Hannah Bienhoff is Concertmistress at SSO Performance

SALISBURY, MD---Sussex Technical High School student Hannah Bienhoff concludes her season as concertmistress with the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra’s (SSO) spring concert 8 p.m. Saturday, May 14, in Holloway Hall Auditorium. “Hannah rose in the ranks from a violinist in the Salisbury Youth Orchestra to become the concertmistress of the SSO beginning this year,” says Dr. Derek Bowden, SSO coordinator.  “She has worked hard, not only in her ensemble experiences, but also in private lessons. This has been a great opportunity for Hannah. As concertmistress, she not only gains experience as a first chair violinist, but also as a leader for the whole orchestra.” Bienhoff has been playing violin since she was in third grade. “Besides the thrill of being able to create something beautiful, music offers a sense of accomplishment and has introduced me to countless people and places,” said Bienhoff of her reasons for wanting to learn music. “My interest in music springs from its ability to lay a cloak of happiness or comfort over listeners or to draw a tear from them. The musician has power to evoke deep emotion and plays a role in shaping our culture.” Bienhoff hones her talent nearly every day for lessons, recitals, auditions and concerts and wishes to see younger children take up the art. “I am an advocate of orchestral programs in elementary schools,” she said. “After all, this is how I began. I do not know of a school in southern Delaware that offers orchestra, but I am sure there are many children out there with talent and interest who cannot afford the cost of private instruction.” Other recent performances include a concert with the All-Eastern Honors Orchestra and a Valentine’s Day recital at Tea by the Sea Tea Room in Berlin, MD. When she is not playing violin, Bienhoff runs and plays soccer as well. She also is a lifeguard during the summer and a soccer referee. In 2003, Bienhoff received the Michael C. Ferguson Achievement Award for superior performance on the Delaware Student Testing Program in reading, writing and mathematics. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.