Spotlight | Viola

Jenifer Houck

Originally from Pismo Beach, California, Jenifer Houck began the violin at age 5, under the tutelage of Diane Byington. Avidly performing around the Central Coast while growing up, Jenifer won prizes in several competitions, including the National Exchange Club. At age 11, she performed in the Disney National Youth Orchestra, under conductors Jung-Ho Pak, Daniel Hege, and Henry Mancini. During this time, Jenifer also actively performed in musical theater, commercials and TV shows. All four years in high school, Jenifer won spots in the All State Orchestra and Choir. Officially switching to the viola at 19, she completed her undergraduate work at Southern Methodist University as a student of Barbara Sudweeks. Jenifer has soloed with several orchestras, and before coming to Kansas City was co-Principal of the New World Symphony (Miami, Florida), the Verbier Orchestra (Switzerland) and frequently subbed with the Dallas Symphony. In Kansas City, Jenifer enjoys trying new restaurants, kayaking, and playing chamber music with her quartet.  Her other hobbies include crocheting, obsessing over her dogs, Grady and Franklin, reading, but most of all enjoys traveling with her husband, Alex. In the past few years, they have travelled to Alaska, Mexico, 15 European countries, and several countries in Africa.  Jenifer joined the Kansas City Symphony in January of 2008.