Janet Reeves, Piano

Where did you grow up? Manchester, Illinois

Where do you currently live? Valley Cottage, New York

What instrument(s) do you play? Piano, Celeste, Synthesizer

Educational background: Bachelor of Science Degree in Voice and French, Indiana University and Master of Music Degree in Piano Performance, Western Washington University

Personal Information (family, pets, kids, etc.): Husband Scott Reeves is a jazz trombonist, composer/arranger and Professor of Jazz at City College of New York. My 23 year old son, Eric, lives in Burlington, Vermont where he works as a jazz drummer and cooks at a local restaurant.

How did you get started in music? I was into it as long as I can remember. First, I sang in church from an early age, then started piano lessons with my mother in first grade. I continued to study with private teachers, both voice and piano at a local college until I went to Indiana University to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree.

What non-PSO musical activities do you participate in? I play with various jazz groups in the New York area as a jazz pianist.

What’s your favorite PSO memory to date? There are so many…some highlights would be our concert with Renee Fleming, soloing with the PSO on Leonard Berstein’s “Age of Anxiety” in 1995, playing and singing in Duke Ellington and Count Basie tributes with some great musical and personal friends.

Describe a typical day: Teaching jazz piano classes and lessons at William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey, practicing piano, household chores like everybody else.

What is the question you’re asked most often when you tell people you play with the PSO? You drive all the way up to Maine???!!

If you couldn’t be a musician, what would be your dream job? Can’t imagine doing anything else.

Any non-musical hobbies? Gardening and cooking

What is your favorite music? What are you currently listening to? I love a wide variety of music, both classical and jazz. I am currently listening to Stan Getz album, “Serenity” with pianist Kenny Barron.

Who or what has been your greatest influence, musical or otherwise? My piano professor in graduate school, Ford Hill was a huge influence in my musical life, but I have learned from every good musical situation that I have experienced.

What/where are your favorite eats in Portland? Walter’s Restaurant, hands down!!

Is there anything else you’d like to share? I feel so fortunate to have been a part of the PSO for 18 years. The orchestra feels like family to me at this point. I’m so glad that Toshi Shimada suggested that I audition for the PSO in 1992.

Filed under: Musicians

Tags: musicians, piano