Jan Angus
Instrument: Flute
With the RPO since: 1976
Hometown: San Bernardino, California
Non-RPO activities and hobbies: travel, crocheting, baking, biking, walking
What music school did you attend, and who were your most inspirational teachers? Eastman School of Music for MM. Luella Howard, Principal Flute of the Twentieth Century Fox Studios – as a woman, she was inspiring because she was top dog in the L.A. recording scene. She was a fabulous diagnostic teacher and knew how to address and fix student weaknesses. At that time in the late ‘60s she was current and up on all the newest technology for amplified flute. John Krell, Principal Piccolo, Philadelphia Orchestra, was another master teacher of flute and piccolo and helped me move to the next level on each instrument.
Favorite books/movies: I enjoy reading historical fiction, especially about places I have or would like to visit. Rutherford is one of my favorite authors.
What kinds of music do you enjoy listening to? I rarely have the time to just listen to music for pleasure, but if I have time, I enjoy listening to opera … and flute music!
People would be surprised to know… Our Angus surname is not Scottish but was Anglicized from the Croatian Andjus
What do you most enjoy about living in the Rochester area? The seasons as well as the ease of getting around.
What are your favorite restaurants in Rochester, and why? Scotch and Sirloin and Michelina’s – dependable quality and unpretentious
Favorite late-night snack: popcorn
What is your favorite way to spend your day off? Biking, walking, gardening.
What is your most memorable musical experience? Performing Rachmaninoff in the RPO at Carnegie Hall with David Zinman
Biography
Jan Angus joined the RPO in 1979 as third flute and piccolo under David Zinman. She is also full time at the Eastman Community Music School where she is Senior Instructor of Flute and Program Coordinator for Eastman Pathways, a scholarship program for urban teens. She was Principal Flutist of the Redlands Bowl Symphony, second flute in the inaugural season of Filharmonica des las Americas in Mexico City and has performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic and the Syracuse Symphony. In addition, Ms. Angus served on the faculties of SUNY Genesee, Nazareth College and SUNY Brockport.
