Musician’s Corner Bio
Sheri Snyder
My interest in music began when I was 6 years old. I used to sit outside my Nana's studio listening to her teach piano lessons because she lived with us at the time.
Nana began teaching me, but learning from a relative, in my case, didn't work out and even after going to another teacher, I eventually realized that playing the piano was not my forte.
In 4th grade, I wanted to play either the flute or clarinet. I chose the flute and it was difficult for me to play so I quit. However, in 6th grade, I started the clarinet after hearing my mom tell me, "You can try it as long as you practice". From that point on, she never had to ask. I finally found the instrument for me.
Because I picked it up quickly, I was ready to play in the junior high band after only playing the clarinet for 1 year.
By 8th grade, I was playing tenor sax in the stage band. None of this would have been possible had I not taken private lessons.
When I started to attend Cedar Cliff High School, I played the tenor sax in marching and jazz bands while continuing to play clarinet in the symphonic band. Additionally, I played in a woodwind quintet that was just started. My love for musicals started after I played in the pit orchestra for Carousel in my senior year.
After my junior year, I was able to go to Europe with American Music Abroad where I played tenor sax in both the concert and jazz bands. We performed in 7 different countries, making it one of the greatest musical experiences I've ever had.
When it came time to go to college, I selected Susquehanna University with the intent to major in music. Soon after I started, I realized I didn't want a music education degree, I just wanted to play, so I switched my major and graduated with a business degree.
But, I continued taking private lessons and playing in marching band as well as the wind ensemble and a clarinet choir. I was so involved with musical activities, most people thought I was a music major.
After graduating, I thought there would be no opportunities to play but I was fortunate to start playing with the Harrisburg Concert Band (Now the Greater Harrisburg Concert Band (GHCB). I'm proud to say that I have been a member of that band for 39 of its 40 years.
While raising my family, I continued to play with the GHCB and played for the musicals at Allenberry during the summers of 1987-1988.
As my children got older, I started playing with the Dickinson College Community Band under the direction of Eric Henry, Buzz Jones, Ron Axsom, and Fred Quigley until the band no longer existed.
Once my daughter went to college, I had lots of free time so I started playing with the Mechanicsburg Singer Band, the Carlisle Town Band, and the Shippensburg Town Band. In addition, I was offered a position in the Egerlander German Band.
About 10 years ago, I began subbing in various jazz/big bands. Not only did I play tenor sax, if needed, I played the alto or bari sax. In addition, I played in the Occasional Sax Quartet but the group was short lived. Currently, I am a member of the Generations Big Band, Shippensburg Swing Band, and The Encores Big Band to date.
I currently am taking sax lessons and learning the flute which I am determined to master. At last count, I am actively involved in 6 bands but I am always looking for the next opportunity to play in a pit orchestra. Last year, I had the opportunity to play in Lower Dauphin's production of Annie.
I have met so many people over the years and have had great experiences all because of my love of music and am thankful for all of them.
In closing, I told my parents many times over the years, " The $589 spent on me was the best ever". Obviously, I'm referring to the price of my clarinet which I still use today.