Directors

Passionate about community outreach and cultural development, Cook founded the Oracle Piano Society in 2012. He brings together an impressive Artist Advisory Committee, empowers a passionate Board of Directors, and inspires an outpouring of local support. As a pianist, Cook has been seen on television broadcasts and heard on the radio airwaves. He has concertized throughout the United States and abroad to popular and critical acclaim and his skills and interpretations as a concert pianist have earned him distinguished awards, including scholarships and top prizes in both national and international piano competitions. He has wowed the toughest of music critics such as Harold Shonberg from the New York Times who told Cook "Don't try to impress me, I'm not easily impressed." But after the performance of the E-flat minor Scherzo of Brahms, Shonberg simply stated, "I'm impressed" and went on to hail Cook's interpretation of this rarely performed work as the only one that had ever convinced him.

Acclaimed for his dynamic approach to concertizing, Dr. Cook emphasizes artistic fusion with synergistic performances integrating piano, poetry, and the visual arts. A student of luminary pianists Robert Hamilton and Eteri Andjaparidze, Cook attended DePaul University, Northwestern University, and Arizona State University where he received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree.

Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Those early memories include sitting next to my sister while she played our evening worship hymns, trying to hold pennies atop my hands during my first piano lessons, singing special music for church, and secretly wanting to sing pop or Broadway. During high school, I sang in 4 groups, played flute in the band, and organized various events related to musical performances. As a young mother, I took my two sons through the Suzuki violin method. For the past 10 years, I’ve played my friend’s original music who nudged me through the process of making an album. I first learned about the OPS when a local friend told me about Voices in the Oaks. Mary Huebner accepted my request to join the chorus very late in the season. It was a thrill to be a part of this magical little chorus. I then attended Steven Cook’s roaring 20s concert. I couldn’t believe that our small town could have such a gold mine of musical artistry. My professional training is in medicine, but my avocations include singing, playing piano and flute, gardening, cooking, exercising, and just helping out. I have learned that my language of love is service. I’m honored to serve on this visionary board.

I discovered Oracle while on a bike ride years ago. There was no question where I wanted to live. My family and I were able to find our place in this mountain setting and have really come to enjoy our unique community. I served in the US Army for 21 years. Service has always been a part of me. After meeting Dr. Cook, I was extremely impressed with his story. I was taken aback by his vision for enriching lives. We are fortunate to have someone of his caliber. From the board members, to many across this community, we have a tremendous amount of talent and human potential to enhance the uniqueness of our mountain village. My youngest is an aspiring musician. Like my mother before her, she has a passion and drive for music performance that is remarkable. It was through my daughter that I met Dr. Cook after the OPS offered a special opportunity for her and her school orchestra to perform in Oracle. I saw this as an experience for myself to serve. Excellence in this endeavor takes involvement from each of us, and I saw myself in it. Although I have no training in any of the arts, I have an appreciation for the skill. It takes hard work and passion for artists to display their work for the enjoyment of others. My desire is to make a positive impact with the OPS while involving and exposing as many of our talented citizens (artist or not) in what Dr. Cook is striving to accomplish.