Performer Spotlight

-Grace Stockbower (Viola)

Research Project Manager

- Becca Zod (Violin)

Registered Nurse

This is not the first orchestra you have both played in, when did you first play together?

Becca

Grace and I went to high school together, and we bonded over both after-school sports and an after-school strings ensemble. We had weekly rehearsals at school and then performed at various events - the most fun being holiday concerts at retirement homes. We had a lot of fun together and are still good friends, which is why I recruited her to join this orchestra 10 years later.

Grace

Becca and I first met in high school on the lacrosse field and through our school's orchestra. We both played in our school's orchestra club, "Sophisticated Strings" and also really bonded in orchestra class. We've been friends ever since! When Becca found out about the Penn Med Symphony Orchestra, she sent me the sign-up and got me hooked! 

How long have you been playing music?

Becca

I started playing violin as a requirement in second grade, and just kept on playing. 

Grace

I've been playing the viola since third grade. I played religiously all through high school and in the beginning of college, but then took a bit of a break before getting back into it a few years ago.

What is your connection to Penn Medicine?

Becca

I just finished Penn's accelerated nursing program, and started a job as an RN in the emergency room at Chestnut Hill Hospital. 

Grace

I am currently a Research Project Manager at the Penn Memory Center. I help manage and coordinate a variety of Alzheimer's Disease clinical trials within the Penn Neurology Department. I also received my Master's Degree in Public Health from Penn - I worked towards my master's part time while working full time at Penn.

Why did you want to pursue this career?

Becca

I worked in public health before going back to school, and realized that the more I worked on big-picture change, the less I worked directly with the community. Nursing enables me to work closely with patients every day and still have the opportunity to contribute to public health and changes in our healthcare system. Best decision I've ever made! 

Grace

I have a personal connection to Alzheimer's disease within my family so this research is really important to me. I got my first job out of college at the Penn Memory Center and I fell in love with the research, patients, and my team members. I've been working there ever since! I felt that furthering my schooling in the public health field would perfectly compliment my work at Penn.

How long have you been playing in the Penn Med Symphony Orchestra and why did you join?

Becca

I joined the orchestra in 2017 - I had just moved to Philly and started the nursing program when I saw a notice about it in a school newsletter. I had been looking for a way to play violin again and this was perfect. With my brain deep in healthcare mode all the time, having an outlet to play adds a needed balance to my life. 

Grace

I joined the orchestra in the Fall Semester of 2017 after I completed my degree. I was looking for something to do with my new-found free time once classes were finished. I learned about this group from Becca at the perfect time. I'll be playing in my fourth concert this Spring. 

How have you seen the orchestra change since you joined?

Becca

It seems like its growing! Which is a great thing. I like how even if people step away for a semester, they often find ways to come back and can still be involved. 

Grace

It seems like every semester, new folks are learning about the group and joining. It's also been really great seeing the partnership with Play On Philly! grow. Getting to play with young orchestra enthusiasts in the upcoming concert is really neat and I'm sure that relationship will continue to grow over the years. 

Have there been any highlights of playing with the orchestra?

Becca

It's really fun to play with this group of people. I like meeting new stand partners each semester, each in different stages of their lives and careers but with the same interest in music. Everyone is so welcoming and inclusive, and I know it's biased but I'm a big fan of the second violin section. 

Grace

Getting back into playing my viola after an 8 year hiatus was amazing (my parents were so happy too!) Getting to know the other players in the viola section and the orchestra has been extremely rewarding as well. I feel really fortunate to be a part of this!

Becca and Grace will be performing together in the orchestra for the Spring 2019 concert

Interview with Becca Zod and Grace Sockbower prior to the spring 2019 concert. Published 04/22/2019