Portrait of an Artist: Clare M.C. Whitehead ’12

Cellist Clare M.C. Whitehead ’12 is a chemistry concentrator in Kirkland House. This January, she was elected president of the Harvard- Radcliffe Orchestra.

The Harvard Crimson: How long have you been playing the cello?

Clare Whitehead: I have been playing the cello since I was in the fourth grade. An orchestra came to play at my school one day, and I just fell in love with the instrument. I promptly went home and asked my parents if I could play the cello. Well, I didn’t give them much of a choice. I loved it ever since.

THC: Can you tell me about your past involvement with the Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra?

CW: I auditioned for the orchestra in the fall of my freshman year. That same year, I also worked as a stage manager. It involved lots of physical labor, because I had to move a lot of chairs, but it was cool to be involved with the organization in a way other than playing, because I love the orchestra and the community as a whole. I worked as a stage manager for three semesters. During this time, I worked closely with the general manager, because I wanted to do something more. I then became the general manager. I find it really fun to do things for the orchestra. I just love the community so much.

THC: How has your role changed as president?

CW: Being president is a lot more responsibility. It involves overseeing every aspect of the orchestra’s practices and performances. This can get tricky because there are between 80 and 100 member in the orchestra. We have two other elected positions: general manager and finance manager. There are various other appointed officers who make sure that certain aspects of the orchestra run smoothly. Every week, the operations committee meets once a week so that we can keep each other updated.

THC: Do the members of the orchestra ever attend social events together when they’re not practicing or playing?

CW: Our social chairs usually create opportunities for the members to socialize. However, in the fall, all members must attend a music camp in Greenwood, Massachusetts. We learn to play music and hang out with each other, and it’s really fun. The camp helps us strengthen our community. More recently, the orchestra sponsored a laser tag event over Optional Winter Activities Week which was open to the whole student body. I was surprised because there was such a large turnout. I guess people really like to play laser tag.

THC: Will you continue to play the cello after you graduate?

CW: Music is so much fun, and such a huge part of my life. If I had a chance to play in an orchestra after I graduate, then I would love to.

THC: Have you considered playing any other instruments in the orchestra?

CW: Honestly, I don’t have time to learn how to play another instrument. Being president of the orchestra takes up a lot of my time. It’s hard enough for me to find time to practice the cello, let alone another instrument.

THC: Are you particularly excited about any of the pieces you’ll be performing this semester?

CW: We’re playing a piece by Igor Stravinsky and a piece by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The orchestra doesn’t choose the music for each concert directly; the music director does that. However, input from the orchestra is really important. Every year, the orchestra is given a poll and asked to tell us which pieces they think would be interesting or challenging to play. We have a really good repertoire for the next couple of concerts. It’s going to be fun to play and fun to listen to.