Carole Pedler came to Peterborough over 20 years ago from Toronto where she was lucky to go to a high school that had a full music program. She learned the basics of playing the viola there. Once established in Peterborough, her daughter’s high school music teacher found out that Carole still had a desire to play music and introduced her to a small group of string players who encouraged her to shake off the cobwebs and to start playing the viola again. This was over 15 years ago – she has now played in the PSO for over 10 years.

Carole views playing in the PSO as a privilege. There are many musicians in the organization that play professionally and to be able to rub elbows with such talent makes her a very lucky person indeed. It is also a challenge. The music that is presented by the orchestra is continually stretching her ability on the viola, and she is constantly learning more about her chosen instrument as well as music in general.

It also presents a total break from her career of selling real estate with Century 21 United Realty. Inc. “While rehearsing or on stage I am completely focused on the music and I have to shut out the world. It’s my way of meditating. It’s like a mini-mental holiday.”