A transformation is underway within the Texas State Symphony Orchestra.
Carolyn Watson, director of orchestral studies, was recently appointed as the new director of the ensemble.
Watson said she has conducted all over the world, including time in the Sydney Symphony and the Scottish Chamber and North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Watson said she was excited upon seeing the opening for the conductor position in the Texas State symphony.
“There was a national ad for the new orchestra director,” Watson said. “Something told me to apply, and now here I am.”
Liz Valvano, music performance senior, said the dynamics of the Texas State symphony have seen a positive transition since Watson arrived on campus in the fall.
“She really pushes us to play the most accurate music that we can,” Valvano said. “She’s really revived the orchestra, which we haven’t seen in years. It’s very refreshing, and we’re lucky to have her.”
Josue Martinez, music studies senior, said Watson has established a family-like community among orchestra students since her arrival.
“She’s gotten everyone to create one product,” Martinez said. “In the past it was like, ‘Okay, we got the music together, now let’s all go home.’ Now we will go out to dinner together.”
Watson said one of her main focuses while conducting is working on the rhythm of the music and the way the progression of the compositions will be divided among members of the orchestra.
“I think I’m big on a lot of things,” Watson said. “But I do focus on rhythm, just to see how the music will work in different ways.”
Valvano said Watson has used a variety of techniques to help the Texas State symphony rise to its full potential.
“She has a lot of focus,” Valvano said. “The rhythmic integrity she pushes us to achieve has been really eye-opening, and has just built this habit of playing correctly the first time.”
Watson said she has been playing the violin since age 5, but unintentionally fell into conducting while teaching music.
“I was a high school violin teacher and ensemble conductor and I just kind of thought it was something I would like to do better,” Watson said. “I didn’t have any intention to pursue it as a degree, but one thing just led to another.”
Watson said some of the credit for her music career carries back to her mother, who always wanted to play the violin.
“My mom wanted to play the violin, but never had the chance to,” Watson said. “I guess it really does come down to her. She’s probably the reason why my brother is a violinist as well.”
Watson said the job comes with a lot of pressure, but working with students at Texas State is both thrilling and exciting.
“The pressure and nerves are there,” Watson said. “You know because you’re front and center and you don’t want to be the one who gets it wrong, but it’s always just so rewarding at the end of the day.”
Watson said a big part of conducting has to do with the way a conductor chooses to communicate to their orchestra and audience.
“It’s communicating the music,” Watson said. “Communicating that to the musicians so we can collaboratively communicate that interpretation to the audience effectively.”
Martinez said the personal relationship Watson builds with individual orchestra members has helped the symphony flourish.
“Each individual has had a joke with her, or a serious talk,” Martinez said. “We get a lot of one-on-one time with her. Everyone cares more, so we try harder because we like her and don’t want to disappoint her.”
Valvano said the Texas State orchestra has always had the talent, but Watson has been able to help students perform to the best of their abilities.
“The encouragement she has given all the players to work hard has just made the orchestra really special,” Valvano said. “There are a lot of talented players in the orchestra and she has recognized their talent and helped us come to life.”