Northshore Concert Band At Home: Mollie McDougall
Today’s feature is the seventh in a series of interviews with Northshore Concert Band members. Learn more about these talented musicians in each fun, thoughtful, and often touching feature.
Mollie McDougall and her family during a pre-COVID-19 trip to Disney World.
Today’s member is Mollie McDougall.
Mollie has been a member of the Northshore Concert Band for 15 years. She is a music teacher and plays Horn.
What part of your shelter-in-place have you come to appreciate the most? The least?
Time with my family for sure. It has been stressful ridiculous and awesome to be a part of my daughters’ learning. Teaching remotely has been a challenge and I miss connecting with my students in person.
What’s something that you miss that surprises you? What’s something that you don’t miss that surprises you?
I miss being out and about - new experiences with my children, eating out, but most of all I miss my family who live in New York! I don’t miss the rushing around to get to classes/work/etc and this is definitely making me rethink the activities we have our children signed up for.
What have you been stocking up on (that isn’t toilet paper)?
Mac and cheese...for obvious reasons :)
Is there something you’ve been putting off for a long time, but are now doing with this time at home?
We just moved so lots of unpacking and organizing and getting rid of stuff we haven’t needed/used. We have been doing some pretty creative cooking and just trying to relax and enjoy the moment as much as we can.
Please briefly share your history with NCB - how & why you joined, etc.
I joined right after grad school. I was playing in the Northwestern conducting symposium and Dr. Thompson asked me to audition. I had just moved back to the area and was excited to have a playing “home” and family. There have been so many changes that have happened in my personal and professional life that I got through because of my NCB family and I am so grateful every day for having these wonderful musicians to make music with and lean on.
COVID-19 has forced NCB to cancel the second half of our 2019-2020 Subscription Season. What do you miss most about NCB rehearsals and performances?
I miss making music with my friends and I miss the adult interaction. I am a people person and zoom is not cutting it for me!
Please share any thoughts that you may have about the Northshore Concert Band.
The Band is a great musical experience and a family I am lucky to be a part of. I am inspired by my fellow musicians every week.
So much has happened in our world. Concerts have been canceled and our musicians and administration are now sheltering in place and working from home. For the health and well-being of our musicians, staff, and supporters we are working in accordance with the CDC and Governor Pritzker’s guidelines. Music is more important than ever and we look forward to the time that we can share our music with you. During this unprecedented time, subscribe to this website and follow us on social media for NCB updates, member interviews, music news, and more.
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