinner, which was lots of fun. I don’t regret it at all. And, well, it does take up some time, along with orchestra, which I also do. And then there’s school work, well, it’s just finding the balance.
DG: Are there concerts as well?
SW: We have one around December; we play with about four or five other groups.
DG: What’s the difference between the groups?
SW: Some are quartets, others are trios; different instruments, many are similar.
DG: When does the group get together?
SW: Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
DG: And do you like the other members?
SW: They’re upperclassmen and have lots of experience–which is good for me.
DG: Have you guys bonded yet?
SW: I guess. We’re forming it. Before Sunday rehearsal we had brunch.
DG: Any good conversations?
SW: Describing stories to songs we play. The 2nd piece to Beethoven’s Quartet Op. 95 is very mysterious. We created a murder mystery to go with it.
DG: And how long have you been playing?
SW: Violin, well, I’ve been playing for thirteen years.
DG: And do you have a favorite rehearsal yet?
SW: Not quite. Not yet, at least. We met with our coach on Friday; he’s very helpful…and intense.
