MONTY CARTER, Baroque Violin
Serving the Saint Joseph Symphony as Principal Viola since 1998, Monty has also over the years loved providing its concert program notes, relishing and sharing the background of timeless Music.
The seven-year-old Monty loved writing stories, fantasizing about becoming a scientist, and jamming out to Elvis songs ... but the ten-year-old fell in love with classical music, thanks to string orchestra class in fifth grade, and often held contests for the FAVORITE COMPOSER OF ALL (in his own mind). Ludwig van Beethoven came OH-so close, as did Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Dmitri Shostakovich, and many others. But although Big Daddy BACH (Johann Sebastian) won the GOLD every single time, this 10-year-old (and 57-year-old) adores, craves, and enjoys performing it ALL!
When he chose his college path, Monty didn't mind being asked by a relative or friend, "Um, what do you do with a VIOLA degree??" He was just a little concerned not to have a direct answer. The issue wasn't due to lack of decision or purpose: it was due to the VARIETY of roles he loved in music!
Like Monty, all members of the Saint Joseph Symphony are professional musicians who don't do just one thing! When we come together to play for YOU, under the direction of Dr. Christopher Kelts, we offer an amazing array of perspective, experience, and JOY!
A versatile performer, instructor, clinician and composer, Monty loves serving an inspiringly interactive community of audience members, event clients, students, and fellow musicians. His master’s degree in music performance is from Louisiana State University, with a bachelor degree from UMKC Conservatory of Music & Dance, both on full rides ... And he has certainly loved the "rides" ever since! Teaching at multiple colleges and universities as an adjunct professor; leading student and professional freelance ensembles; creating fun, rewarding and sometimes goofy materials for growing musicians – speaking of that, something's opening on December 1st: carraymusicpress.com – and collaborating with music buddies of all ages!
