Our Conductor, Pollyanna Gorman

How it all started

My first instrument was the accordion, which I started playing when I was 4 years old. It was in the 7^th grade, when I joined the band in my junior high, I decided that I wanted to play French horn . "Why" you ask? My band director informed me that I couldn’t because "girls don’t play French horn". I think I’ve proven him wrong. Throughout high school and college, I played French horn in the concert band and trumpet in the Jazz Band. With the exception of a 4 month break in 1987 when I moved to California, I have played some sort of musical instrument continuously and still do.

Education

I went to college at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, a small school about an hour east of Fayetteville, where I lived and went to high school. I graduated from UNCP in May 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education.

While in college my accomplishments were, President of Sigma Alpha Iota, a music fraternity for women, student member of MENC (Music Educators National Conference), Dean’s List and chosen for Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.

Experience

Since moving to California in July 1987 I have played in a number of musical groups.

Among these are:
University of California – Irvine Wind Ensemble, Al Lang Conductor Principle French horn
University of California – Irvine Orchestra, Zelman Boxer Conductor – Principle French horn
Pacific Wind Ensemble, Larry Curtis Conductor – Co-Principle French horn
Golden West College Symphonic Band, Tom Hernandez Conductor
   Assistant Conductor 1992 – 2002
   Principle French horn
Cerritos College Jazz Band, George Byra Conductor - Trumpet
Orange Symphonic Band, Mark Kamp Conductor –
  Principle French horn
  Associate Conductor
Yorba Linda Orchestra, Dr. Robert Frely Conductor –
   Winds Coach
   Principal French Horn
Tom Kubis Monday Night Jazz Band, Tom Kubis Conductor -
   Principal French Horn
Golden West Pops – Executive Director, Conductor, Founding Board Member/Officer
Pollytechnic Brass Quintet – 1991 - Founder
Finally 5 Brass Quintet
Aeolian Woodwind Quintet
Pasadena Brass Quintet
South Coast Brass Quintet

Personal Thoughts:

My life and loves revolve around making music and performing. What do I want to do in life? I ask that question of myself many times and I always come back to the same answer. Make music. It gives me the greatest joy.

I love to conduct this group. They are so energetic and a great group of people. From inception the Pops has been a challenge for me as a leader as well as a performer. I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to be a part of something " new and different" to the concert band circuit. I feel strongly that the vision of the Pops from the very beginning, making music that people will enjoy, continues under my direction. Being the only woman Community Concert Band conductor in the Orange County region has proven an experience. But it’s the people, the fun, the music and the audience that makes it all worthwhile.

I look forward to the coming years as Conductor of the Pops. We’ve got great things in store and I’m glad they have entrusted me to be the one to fulfill their goals.