50 Years of Alumni: Peg Roessler
College(s)/University attended:
Luther College, Decorah Iowa
What years were you in GTCYS?
1974 – 1978
What skills or lessons did you learn in GTCYS that you still use today?
I learned how to show up, something very important throughout your career! I also learned how to collaborate as a team. The value of practicing and doing the hard work were two very important lessons I learned. And, I learned how hitting the right notes can give you a sense of pride and satisfaction.
Why do you think GTCYS is important for students now?
Students today are so heavily dependent on electronic communications with each other. GTCYS provides the invaluable opportunity for communicating in real life with others and learning how to interact before, during and after rehearsals and concerts. Of course, this is all in addition to building a life-long appreciation for music.
How does music still play a part in your life?
I have an appreciation of music and enjoy attending live concerts and Broadway.
What is your favorite composer or piece of music?
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons for sentimental reasons. It transports me to my wedding day 32 years ago when Hyacinthe Tlucek performed it. Hyacinthe, who was my long-time violin teacher and a Minnesota Orchestra violinist, sadly passed in 2004.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I was an egg salesperson when I was a kid, selling farm fresh eggs from our cabin to our city neighbors for a ten cents a dozen mark-up! It was my first entrepreneurial venture!
What do you hope to see from GTCYS in the next 50 years?
To thrive!