Meet Jonelle
Jonelle Darrow, violin
Sponsored by Kristen Hopper &
Claudia McNair
Infatuated with the radio as a wee lass, Jonelle constantly listened to music. Her love of music grew when she began orchestra in elementary school and later developed into a music education degree. In college she fell in love with percussion instruments and in addition to her violin and orchestral studies, played in Marching Band, Percussion Ensemble and Symphonic Winds.
She interviewed with the international organization Up With People and upon acceptance began a 12 month world tour performing in Alaska, Canada, Australia, Hawaii, Mexico and the continental United States. This experience led to more travel abroad, and the study of multiple subjects including religions, metaphysics, and child development.
Her playing experience includes choirs, festivals, musicals, orchestras, operas, private events, and weddings. She enjoys giving back to the community by volunteering for Boise Music Week, Christmas at the Cathedral and Hymns of Thanksgiving, events that are free to the public. She has been blessed with opportunities to be a musician in amazing churches and concert halls, including Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House.
A private teacher for 25 + years, she has been recognized as a distinguished educator, is known for her kindness and patience developing young musicians, and teaches various ability and interest levels. From 2016-2023 she commuted 5 hours round trip 1 day a week to McCall to teach private and group lessons, known as High Mountain Strings.
She and her husband love spending time with their son and fur babies, and maintain a Certified Wildlife Habitat in their small urban yard.