Talent, intelligence, determination, leadership and loyalty - all qualities we hope to surround ourselves with whenever possible. As excited as we are when we have the good fortune to work with a person possessing these qualities, we are saddened even more when we hear that such person is leaving our immediate circle. Such is the case with Lisa Waits, who with her husband Robert Sears, is responding to the lure of Silicone Valley.

We have watched with community and personal pride as Lisa progressed from a young prodigy of Bea Thorpe and Phil Mason to become the winner of several important violin competitions and concertmaster of the prestigious World Youth Orchestra at Interlochen. In the academic world she pursued her education at The University of Michigan, law school and then became one of the youngest partners ever at a distinguished Detroit law firm.

With offers to lead or play in virtually every orchestra in the State, she found time to maintain an important relationship with her hometown orchestra. Her activities at the JSO include associate concertmaster, leader of the Community String Ensemble, member of the board of directors and she was our first of the Jackson Eight soloists. For a very fortunate group of young musicians she also found time for private teaching.

Lisa, we will miss you, we expect you to return often, there will always be a chair for you and most importantly,

Thank you!