“[Once] I played an orchestra concert that was a little different than a traditional concert. The conductor was replaced with someone who was dressed as a peanut M&M in a costume with air blowing inside. He conducted Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever. Because of the costume, his arms were super short. When he was waving his hands up and down conducting, I laughed so much I couldn’t play but a few notes!” Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra Clarinetist Staci Culbreth shares this funny memory from a performance.
It is no secret that Johns Creek is home to several musically endowed artists, but what you may not know is just how unique, talented, and delightfully quirky, the lady musicians here truly are.
Staci Culbreth graduated with her Master’s degree in Music Performance from the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has been featured as a soloist with the Macon Symphony Orchestra and the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra.
Where do you like to go with fellow musicians after rehearsals to grab a bite in Johns Creek?
I usually get a bite to eat with friends at Fresh to Order. We then visit Vincent's Bakery Cafe for tea and a pastry before our rehearsals. After the concert, we love to go eat Mexican food.
Do you have a favorite instrument to play, or do you enjoy switching things up?
My favorite instrument to play is the clarinet. I was lucky enough to learn clarinet and piano at the same time growing up, so piano would have to be my second favorite. During the pandemic, I decided to try learning the guitar. It didn't go well. So, I learned the ukulele! The ukulele is a great alternative that is easy to play.
If you could perform with an artist, living or not, who would it be and why?
I would have loved performing with Prince or Earth, Wind, and Fire.
Do you have any quirky pre-show rituals or lucky charms you bring to performances?
I play through all the more challenging passages and solos half tempo before the concert starts, and I always like to eat half of a banana before performances.
Have you ever found yourself passing by the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra and been captivated by the bold, distinctive sound of the oboe? If so, you may have been hearing Kim Lorch Perrins in action. She has been a member of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra since 2007. In addition to performing with the JCSO, she maintains an active private teaching studio, is an adjunct faculty member at Agnes Scott College, and regularly performs with ensembles throughout the region.
What is the most unusual place you've practiced or performed?
A group of JCSO musicians performed the theme from The Godfather at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta several years ago as part of the 500 Songs for Kids fundraiser. We played in between two fantastic rock bands and had a great time performing for a great cause.
Where do you like to go with fellow musicians after rehearsals to grab a bite in Johns Creek?
I love Santorini Greek Restaurant, or if we are playing further north and need a quick bite, Fresh To Order or HMart. I also love to get a little treat at Hansel and Gretel or Vincent Cafe.
What was the first song you remember singing or playing as a child?
My earliest musical memories are probably of my mom playing the piano at our church and my eldest brother learning to play the piano and the clarinet. I remember desperately wanting to learn the piano like my brothers, but had to wait until I was old enough to take lessons. The first pieces of oboe repertoire that I learned were a set of Handel Sonatas, followed by the Marcello Oboe Concerto. The Marcello is still one of my favorite concertos.
If you could perform with any artist, living or not, who would it be and why?
My favorite musical experiences have been those that involve a high degree of collaboration, respect, and a shared passion for the process of creating music. When these elements exist between groups of musicians, stunningly beautiful music can happen.
Nella Rigell has enjoyed an active and multi-faceted career as an orchestral harpist, chamber musician, therapeutic musician, recording artist and teacher, performing in concert halls from Carnegie Hall to the Grand Ole Opry. Nella is the principal harpist with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra and for more than a decade, was the principal harpist with the Atlanta Opera Orchestra and second harpist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. She performs with numerous regional orchestras and is a founding member of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra. One of Nella’s strongest passions is in the field of therapeutic music, and as a certified music practitioner, she regularly plays her Celtic harp for patients at Emory Hospital for the purpose of relieving anxiety, providing a calming atmosphere, and creating a healing environment for the ill and dying.
What is the most unusual place you’ve practiced or performed?
One of my favorites was my grandmother’s botanical gardens in Jackson, MS. It was such a special experience – combining my love of gardens with my love of harp music. The setting was magical and playing among the trees and flowers made it unforgettable.
What was the first song you remember singing or playing as a child?
Oh, so many! My earliest childhood memories of music were hearing my mother sing lullabies to me. When I got older, I would sing the songs with her. These are some of the same songs I sang to my daughter when she was little.
Do you have a favorite instrument to play, or do you enjoy switching things up?
Although the piano was my first instrument, which I started at a very young age and continued playing in college, the harp was the instrument that I truly fell in love with. It’s so versatile and there are so many styles and sizes of harps, each with their own unique sound. Although I was classically trained, I also love playing the Celtic harp and it’s such fun to have the variety from playing orchestral music with the concert grand harp, to Celtic music on the smaller Celtic harp with my group, “Celtic Fire,” and to the quiet music of playing for patients at Emory Hospital. On the lighter side, I have fun playing the spoons – they’re easy to play, small enough to fit into my purse, and they never go out of tune!
If you could perform with any artist, living or not, who would it be and why?
I would have loved the opportunity to play with Carlos Salzedo, a pioneer in the harp world for his innovations in harp technique and in his compositions. It would have been a thrill just to meet him!
Their advice to aspiring musicians?
“The best advice I can give to a child learning an instrument is to make sure you practice your music and most of all, have fun making music! To adults who think they are too old to learn an instrument, I always say it is never too late! After all, I learned how to play ukulele as an adult. I’m even learning Spanish right now!” – Staci Culbreth
“Anyone can make music, but to truly improve, you have to be prepared to work at it. It takes time, commitment, patience, perseverance, and practice to really see substantial improvement. If you really want to learn and improve, find a great teacher, commit to the process, and be patient with yourself. All of those musical fundamentals that may seem boring now, will pay off in the long run!” – Kim Lorch Perrins
“Enjoy the adventure. Playing a musical instrument can bring such joy, whatever a person’s age. I always encourage anyone who has an interest in learning an instrument to follow that desire.” – Nella Rigell