Cathy Francis has lived and breathed music her entire life. The Chesapeake Public Schools music educator grew up surrounded by classical music, with her mother playing that in her home. In the third grade, she began learning about and playing music, and she has never stopped! The flute and piccolo player went on to get her Bachelor’s degree in Flute and Music Therapy, followed by a Master’s degree in Music Education and Wind Band Conducting.

Cathy got involved with the Hampton Roads Philharmonic when asked to fill in for a Flute II/Piccolo player at the last minute before a concert. That one performance led to her continuing to be involved today, where she says she enjoys playing piccolo in the orchestra the most. When asked what type of music she enjoys playing, she says a wide variety, particularly orchestral, band, jazz, chamber, and popular music.