Jeremy Abbott is the YSO’s principal horn. He has played with the YSO for several seasons and was first introduced to the orchestra by our flautist Wanda Monks. In addition to YSO, Jeremy has played with Vivo Sinfonicta, a chamber orchestra based in Ann Arbor, the Plymouth Community Band, the Belleville community band and a local woodwind quintet.
Jeremy began playing the French horn in fifth grade and made music his career by earning a bachelor’s degree in music from Evergel University in Springfield, Missouri.
When he is not playing in a music group, Jeremy teaches elementary music education at Tyler Elementary in the Van Buren public schools. He also gives private music lessons.
Jeremy comes from a musical family. His father is a retired music teacher, his uncle teaches music and his brother writes music and leads a band in New York City. Jeremy lives in Belleville, the town where he was raised.
Jeremy Abbott, French Horn
Cheryl Richison, Violin
Cheryl Richison serves on the board of the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra and is beginning her third season in the violin section. Before her involvement with the YSO, Cheryl played with the Friends through Music quartet and the Redford Symphony. Cheryl loves having an orchestra to play in near her home in Belleville. “I was going to have to leave the Redford Symphony due the distance I had to travel,” says Cheryl. “Then a friend of mine suggested the YSO. I had no idea Ypsilanti had an orchestra.”
Cheryl works as a Patient Financial Counselor at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor but has always loved music of all kinds. “I find playing music is relaxing, enjoyable, comforting, and sometimes even spiritually uplifting.” Cheryl’s daughter shares her mother’s love of the arts. She played the flute in school and currently teaches dance. A personal quote of Cheryl’s is, “Opposites do attract.” Her husband is not a lover of music and is from the city. Cheryl is a lover of music and is from the country.
Cheryl plays her violin for pleasure and enjoys playing at church and wedding receptions. When asked about her funniest experience in the YSO, Cheryl replied, “Colleen and Adam’s story about the mouse.”