20 Questions with Ms. Ruggles

20 Questions with Ms. Ruggles

By Shaan Patni

What made you want to become an orchestra teacher?

Because my school orchestra teacher was very inspiring to me

Do you have any hobbies?

In addition to playing music, I like yoga, cooking, reading, and spending time with friends/family/my dog Arya

What instrument do you play?

Viola

When did you start playing that instrument?

I started violin when I was 7 and switched to the viola in high school

Have you ever played in a professional orchestra before?

Yes, I have played in several. Now I play mostly string quartet gigs.

Who is your favorite violinist?

Sarah Chang

Who is your favorite composer?

Tchaikovsky

What is your favorite genre of music?

It changes every day

What is your favorite show/movie?

Harry Potter/Lord of the Rings/Star Trek/All Things Marvel

What is your favorite cuisine?

Thai Food

If you can visit anywhere in the world, where would you like to go?

Mysore, India for Ashtanga Yoga

What is your favorite book?

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Who is your favorite celebrity/famous person?

Chris Evans (Captain America)

What impact has Covid had on your teaching?

Thankfully, the orchestra has not been impacted as much as the band and chorus. Just the occasional virtual student playing along with us.

What was your favorite school subject?

Orchestra, but also science

When and where did you start teaching?

In the local library when I was in high school

What grades have you taught?

Grades 3–12

Have you ever had any other former jobs?

I was a cashier in high school and I worked in a security booth in college

What time do you get up and get ready for work?

6 am unless there’s chamber orchestra then 5:30 am

Do you have any nicknames? If so, how did you get them?

My nickname is T; my family has been calling me that since I’m a baby