George Eastman Circle Member Spotlight: Andrea Tolmich Shalhoub

Eastman School of Music alumna Andrea Tolmich Shalhoub ’69 recently created a George Eastman Circle Scholarship that will be awarded to a Music Education major. After a successful teaching career of her own spanning 40 years, Andrea is excited to contribute to the future success of talented music educators.

Andrea Tolmich Shalhoub ’69

Q: Why did you decide to join the Eastman Circle?

A: During my teaching career, I always contributed to Eastman School of Music fundraising drives. After I retired, I was visited by a Director of Advancement from the University and connected with the small group of people in my area of North Carolina who also went to the University of Rochester. In 2019, I attended my 50^th Reunion and was impressed with the wealth of opportunities afforded students and the highest caliber of musicians. Fortunately, I am at a time in my life where I can set up a scholarship to make a difference in a young person’s life.

Q: Why did you choose to support the University through your George Eastman Circle Scholarship in particular?

A: I have great respect for teachers and believe music education is essential in our schools. I spent my 40-year career teaching violin, viola, cello, and string bass and directing orchestras in middle school. I spent my first three years of teaching on Long Island and explored both vocal and instrumental education. I then moved to Michigan outside of Detroit in Oakland County and started the orchestra program in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District, which has 14 elementary schools, four middle schools and three high schools. I loved to recruit large numbers of students and had diverse groups of students throughout my career.  The orchestra program is still thriving, and I am so proud of the teachers who are continuing the program. I am a lifelong learner and spent almost every summer at some type of workshop studying with the best music educators, including Jacquie Dillon-Kress, Marilyn Kessler, Bob Gillespie, Bob Phillips, and many others. In Michigan, I pursued private lessons in viola from members of the Detroit Symphony. Viola became my instrument of choice, and I became a founding member of the Birmingham-Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra.

Q: What did you take with you from your time at Eastman that you still use today?

A: Teaching music is an art as well as performance and one should always strive for and inspire excellence. Music Education is core, not additional, not discretionary, not an add on. It is fundamental and creates a sense of belonging. It is a part of a holistic, meaningful education. I now use my violin and viola to enrich the lives of others through performing. I am very excited to meet the student I will be sponsoring at Eastman. I have so much love for my students and stay in touch with many. They are all my family.

The Eastman School of Music is celebrating its centennial. Learn more about upcoming events and festivities in honor of their 100-year mark.