MHS Grads: Where are They Now?

This week’s interview is with well-known area musician Sue Orfield. It was one of the most laughter-filled interviews I’ve done. We “clicked” right away. Her joy in life is contagious!

If you follow the local music scene, you already know something about Sue. But there is so much more to this talented Menomonie High School graduate.

Born in Menomonie, Sue lived most of her growing-up years at the family’s rural home on Highway P. The Orfields always had an array of cats, Samoyed dogs, chickens, rabbits, and turkeys. Sue’s love of the outdoors, as well as her special love for cats and dogs, are attributed to her “country” beginnings. (And more than once during our interview, she repeated that she absolutely loves Menomonie)!

Currently residing in Eau Claire, Sue remains close to her dad who lives in Altoona, and to her brother Eric and family, who live in Green Bay. (Sue lost her mom two years ago).

Music became Sue’s primary interest and passion at River Heights Elementary. She called herself a “music nerd.” Starting in first grade, she took piano lessons with Anita Pershern until graduating high school. In fifth grade she started playing saxophone with the school band.

Sue became grounded in music through Ken Cance, her junior high band teacher. And when she reached high school, Jim Borgaro helped expand her love of music into the jazz genre.

In addition, Sue got a chance to play in the pit orchestra at the Mabel Tainter and for two years was accompanist for the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church choir.

While Sue was especially drawn to musical endeavors, she also loved athletics—basketball, cross country, and track. However, she became so involved in Menomonie’s music programs and opportunities that by her senior year she was only participating in cross country.

After graduation, Sue checked out a variety of colleges and universities, planning to major in mathematics. When asked why she wasn’t looking for a music school, she explained that she never thought of music as being a career — rather it was just something she loved. Sue decided on Lawrence University in Appleton—a small private college with both mathematics and music programs.

Within the first weeks of school, she realized that her heart was truly in music. But feeling a need to also have a practical background, she ended up graduating from Lawrence with both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music plus a degree in Math.

Sue never worked in math, but began finding her way into the music arena locally and beyond. She landed in Seattle from 1990 – 2004, immersing herself in the exciting music environment of that city. It was a time of exploration, making connections, and mastering various musical styles.

Sue returned to Menomonie in 2004. One night, while attending a jam session at the Stones Throw in Eau Claire, she met her future husband, Randy Sinz. He invited her to sit in with the other performers (and the rest is history). At that time Sue also played with a group that had a regular gig at The Den in Menomonie. Sue’s musical career was taking flight!

Sue estimates that she has performed with 20-30 bands in the last twenty years. She performs solo gigs as well as with various groups throughout the area and the region. She loves all genres of music including country and bluegrass.

While most people probably think of her as a saxophonist, she is a gifted pianist as well.

Sue gives piano, sax, and improvisation lessons 10-12 hours each week. Her students range from fifth graders to 73 year olds! It surprised me when she said that she absolutely loves teaching! (Perhaps she comes by it naturally as both her parents—Mary and Bernie—were educators.)

In addition to her sax and piano skills, Sue also enjoys “fiddling” around on the clarinet, flute, guitar, and bass. She truly has a musical “gift.”

Sue also composes music in various genres. She added that she has a “slew of albums” in many different styles that she would love to record.

Music has taken her to many places in the U.S. and Europe as well as once each to Thailand and Hong Kong. “Over the years, I have made wonderful friends in Austria, Germany, and Italy while touring with The Tipton Sax Quartet & Drums.”

When asked about some of her especially thrilling experiences, Sue replied, “My first trip to Europe was in 1998 (I think), and I had such culture shock — but I loved it!”

“One fun memory is of a moment during a sold-out concert in France. My horn broke in the middle of a song, and—since we were a saxophone quartet—I was able to grab my bandmate’s sax to finish that song. By the time we were done, a lovely French man had brought his brand-new tenor sax (which he just happened to have with him!?!) up to the stage and let me play that horn for the rest of the concert. It was a sweet and lovely coincidence, and the audience loved it!”

While much of her life is taken up with music, Sue also enjoys “little” vacations with Randy, taking walks, and doing New York Times daily puzzles.

My final question to Sue was, “Do you have any unfulfilled dreams?” Two things were mentioned — to see the pyramids in Egypt and to travel to Ireland.

Sue Orfield is a woman who makes things happen. I unreservedly believe she’ll make both of those wishes come true!