Conversation with Chicago Civic Orchestra Violinist, Zachary Peterson

For this month's blog post, I’m excited to sit down for a conversation with violinist Zachary Peterson.  Zachary is a longtime friend and colleague, who is currently finishing up his two year tenure with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.  The Civic was first founded in 1919, and is the official training orchestra of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.  It offers young musicians the opportunity to develop their orchestral and musical skills by working with musicians and conductors from the Chicago Symphony, as well as guest artists from around the world.  I sat down to ask Zachary a few questions about his experiences of playing with, and auditioning for the Civic Orchestra.   

Hello Zachary, thanks so much for taking the time to talk with me!  Could you tell us a little bit about yourself, and your music and educational background?

I am a violinist from Beloit, Wisconsin. I started playing violin in 5th grade in the public schools in Beloit. I've studied at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, The University of Western Ontario and Roosevelt University, and I am currently finishing up my time playing in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.

What inspired you to audition for the Civic?
 

Since I did my Performance Diploma at Roosevelt University, I was in Chicago and knew many students who played in the orchestra. I knew it was a great learning opportunity and I wanted to join.
 

How did you prepare for your audition?
 
I would carefully work my excerpts with a metronome, and I also made sure I had a lot of experience playing through the entire audition from early on in the preparation processes.  It is better to start learning all of the audition materials early on, so you can draw on that experience later in the process.
 
What was the audition process like?
 
For this audition I just had to make a video with a short verbal introduction and then play all my audition material in one complete take. Live auditions were not part of this process.
 
How long does it typically take you to prepare for rehearsals?
 
It depends on what we are playing, and what section I am in, but I like to have a good idea of what the music sounds like ahead of time.  Sometimes I can prepare things that aren't as crucial and have other things that throw me off, so having a good idea of the way a piece goes is helpful.  I would say it typically takes me about a week to prepare all the music.  

 
What is the rehearsal process like for the Civic?

It also depends on the cycle we are doing.  Sometimes we have sectionals to help prepare rehearsals, and sometimes not.  Typically we begin preparing a concert about a week before, not necessarily rehearsing everyday.  Sometimes we will rehearse a little more, but since we share both a performance and rehearsal space with the CSO (Chicago Symphony Orchestra), things have to be scheduled around them.  
 
Who have been your favourite conductors to work with, and what do you take away from them?

I don’t know if I have a favourite . . . I've liked all of the artists the civic has brought in.  I like conductors who use rehearsal time well and have consistent ways of rehearsing the Orchestra. 

How as playing with the civic inspired you as a violinist and musician?

I think it has made me appreciate orchestral playing more, especially the role of the winds and brass, which are phenomenal in the civic. I have a much better understanding of my role at any given time in the piece than I think I did before starting with civic. 

What is the biggest thing you've learned from playing with the Civic?

Learning how to be part of a larger musical organism that is extremely responsive. I think it has been a tremendous experience.

What has been your favourite program that you've played to-date?

We did this short program at a different location, and we did Dvorak New World Symphony, and a Symphonic Suite of Porgy and Bess by Gershwin, as well as some great Copeland orchestrations of American Songs for Voice and Orchestra.  It was a real treat.

Any advise for future students thinking of trying out for the Civic?

Practice consistently, play through the audition ahead of time so you get used to that feeling, as well as working smaller sections, and get feedback from mentors and colleagues.

What is the next project we can look from form you, and where can we follow your work?

I'm going to be performing in my hometown of Beloit, as well as working to build a teaching studio there. I am going to also be uploading more performances to the internet, as well as doing a lot of collaborative work.

To learn more about the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, click here.