Erin Kaste has been a member of the Memphis Symphony since 1996. She is originally from Minneapolis, MN and began studying the violin at age three in the MacPhail Suzuki Violin program. Erin learned how to be an orchestra member in part by playing in the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS). She went on to earn her bachelor of music degree at the Eastman School of Music, studying with Charles Castleman. Prior to moving to Memphis, Erin was a member of the Midland Odessa (TX) Symphony.
When she was about 13, Erin decided that she wanted to become a professional musician. Though there wasn't any one particular moment when she knew this is what she would pursue, violin started to become fun for her when she began playing in a chamber ensemble and had her own part to play. It was at
the Harry Potter books and awaits the release of each new book in the series. Had she not become a musician, Erin would have become a journalist.
Erin particulary enjoys sharing music with children in the community. She has taught Suzuki Violinto children ages 3 and up at Milam Elementary School in Odessa, TX and at the University of Memphis Community Music School. She says the best thing about her job with the Memphis Symphony is the chance to communicate with people all over Memphis--in our concert hall, in the schools, and in nursing homes. She enjoys sharing things with people that make them think and feel, and is proud of how the orchestra puts together such a good product in such a short amount of time.
In her spare time, Erin especially enjoys writing, camping, and hiking, gardening and running. She has two cats, Frank (age 8) and Larry (age?).
about this time that she met one of her musical heroes, her junior high orchestra teacher, James Berg. She was also encouraged to pursue violin by her grandfather, who played the fiddle for dances.
As a young person, Erin's favorite subject in school was English. An avid reader, Erin used to go to the library every two weeks and try to bring home bigger stacks of books than her mother. Now she enjoys reading
Larry (left) and Frank
Erin enjoys the "spillway" at Lake Fort Smith in Arkansas
Below: Cherry with Spoon, a sculpture at one of Erin's favorite museums, The Walker, in Minneapolis
Right: Erin crosses the finish-line at the Harding Academy "Run With the Lions" 5K.
Erin Kaste has been a member of the Memphis Symphony since 1996. She is originally from Minneapolis, MN and began studying the violin at age three in the MacPhail Suzuki Violin program. Erin learned how to be an orchestra member in part by playing in the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS). She went on to earn her bachelor of music degree at the Eastman School of Music, studying with Charles Castleman. Prior to moving to Memphis, Erin was a member of the Midland Odessa (TX) Symphony.
