Amber Hooke

Meet Amber! Violinist & Day-Of Coordinator

How did you start playing with Radiant Strings? What do you do now for the group?

Nicole and I have been friends since high school where our love of the card game "Spoons" brought us together. This is also where I met Ahmer’e. The three of us laughed our way through PMEA events, the PSO Side-by-Side, and so many other core high school music memories. We stayed connected throughout the years, and eventually I had the honor of being asked to join Radiant Strings in 2021. As the business grew, Nicole asked me to take over some Day-Of Coordinator duties and various admin duties at the end of the 2023 season. I am a strong, yet humble leader, and I bring many organizational and administrative skills to the table for Radiant Strings. My type A personality helps me run a gig successfully by being on time, organized and efficient! (and this is also why Nicole and I click so well! lol)  

Tell us about your experience with Radiant Strings and why you’re a member of the group.

What makes Radiant Strings special to me are the people that I get to make music with. They are all my friends, and they are all not only incredibly talented, but also amazing human beings. Playing with Radiant Strings is FUN, and every gig reminds me of why I fell in love with music in the first place.  Playing for Radiant Strings gives me a chance to do something for myself in a world where I am always busy caring for other people. It is truly my escape, my time to laugh, and my time to make beautiful music with awesome people.

What stands out as your favorite gig with Radiant Strings?

I absolutely loved playing at the Greer Cabaret Theater for the first time in August. I remember us just "clicking" and genuinely having fun playing music together. 

What’s your musical background?

I started playing the violin in 4th grade with the Norwin Orchestra. By 7th grade, I knew that I had found my "thing." I started taking lessons, joining orchestras, and really getting serious about practicing. I graduated from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music in 2018. After that, I moved back to Pittsburgh to marry my high school sweetheart, Jesse. I ran my own private music studio for 5 years, and now I am playing gigs full time! I play with Radiant Strings, I play many solo gigs, musicals, and I am a substitute violinist for the Westmoreland and Johnstown Symphonies. I also love playing in my church's worship band. 

Favorite Pittsburgh Cookie Table Cookie? My favorite cookie table cookie is either a soft chocolate chip or lady lock!