IMPROMPTU by Rosie Constantine
Holly Jenkins
VIOLIN
Violinist Holly Jenkins has the innate ability to create family wherever she goes , likely through her easygoing personality and — often sarcastic — sense of humor . Coming from a big family with four siblings , her talent for bringing people together and creating a sense of family surely starts with her own :
“ My dad was a racecar driver as I was growing up , so we lived in his race trailer for several months !” says Holly . “ We would travel around the country for his races , and it really brought us closer together . My sister and I would play duets , so it was nice to always have a musical partner wherever we went .”
After finally settling in Baltimore , Holly has also been essential in creating a community within the BSO family .
“ The BSO is definitely one of the most close-knit communities of all the orchestras that I ’ ve ever played in ,” says Holly . “ There ’ s a real sense of belonging in Baltimore . We ’ re all friends and look out for each other !”
Within the Orchestra is where she met her boyfriend Harrison Miller — also known as the BSO ’ s Principal Bassoonist .
“ Little did Harrison know that I don ’ t travel alone ,” jokes Holly . “ While he just had his sweet dog Ellie , I added three more animals to the mix ! It ’ s a little crazy , but we love them .”
Outside of the BSO , Harrison has not only performed all over the world ( as demonstrated by the posters behind him !), but also enjoys participating in high profile recording sessions for film and TV .
They both joke that being a part of the BSO community is their main hobby , with Holly serving on multiple BSO committees including the Music Director Search Committee . And regardless of the BSO planning table at which she sits , she always brings a fresh perspective , her trademark good sense of humor , and a sense of care and legacy that comes with deep family bonds .
MITRO HOOD
JAN-FEB 2022 / OVERTURE 45