Meet Our Concertmaster: Mary Julia McKean
Mary Julia McKean
Concertmaster (violin)
Other Instruments: Viola
Occupation: Music teacher, violinist
Time in OCO: 1 year
About Mary Julia
I started my violin studies at the age of five: studying classical and fiddling with Clarisse Atcherson and Jeanine Orme. I began teaching violin lessons at age 12 and played in the Portland Youth Philharmonic through middle and high school. I earned bachelors and masters degrees in Music Education from BYU. Currently, I teach band and orchestra at NOVA Middle School. I also maintain a private string studio and play with the Olympia Symphony and Olympia Chamber Orchestras. I live in Olympia, WA with my husband and three children.
Can you explain the role of the concertmaster and what makes it such an important position within the orchestra?
The concertmaster is the principal first violinist in an orchestra. One major part of what I do is coordinating bowings (bow direction) for the string section. Before rehearsals start, I spend time with all the string parts and the score, figuring out optimal bowings for the violins, violas, cellos and basses, so that we not only look good together, but that we sound unified in our bow strokes. I also work with the conductor to make sure we are producing the kind of sound they envision, acting as a liaison between the orchestra and the conductor. And, of course, I get to stand up and greet everyone as we begin our rehearsals by tuning our instruments.
What do you like about playing with the Olympia Chamber Orchestra?
I like great music and I like great people, so whenever those two things come together it is an ideal situation. OCO has both!
What’s been one of your most memorable moments performing with the orchestra?
During the Spring Concert of 2025, right at the end of intermission, my stand partner pointed out a large spider crawling up the microphone stand, 10 feet in the air, above Nick’s head. It took a lot of concentration for me to NOT let my imagination run wild with all the scenarios that could have happened. I do not know where the spider ended up. 😅
Do you have any advice for someone thinking about joining a local orchestra or starting to play music later in life?
I would say that it’s absolutely worth it. It is a lot of work and time, but the satisfaction that comes from making music with a group and the sense of accomplishment is wonderful. If you’re starting an instrument later in life, find a teacher and then stick with it. It’s a long-term project! A life-long project.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not working or performing with the orchestra?
I am working and parenting a lot these days, but in my rare spare time I enjoy going on outings and hikes with my family, and trying out new restaurants with my husband. I also really do like doing jigsaw puzzles. We also have chickens, which, despite the fact that they add more chores to my life, are actually pretty fun and cute.
