Sandra Stram:
CLASS OF 1979
Oak Park River Forest High SchoolClass of 1979
Oak park, IL
San Diego State University - MusicClass of 1985
San diego, CA
Sandra's Story
Life
Greetings from beautiful San Diego! I moved here w/ a few friends after graduation. I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do - just go to CA and go to college somewhere. Eventually I went to San Diego State and majored in music. Held a series of jobs, including dishwasher and waitress, but my eventual involvement in tutoring and music coaching led me into teaching - a path I had not really ever considered. I've been teaching music as an orchestra specialist in a district near the Mexican border for 16 years. I was lucky to get a chance to teach in a more affluent district a few years ago, but got laid off last year due to budget cuts, so then I had to go back about 3 miles from the border and it was only part time. Bummer! So I started teaching in an after school orchestra program for disadvantaged youth and also directed a community student orchestra on Saturdays. In 2004 I got a job teaching gr 4-5 string instruments for San Diego City Schools and it was a good move. I taught 17 more years there and retired after teaching on line during Covid , and dealing w breast cancer. I’d just had enough and the numbers worked out so that I could retire,
In college I got seriously into "early music" and that has been a big focus in my life. I play many old instruments and have been in several Renaissance and Baroque music groups. Currently I'm in a group called Courtly Noyse and also Kensington baroque orchestra. I went back to school and got a master's degree in Viola da Gamba performance. In 96. Through a boyfri...Expand for more
end I got introduced to Cajun/Zydeco music and dance in 1997. It's got its own social scene all over the world. I was convinced to try playing fiddle in different styles and learn to improvise and have been playing fiddle in several bands over the years. I now play in The Swamp Critters (see website for details) also play in a Cajun/Country all girl band called "Judy Taylor's Wild Oats, and a group called the Fiddle Cats.
I live alone (well, w/ 2 cats) in a townhouse a mile from the ocean in the Pacific Beach section of town.
I haven't done too well at relationships, so though I've learned a lot, I'm still single. Never married, no kids. I am hoping that isn't my permanent condition, but may have to accept that as my fate. Still trying but dating is very difficult at this age. Every guy I really like doesn’t feel the same and vice versa, So it’s been for the last 11 years.
I do have a pretty full and busy life, at least. I enjoy travel, which I do a lot since I have friends all over the US and the UK. I adore England and try to go often. The band has toured there a few times, My sister is still in Chicago and I own a house in Westchester that I rent out. Might move back to Illinois some day - at least for part of the year, just not sure yet. But I make sure to come visit at least once a year.
I have hand arthritis which will eventually lead to me having to give up playing violin, so when that day comes I may decide to move away and go traveling in a motor home.
Please look me up if you’re in the San Diego area.
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