Ingrid Kovacs- Full Article - San Luis Obispo Symphony

September 2026

Ingrid Kovacs, SLOS Musician

Welcome to High Notes!

My connection to the San Luis Obispo Symphony goes back further than most people know. I joined the orchestra in 2015, but my first experience playing with the Symphony was from 1978 to 1984, when I was a student in Los Angeles. Back then, I never thought I would return to the Central Coast years later and play with the orchestra again.

Over the years, music led me down many different paths. I spent most of my career teaching middle school orchestra in Dallas and Las Vegas, while also staying busy as a violinist. Although I have retired from teaching, I am still very active in music and love performing.

This year, I have taken on a new role with the Symphony. I was recently chosen as Chair of the Orchestra Advisory Committee, a group elected by fellow musicians to represent the orchestra and help everyone stay connected—from musicians to the Board, Music Director, and staff. After spending my life teaching and performing, I care a lot about our orchestra and the part it plays in our community.

I am excited to help build stronger communication and teamwork that will support the Symphony in the years ahead.

Music is not my only passion. My husband and I love to travel, and at home I enjoy gardening, training our dogs, and riding my horses. I have also started a new creative project: writing a children’s book inspired by our rescue dog, Stanley. The first book, Stanley Tails: Adventures of a Rescue Dog—Book 1: Stanley Finds a Home, is now in its final edits before going to the illustrator.

Returning to the orchestra I first played with almost fifty years ago feels truly special. A lot has changed over the years, but my love for making music with others has stayed the same. I am grateful that the San Luis Obispo Symphony is still such a big part of my life.