Nicole Barnett, Violin II

How old were you when you started playing your instrument?

“When I was 9 years old, my 4th grade class went to see the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra perform excerpts from "The Nutcracker" in a Young People's Concert. From that point on, I not only fell in love with this particular piece, but I aspired to become an orchestral musician, specifically a member of the BSO. I started learning to play the violin when I was 10 and had countless performance opportunities through Kern County's music education program, including the Kern County Honor Orchestra, PBVUSD Strolling Strings, summer music conservatories, Solo/Ensemble Festival, and the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra. Some of the pieces I hold closest to my heart were learned and performed in these settings. When I returned home from Illinois with my music degree in 2011, I auditioned for and was accepted into the BSO!”

What is your favorite music to listen to? 

“While I love to perform classical music, I especially enjoy listening to Motown / Soul.”

What do you enjoy most about playing with the BSO? 

“It is an honor to perform with such talented musicians and friends, some of whom are my former music teachers. I love to learn new repertoire and revisit beloved classics.”

Fun Facts About Nicole

“My grandmother also plays the violin and was part of the Kern Philharmonic (the predecessor to the BSO) in the early 1950s.”

“I have completed one Tough Mudder, two half marathons, and climbed three "14-ers" in Colorado.”