Originally from Utah, Cindy is a graduate of the University of Utah in both conducting and education and then continued to develop her conducting skills with Kurt Masur, Riccardo Chailly and Maren Alsop - selected as apprentice for special projects in New York City, Chicago and Baltimore. Cindy has taught music in the public and private education systems for over 20 years and has conducted orchestras throughout the world. This will be her 11th season with the Jewish Community Orchestra.
In Utah Cindy served as the Music Director and Conductor of the Granite Youth Symphony, Jordan Symphony Orchestra, and the Lincoln Youth Symphony; performed with the Utah Philharmonia, the Salt Lake Symphony and The Orchestra on Temple Square. In 2001 Ms. Petty moved to Oregon where she served as the Principal Conductor of the Portland Youth Philharmonic Conservatory Orchestra; as the Music Director and Conductor of The Oregon Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra; the Oregon Pro Arte Youth Chamber Orchestra; the Pro Arte Conservatory Strings; The Jewish Community Orchestra; The Portland Mormon Symphony and the Portland Adventist String Orchestra; As guest conductor of the Rose City Chamber Orchestra and the Newport Symphony; and performed as acting Concertmaster of the Columbia Symphony Orchestra. Working closely with the Portland-Sapporo Sister City Association, Cindy traveled to Japan appearing as Guest Concertmaster, Soloist, and Guest Conductor of the Sapporo Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition she maintained a private studio specializing in violin / viola instruction and coaching small chamber ensembles. In 2007, Ms. Petty was knighted by the Royal Rosarians, under the banner of the rose “Artistry” for her extensive contributions to the community through music.
As a violinist, Cindy currently performs with the Newport Symphony Orchestra (Oregon)and the Chandler Symphony (Arizona). As a Conductor, she continues to serve as Principal Guest Conductor of the Sapporo Philharmonic Orchestra, The Tempe Youth Chamber Orchestra, the Jewish Community Orchestra, and the Oregon Arts Orchestra who have recently returned from a successful performance tour of Austria and the Czech Republic. Ms. Petty has also made guest conducting appearances with numerous orchestras in Chicago, New York, Washington D.C.; North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Michigan, California, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah, and is sought after as a clinician and adjudicator for National Music Festivals, All-State Orchestras and Youth Honors Orchestras throughout the United States.
Recently Maestra Petty has accepted a position with Music Celebrations International producing orchestral and choral concerts worldwide for the concert series: “American Celebration of Music” throughout Europe, and Asia and also for the series: “National Festival of the States” which appears in Washington D.C. Chicago, New York and Los Angeles and includes performances in the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C, Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Benaroya Hall in Seattle, and Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
Ms. Petty firmly believes that music is essential to and complements every other area of our lives. It is cognitive, physical, expressive, goal oriented, aesthetic, exciting and rewarding. Music must be accessible to everyone to truly touch lives. Music is an aural sport, a lifelong skill which ensures the human element of life! It is work and recreation at the same time. It requires a high level of commitment and dedication to excellence! As stated by Ms. Petty, “Music is not just my profession.....it is my passion!”