Sharon Chung ‘00 is using her violin and viola as a way to focus on beauty and joy during COVID-19.

When Governor J.B. Pritzker ordered Illinoisans to stay home because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sharon had to make a sudden adjustment to her professional and personal life. A professional classical musician and private instructor who normally teaches out of her home, Sharon performs on her viola and violin with orchestras and symphonies across Illinois, with later springtime being a normally busy time. But that night of the governor’s announcement, Sharon began receiving email after email about her concerts being canceled.

Sharon and her husband, who teaches music at Millikin University, were able to adjust their schedules to be home with their young daughters. And her in-person lessons with students are now being conducted over FaceTime and Skype.

However, if one good thing has come from the pandemic, it’s the opportunity to bring people together. Every evening, weather permitting, Sharon will grab her violin and practice outside in her gazebo for her neighborhood to enjoy.

“I think we need to focus on these things that bring us beauty and joy,” she says. “I’m happy that I’m able to do these little things outside. Since the weather is getting a little nicer I’m thinking about doing pop-up concerts around town. I’m just trying to find ways to keep playing.”

You can read more about Sharon and her music at The Pantagraph website.