Magnolia String Quartet of Syracuse, NY
Beautiful music for every occasion!
About Us
Jennifer Bearup, violin
Jennifer Bearup graduated with highest distinction from the Crane School of Music in Potsdam NY with a Masters Degree in Music History and Literature. She also graduated magna cum laude from Ithaca College with a Bachelors in Music Education. She has studied violin with Margaret Cooper, James Krehbiel, and Andrew Zaplatynsky.
Jennifer has performed with the Orchestra of Northern New York in Potsdam, Syracuse Chamber Orchestra, Colgate University Orchestra, Hamilton University Orchestra, and several local pit orchestras. She has been performing as a quartet musician for over twenty years.
Jennifer is also the music director for St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Liverpool, where she performs weekly on the violin, organ, and piano. In addition to her performance work, Jennifer is an orchestra teacher for the Baldwinsville School District.
Brenna Ogilvie, violin
Brenna received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Ithaca College in Music Education and Violin Performance. In 2008, she moved to the Syracuse area to work in the Chittenango School District, where she currently teaches elementary orchestra. She has been a member of the Onondaga Civic Symphony since 2008, and concertmaster since 2010. She also has a private violin studio. Brenna loves performing in chamber ensembles and is very excited to be a member of the Magnolia String Quartet!
Amy Z. Cirmo, viola
Amy Z. Cirmo holds a Masters in Viola Performance from the Crane School of Music at Potsdam College and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the Hartt School of Music. She has studied viola performance with Steven Tenenbom of the Orion String Quartet, Scott Nickrenz of the Spiletto Festival, John Lindsey as well as members of the Emerson String Quartet.
An active performer in the Central New York area, Amy has been principal viola of the Colgate University Orchestra. She also performs regularly with the Utica Symphony, Catskill Symphony, Mohawk Valley Choral Society, and Hamilton College Orchestra. As a chamber musician, she has performed many quartet concerts and has played several solo recitals to benefit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.
A music teacher since 1994, Amy has taught all levels, working with elementary through high school students. Currently, she teaches elementary and middle school orchestra in the Fayetteville-Manlius School District.
Mallory Mitchell Alessandro, cello
Mallory has played cello in a quartet for over ten years, performing for events such as graduations and weddings. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Syracuse University while maintaining a performance schedule including playing in the pit for numerous musicals as well as SU's opera workshop in addition to various small and large ensembles. Mallory re-instituted the string program in a local public school district, teaching and working with the program for four years. She continues to teach privately and perform regularly.
All photos on this website provided by Al Miles Studio, Emmanuel Vaucher, and JCPenney Portraits.
Last updated 4/30/2023