Student Spotlight: Adult Cello Choir

This month, we’re excited to feature both members of our Adult Cello Choir: Ben and Sophie!

Our Adult Cello Choir meets at Dynamic Music Studios in Coralville, Iowa, on Mondays at 6:30 PM, and it’s always a great time. We strive to make the group welcoming and adaptable for cellists of all experience levels, so everyone can feel comfortable and challenged in the best way.

Names: Ben Feltz and Sophie Joly

Age: Ben (40), Sophie (58) 

Grade: Too cool for school!

Why did you decide to take up the cello and start lessons? 

Ben: I needed something to get me out of the house, along with a creative outlet. 

Sophie: I wanted to play an instrument that would allow me to play with other people and ensembles. I also love the lower range and tone of the instrument. 

How long have you been taking cello lessons with Christina? 

Ben: Just had my nine-year anniversary!

Sophie: Three years

Do you play any other instruments?

Ben: I just started taking up banjo, and I dabble in piano. 

Sophie: Piano and harmonica!

How often do you practice? 

Ben: It varies, but usually every other day or so. 

Sophie: I’d say five days a week. 

What is one of your favorite pieces you have learned so far? 

Ben: The cello duet arrangement of Jupiter from The Planets by Holtz 

Sophie: Spanish Dance from the Rick Mooney position pieces book. 

What advice do you have for other musicians studying your instrument? 

Ben: Take some time to learn how you learn. It’s important to know how you receive information and translate it into something that you will understand. 

Sophie: Find a comfortable position. If you get tense, it’s more challenging for you to play. The position is a little different for everyone, and it takes time to find that perfect spot. 

What do you enjoy about lessons/cello choir? 

Ben: developing a greater appreciation for little achievements. The little things add up and create bigger achievements over time. 

Sophie: In the group, we can tackle different aspects. We can focus on technical things or musical things. We do lots of different listening exercises to learn how to play together and play off of each other. 

What do you like about Dynamic Music Studios? 

Ben: Having an inviting environment that inspires collaboration and creativity. 

Sophie: Ginger!

What goals do you have for lessons/cello choir? 

Ben: I’m just going with the flow. 

Sophie: Finding the perfect adjustment to my posture that allows me to stay relaxed when I play. Also sharing music with as many people as possible. I love making music and talking about music with others. 

What is your favorite musical/orchestral work/piano piece/artist? 

Ben: Tchaikovsky 5th Symphony

Sophie: Any of the Rachmaninoff piano concertos, but also, of course, Chopin. 

What are some other activities in which you participate? 

Ben: Reading, exploring local breweries, walking my dogs. 

Sophe: piano/flute duet, pickleball, ping pong, any racquet sport really, hiking, travelling, walking my dogs.

Ben and Sophie are cello students of Christina Gentzsch, co-owner and cello instructor at Dynamic Music Studios.