Dottie Wayne, Viola
Columbia Orchestra member since 1998.
Growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, Dottie Wayne started on the violin at age 8, but switched from Violin I to Viola in her senior year of high school when its 2 violists graduated and the orchestra became “viola-less.” She has never looked back! Since moving to Maryland, following graduation from Dickinson College (and playing in the college orchestra), she played in the Prince Georges Symphony/Philharmonic (16 years), for Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, and for sundry other small musical groups. After leaving the Prince Georges Philharmonic and before starting with the Columbia Orchestra, Dottie sang with groups such as the New Century Singers (5 years) and Elkridge Sweet Adeline Chorus (10 years). Currently, she sings with the Showtime Singers in addition to playing in the Columbia Orchestra. Music, in some form, has always been a part of her life.
In her non-musical life, Dottie retired in 2004 after 36 years of Federal Government service. She lives in Ellicott City with her husband, Larry. They are Co-Directors of the Central Maryland Chapter of Tasters Guild, International, a society of wine and food enthusiasts. When not engaging in things musical or oenological, Dottie does research on her family genealogy, travels, reads books, solves crossword puzzles, and keeps up with the activities of their blended family of 3 adult children.
Memorable musical experience: It was when she and her husband were living in Zagreb, Croatia. She played regularly in a quartet with a flutist (Argentinean), violinist (German), cellist (Croatian), and herself. It was quite a challenge trying to communicate - using English and Croatian as the common denominators - plus learning the different European musical notations and expressions!
Fun fact you may not know: Dottie made the viola that she plays in the Columbia Orchestra. She topped it in 1976. It is now older than many of the young orchestra members!
