Andre Gillard

Andre GillardAndre plays second violin and joined QUO in September 2014.

How did you come to join QUO?
I saw the QUO website a few years ago, then a friend joined and convinced me to give it a try.

What is your favorite place to take friends visiting NYC?
Central Park is at the top of my list.  There are always activities or something interesting to look at.

What musical symbol best defines you and why?
I can’t think of an actual musical symbol that defines me.  I would choose the minor melodic scales, because my practical and analytical choices compliment both my artistic and creative sides.

How long have you been playing violin?
I think I’ve played approximately 20 years.  I started in the 4th grade, played through high school and during the summers with the All City Orchestra. There was a long break-working to pay for college, then just working.  In 2007, I discovered Ed Davis’s String School and began again. The Memphis busing program in the mid 70’s  gave underprivileged kids access to better schools and better educational programs.  My school had an orchestra- I thought when will I ever have this opportunity again?  I love the sound of the violin and the challenge of always learning something new whether it is music or a technique.

Question from Eric: if you could play another instrument in QUO what would it be and why?
Actually there are two- the flute (treble clef) and the viola. I also love the sounds and think that both would be equally challenging!