Cheryl Sears

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Flute

Cheryl Sears, flutist, grew up in the Seattle area and currently lives in Olympia.  She has been a member of the Olympia Symphony Orchestra for many years, and holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in flute performance.  Over the years, she has taught privately, performed in the Governor’s Mansion Chamber Music Series, and performed with several orchestras and operas throughout the Puget Sound region.  Her flute, violin, and cello trio has performed at the Governor’s Mansion on several occasions and regularly for recitals, parties, and weddings.  Cheryl is an elementary teacher in the North Thurston Public schools, where she teaches 3-5th graders.  During the summer she enjoys resting up from the school year, taking on house projects, and spending time with her husband and 2 daughters.

Lauren Root

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Cello, Orchestra Principal

Lauren has lived in the PNW since 1979. She has been active freelancer and teacher since then.She studied at the Peabody Institute of Music in Baltimore with the late Stephen Kates. Lauren was lucky to also studied chamber music with Karen Tuttle. Ms Tuttle’s style of coaching has been a life long inspiration. Lauren coached cello for over 30 years for Seattle Youth Symphony and was one of the first of three faculty members who formed that organization’s summer camp for ages 14 and under. She taught at the camp for over 26 years. Lauren is glad to be back with the festival and performing with so many fine musicians and friends. She’s lost count of how many years she’s played with Bach Fest. She’s still hoping to find a host family who would welcome her 220lbs pet pig, Wilson. But that’s another sort of adventure!

Ed Phillips

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Tuba, Orchestra Principal

Edgar Phillips, tuba, has been a prominent freelance tubist in the Puget Sound region. He's been featured in such soundtracks as Barney's Great Adventure, Die Hard 3 and 10 Things I Hate About You, to name a few. He has performed with the American Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, Seattle Symphony, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Bellevue Symphony, and Yakima Symphony. He teaches Middle School Special Education in Tacoma where he resides with his wife and daughter.