Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/315858
JUNE/JULY 2013 MACON MAGAZINE I 29 ASM: Absolutely. Right now, we have six international students and 11 states represented. Coming here six years ago, we had this huge goal, a huge dream that we were going to develop the premier program in the Southeast. Now, we're one of the premier programs in the world. It's amazing to me that in six years we are where we are. At the same time, I'm not surprised, because when I moved here to take the job that was the goal. That was exactly what I was setting my mind to do, and I know that is what Bobby wanted to do too. Now we're expanding and moving into the Bell House on College Street. MM: Can you talk a little bit about the expansion? ASM: It's a really exciting move for us. We got the grant from the Woodruff Arts Foundation to renovate the Bell House, which is the mansion on College Street where the Allman Brothers shot their famous (first) album cover. We're going to renovate that and have it as our home base for the center. It will be right near the law school, and it is another great way to connect Mercer to downtown Macon. We're going to have intimate, salon- style concerts there, and it will also be a place for students to practice and rehearse. It will seat about 60 people in the front room. MM: How do you two find ways to collaborate musically? SM: We have a violin-percussion duo that will occasionally perform. We also play in chamber music settings that feature string quartet, solo violin, piano and bass. ASM: We really enjoy playing together, and people seemed to be surprised and delighted by the music. MM: It makes sense that you both would complement each other musically, considering the connection you already have. SM: Well, I have the utmost respect for her as a musician. She's an incredible musician, and she brings out the best in me, when I'm playing with her. MM: How are you able to balance your traveling and hectic career schedule with family life? SM: We try. We take the kids with us when we can. Incorporating them into our touring life is just how we've had to do it, and it works really well, because they're used to it. They're good little travelers -- going through the airport, getting on the plane. I think we've done a good job on it. I don't get hung up on it, because it's just what we have to do. MM: They seem pretty well adjusted. ASM: They're so well adjusted. They're real people. Little persons. As soon as they meet you, they think you're their best friend. MM: People might not realize that you have two kids with your busy schedules. SM: Yeah. It's just a minor detail. (laughs) It's been fun. It's gone by fast, though. Our oldest is going to be 5 in October. It's amazing. Where did the time go?