MEMBER PROFILES
Cellos
Cellos
Nancy Equall – Started taking cello lessons when her kids were young and taking music lessons of their own. What started as an experiment has turned into a very satisfying hobby playing in a variety of ensembles with other amateur musician enthusiasts regularly and also SSO since 2010. The highlight of every year is playing with the community Messiah production with Carrie and the SSO players. Nancy logged 25 years running the electron microscope at MSU and now spends time volunteering, hanging out with friends and family, traveling, and enjoying a variety of seasonal outdoor activities.
Laurie Howell - Having started with the SSO in the inaugural season in 2010, Laurie is happy and honored to be playing with the current group. Growing up Laurie took piano lessons, and as an adult was inspired by a co-worker to take up the cello. Her cello teacher encouraged her to find a group to play with, and that led to the SSO. In retirement, Laurie stays busy with her grandchildren, her miniature schnauzer, sewing and pickle ball.
Katrina Lyon - Katrina has played the cello since childhood and began teaching cello lessons/classes in college. She is currently working on her PhD in Microbiology and was so happy to finally find an ensemble that fit her busy schedule. When Katrina isn't in the lab or teaching, she can be found at the gym, on the trails, or at the dog park with her girl, Millie.
Rob Maher - Rob played the cello from 3rd grade through college, then for the next 25 years he didn't have an opportunity to play very much--until joining SSO as a charter member in 2010! He is grateful for the opportunity to learn and to perform music with Carrie Krause and the wonderful members of the ensemble. Rob is a professional engineer and professor of electrical and computer engineering at Montana State University. Since moving to Bozeman in 2002, Rob has enjoyed spending his spare time outdoors, often running on roads and trails.
Marcia Pickering played the piano since 8, adding the clarinet at 10, and guitar in college. In 2010 she received a surprise cello and immediately joined the welcoming, fun SSO. Thank you, Carrie! Marcia is now a member of a cello ensemble group, too. Marcia and her husband live in Manhattan where she is in her 38th year running a pre-school in her home and teaching piano lessons. She loves being with her 16 grandchildren, 3 sons, and wives especially at her cabin on Swan Lake enjoying all the lake and outside activities.
Violas
Stephen Guggenheim is a retired physician-educator who came to Montana to direct the WWAMI Medical Education Program at Montana State University. He has played violin and viola since childhood and was a member of the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra and Intermountain Opera Orchestra for more than 25 years. He continues to study music with Anna Jesaitis in the belief (probably mistaken) that he can keep up with his son and grandson and that his playing will be better in the afterlife or as a reincarnated being.
Elizabeth Heppler played the piano since childhood, but was drawn to the rich flavor of the viola. After talking about it for a few years, she started with lessons in 2012, and joined the SSO shortly after. She heartily enjoys the camaraderie with the other musicians! Elizabeth lives in Manhattan with her husband, two boys, and various furry animals. She has tuned and serviced pianos professionally in the Bozeman area for over 25 years. She also spends time riding her horses and hiking in the mountains.
Violins
Dan Guggenheim ended a 30-year hiatus from playing the violin in 2014, succumbing to pressure from his then 10 year old son. Making music provides a fun break from Dan's work as a father and computer consultant, and he recommends adult music study to anyone seeking creative, intellectual and social opportunities. (Masochists who like feeling frustrated and inadequate will find the violin especially satisfying.) Dan joined the Second String Orchestra in 2015 and always looks forward to rehearsing and performing with the group.
Lain Kay Has been in Gallatin Gateway since 1999 after she moved from northern New York (land of cows, colleges and Canada). Has played the violin since 4th grade when she was started in a school program. Lives with her horses, cats and dogs. Was a founding member with the SSO and also plays with the Scottish musicians and an octet of ladies. Violin has been a great joy in her life.
Jill Kirk had a double major in college – in math and music. Although she makes her living as an actuary, she has tried to stay connected with the music world. Jill’s major was in piano, but she played violin in a community orchestra in Indiana for 25 years before moving to Big Sky in 2018. Second Strings keeps her actively playing and interacting with people who also love music.
Sarahanne Ortman has played the piano since she was a child, and was delighted with the gift of a free, low quality violin in high school. Thanks to the investment of a sweet elderly family friend, she graduated to a violin that stays in tune and has continued on at the "very amatuer" level since. She works at her dream job of being a stay at home Mom to three young children. Each day is filled with plenty of mental, physical, and emotional stimulation, and she appreciates getting to use a different part of her brain while playing with the Second String Orchestra.
