IMPROMPTU by Rosie Constantine
Helen Hess
VIOLA
Helen Hess names winning her audition to join the Baltimore Symphony ’ s viola section in 2018 as one of her greatest achievements . Like all members of the BSO , Helen spent years not only studying and training to be a professional musician , but also learning how to win a seat within a world-class orchestra .
“ It took a really long time to be mentally prepared ,” said Helen . “ You can practice all you want , but if you don ’ t enter the audition believing that you can do the job , you ’ ll never get the results you want .”
It ’ s this sense of perseverance that kept Helen — and many of her colleagues — going during the pandemic . When Helen realized that she wouldn ’ t have a concert to practice towards each week , she decided to create her own goals and helped launch the online series Lunch Bachs , in which the viola section performed all six Bach Suites together virtually .
“ We needed a reason to play , and so I had this idea to keep going together . My colleagues are the ones who inspire me the most because even during a pandemic , they still pushed themselves really hard every day to be the best musicians they could be .”
With the stress of auditions behind her , and even with Lunch Bachs in full swing , Helen realized she had more time on her hands to revisit one of her favorite childhood hobbies , crochet , and she hasn ’ t put her hook down since !
“ I find it to be a really great way to relax after a lot of practicing . It can take a lot of time and patience , but then I have gifts for all my colleagues ! I actually only have one blanket that I ’ ve kept for myself .”
Learn more about Helen !
From enormous rainbow blankets to adorable cat figurines , Helen ’ s gifts throughout the orchestra just further demonstrate her great patience and tenacity !
MITRO HOOD
44 OVERTURE / BSOmusic . org