Jacqueline Darvill grew up in the San Francisco area. She studied cello for many years with internationally renowned teacher, Irene Sharp. She received her Bachelor of Music at San Francisco State where she was cellist for the Morrison Scholarship String Quartet and soloist with the University Orchestra after winning a solo competition.
Ms. Darvill has devoted her entire career to teaching music. Early on, she moved to Hawaii where she taught for 12 years and founded two orchestra programs before moving to upstate New York. Ms. Darvill taught for nearly 30 years in the Syracuse area, and, in addition to her position at Fayetteville-Manlius, she became cello specialist at the State University of New York at Oswego and teaching for the Oswego City School District. In 2007, she founded the Oswego Community Youth Orchestra. During her time in New York, she successfully prepared hundreds of students for music competitions and auditions. Most importantly, Ms. Darvill has never waivered from her philosophy of offering quality instruction while inspiring students to love and appreciate music as much as she does!
Ms. Darvill has made a point to participate in community organizations that promote quality music education. She had the honor of serving as secretary and then president of the New York American String Teachers Association, has presented at New York State School Music Association’s Winter and Summer conferences, and served as judge at festivals and competitions.
Ms. Darvill honed her conducting skills at Bard College under Harold Farberman and Neil Varon of the Eastman School of Music, and has enjoyed conducting for New York American String Teachers Association summer music camp, Ithaca Summer Music Academy, and many all-counties and all-district events throughout New York State.
Ms. Darvill is currently living in California, where she is closer to family--including 6 of her 10 grand nephews and nieces! She is a member of the Diablo Symphony, gives private instruction, and fills in when needed at the local high school. However, she misses New York and is very excited to return to conduct the orchestra at the Ithaca Summer Music Academy.