Nancy Jackson began studying cello at the age of four while living in New Jersey. She moved to Melbourne, FL in 1987. While in Florida, Nancy participated in the music programs at: Meadowlane Elem, Anderson Elem, McNair Magnet and Jefferson Junior High schools. She also participated in BSYO, All State, All County and Solo & Ensemble events. Nancy’s private teachers included Mrs. Donna Gilbert, Mr. Kalcho Gadevsky and Mr. Jonathan Stilwell. In the summer of 1997, Nancy moved to Cedar Rapids, IA. While there she participated in the orchestra program at Kennedy High School, Cedar Rapids Youth Orchestra, Iowa All-State Orchestra, and Solo & Ensemble events. Nancy studied under Mrs. Barbara Owen at the Symphony School in Cedar Rapids. Nancy graduated with honors from Kennedy HS in 2000. She went on to pursue her music degree at Hope College in Holland, MI where she earned the Swaby Music Scholarship and the Freshman Music Award. While at Hope, Nancy participated in Orchestra, Symphonette, Chamber Music and the Holland Symphony Orchestra. She graduated Cum Laude in May of 2004 with her Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education.
Nancy moved back to Melbourne, FL in August of 2004. She is currently an Itinerant String Teacher for the Brevard District Schools. She serves many schools in the Palm Bay and West Melbourne areas. In her spare time Nancy enjoys playing for her church, Covenant Presbyterian in Palm Bay, and as part of the Jackson Trio along with her brother Paul and sister-in-law Mary, also members of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra.
What is your favorite aspect about being a musician? I can bring the joy of music to others.
Which composers most inspire you? Brahms, Elgar, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Barber, and Dvorak
What are your favorite recording? American Classics includes: Fanfare for a Common Man, Barber Adagio, Appalachian Spring, and West Side Story. EMI recording of English String Music includes: Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro, Serenade, Elegy and Sospiri and Vaughn-Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis and Fantasia on “Greensleeves”. (contains many of my favorite pieces)
What piece are you looking forward to most in the SCSO's 2010 - 2011 Season? Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 'From the New World.'
