Emerie Mon
they/them, she/her
violin
Alma mater: Yale School of Music
Photo by Matt Dine
What is your earliest memory of classical music?
Probably shaking my donkey to some Mozart CD
What made you decide to become a musician? Was there a particular performance or person that influenced your decision?
Expressing myself through an elegant, wooden instrument is easy. Speaking coherently through a fleshy, cavernous cavity on my face is harder.
How would you like to see orchestra concerts evolve in the future?
More mixed media, interdisciplinary work, and unconventional venues
What is the most memorable performance you ever had?
The time I (mostly) conquered my long-time fear of Johann Sebastian Bach. Terrifying stuff.
What is your proudest achievement as a musician?
That I’m still a musician
Can you share any memorable onstage mishaps?
I blacked out mid-performance in a solo concert, and when I “came to” I was still playing. I had played over a page’s worth of music while my brain played hooky, and nobody noticed, so I’m guessing I hadn’t messed up.
Do you have a favorite non-classical musician or band?
It changes all the time, but currently Mick Gordon, Knuckle Puck, Chelsea Cutler, and Novo Amor
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
Something in the medical field, probably
What is the biggest challenge and/or surprise about playing in an orchestra?
Watching many different conductors with varying conducting techniques, and correctly understanding them.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
Sevcik and Schradieck. Do those.