Cecilia Johnson earned her BM and MM in violin performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She spent many years in Cincinnati, where she served as principal second violin of the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra, a member of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, and violinist with the West Virginia Symphony and Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Since moving to Toledo in 1991, she has played with the Toledo Symphony and has served on the faculties of the University of Toledo, Siena Heights University and Adrian College. She continues to teach applied violin and chamber ensembles at Adrian College. She initiated and currently directs a program for children of Toledo’s central city entitled CYMBAL (Community Youth Motivated by Arts Learning). This arts based after school program offers children the opportunity to explore--through participation--dance, drama, the visual arts, and music. These opportunities are combined with a tutoring program. CYMBAL exists in partnership with the University of Toledo, Collingwood Presbyterian Church, and Neighborhoods in Partnership. She performs as first violinist of the Scandia String Quartet and maintains a private teaching studio as well.
