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Since receiving his masters degree in violin performance
from Wichita State University in 1976, René has made his
living in music, as a performing violinist, teacher, and
conductor. Before moving to Denver in 1994, he was a violinist
with several professional orchestras, including Oklahoma,
Jacksonville, Orlando, and Birmingham. His first job after
college was at Lamar University, in Beaumont, Texas, where he
taught violin and viola, and conducted the university's
orchestra. While living in Birmingham, Alabama in the early
90's, where he played in the Alabama Symphony, René had the
opportunity to be the music director of the Red Mountain
Chamber Orchestra, a community orchestra in many ways similar
to the South Suburban Community Orchestra. It was this group
that made him come to understand the important role that
community orchestras play in providing opportunities for
musical expression to many who would otherwise not have that
chance. René is also the concert master for the Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra.
René keeps very busy these days by doing a wide variety of
things. During the summer months he is the principal 2nd
violinist with the Central City Opera Orchestra. He teaches
violin and is the conductor of the orchestra at Arapahoe Community College. He and his wife, Lynne, are the violinists
of the Confluence String Quartet, a group which presents
concerts throughout the state. Besides doing freelance work at
many different venues in the area, René also maintains a
private teaching studio of approximately 30 students.
When he is not busy with his musical endeavors, René spends
time in his woodworking shop at home. He has been an avid
woodworker since he was in high school. Be sure to check out his website at www.sjoelbakcrafter.com. |
