Upper Catskill String Quartet

Meet the NEW Upper Catskill String Quartet

 Heather holds a Bachelor’s Degree with a double-major in Violin Performance and Computer Science from Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, where she studied with Monte Belknap. After continuing her graduate studies in Computer Science, Heather went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Violin Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, where she studied with Zvi Zeitlin. She has performed in master classes with Charles Castleman and Almita Vamos, and has performed on tour in Germany, the Czech Republic, China, and South Korea. Heather is a member of the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra and frequently performs with the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra as well as other groups in the Capital Region. She serves as Concertmaster of the Union College & Community Orchestra and the Music Company Orchestra. She also works full-time as a medical ultrasound systems engineer at GE Global Research.

Jessica holds a Master’s degree in violin performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University. During her time at CU Boulder, she studied chamber music with the Takács Quartet. Locally, Jessica is principal second violin for Kinderhook’s Concerts in the Village and she frequently performs with the Albany Symphony, Glens Falls Symphony, and Vermont Symphony. In her 12 years Upstate, she has played many concerts in NYC at Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Symphony Space. Equally at home on a concert hall or arena stage, Jessica toured the West Coast with Andrea Bocelli, been featured nationally John Tesh’s PBS television special, Piano • Gospel • Dance, and played with Trans-Siberian Orchestra. As an educator, Jessica is adjunct faculty at the College of St Rose, works closely with Empire State Youth Orchestra, and maintains a private violin studio. Jessica lives in North Greenbush, NY with her son, Walden, and husband, James.

Amy is an active performer and arts administrator. She received her Master’s Degree in Arts Administration from Indiana University, Master’s of Music in Viola Performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and Bachelor’s of Music from Boise State University. Ms. Tompkins studied with Erika Eckert, Geraldine Walther, and Dr. Linda Kline, and has performed in masterclasses with Ivo-Jan van der Werff, Lynne Ramsey, and the Takács Quartet. Regionally, Ms. Tompkins has performed with the Binghamton Philharmonic, Catskills Symphony, Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra, Tri-Cities Opera, and Burnt Hills Oratorio Society, and is a founding member of the Castalia Quartet. Previous engagements include the Boise Philharmonic, Boise Baroque Orchestra, Opera Idaho, McCall SummerFest, and Sun Valley Opera. Ms. Tompkins currently serves as the Associate Director of Development for the Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown, NY.

Brittany has been musical from a young age, taking violin lessons in elementary and middle school, and piano and ‘cello lessons through middle and high school. She graduated from Schenectady County Community College with concentrations in ‘cello and voice, and was the featured soloist with the SUNY Albany Orchestra in 2006, playing the Saint-Saens Concerto in A minor. Brittany is currently a freelance musician, providing music for weddings throughout New York and surrounding states. She is also a member of New Day, a local a cappella vocal group. Brittany is on the Fusion Community Church’s addiction recovery ministry worship team. She is a stay-at-home mother of five.