Sponsored by Kathy Peter
Inspired by the power of music to connect people, ideas and communities, Jennifer Drake is a conductor, violist, teacher, clinician, and camp director. The most enthusiastic musician you will ever meet, Jennifer is known for her versatility, humor, and energy. Jennifer is the Music Director of the Serenata Orchestra, the assistant conductor and principal violist for the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival and is the Music Director for the Boise Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Jennifer has been living in Boise since 1999.
Jennifer is the principal violist for the Boise Baroque Chamber Orchestra, as well as a section violist for the Boise Philharmonic. Jennifer has enjoyed an international chamber music career, performing at the 33rd International Viola Congress in Reykjavik, Iceland and the International Bass Clarinet Convention in Rotterdam, Holland. She has performed concerts in Iceland, Holland, Denmark, Romania, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria and Canada. Jennifer is the founder of Idaho Viola Camp. She is also the co-artistic director for the Idaho Orchestra Institute. Both camps provide students with unique outdoor experiences, in addition to high quality musical engagement.
Jennifer is a highly sought after teacher and clinician. As a clinician, she is known for her infectious energy and ability to engage with ensembles of all levels. Recent clinics have been held in Oregon, Texas, Nevada, and Idaho. She is also a lecturer for the Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning, recently presenting a series on Ludwig van Beethoven.
Recent awards and honors include receiving an Alexa Rose Foundation grant, and receiving a fellowship with the Allentown Symphony for the 2017-18 season. She has also been the cover girl for HerLife magazine. When she is not living the obviously glamorous lifestyle that being a conductor and cover girl must afford, she is cruising around in her 1987 Volkswagen camper van, calling the vet for her dogs, thinking of how to avoid grocery shopping, and planning trips with her husband, Chad Marvin. Jen and Chad climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in January 2016. She has also completed a 70.3 Ironman as well as RAGBRAI, the bike ride across Iowa.
