Anne Koehler - Piano/Keyboard
I'm part of the VSA because I love to play and share music with others. It feels like being part of a musical family that supports each other and takes pride in our performances.
Anne grew up in Columbus, NE, and started piano lessons at age seven, continuing through college. She earned her bachelor’s in music from Grinnell College (IA) and a master’s in music from Arizona State University. A long-time Arizona resident, Anne taught general and vocal music in Scottsdale, gave private piano lessons, and served as a church organist. She was also music director for a summer theater and vice president of the AZ State Music Teachers Association. Additionally, she coordinated the homebound program for Scottsdale schools and served on the Montrose Arts Council Board after moving to Montrose in 2008.
Anne and her husband, Tom, have four children and seven grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing bridge, doing yoga with her daughter, and volunteering at the Hope West Heirlooms store.
Fun fact: Anne played the lead in her high school’s production of The Diary of Anne Frank.
Anne has been with the VSA since 2014, performing in the orchestra and singing in the chorus, where she also served as accompanist from 2014 to 2017.
Richard Hansen - Bass
Richard, a retired entrepreneur and passionate sportsman, is deeply committed to wildlife habitat preservation. Although he dabbled in music in his twenties, it didn’t click for him at the time. However, after retirement, he became determined to learn to read music and master the bass, despite “struggling every step of the way.” His perseverance paid off, and today he plays with the Valley Youth Orchestra, the VSA Orchestra, and the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra.
For the Season 52 April orchestra concert, Richard and his wife Cindy became our first-ever concert repertoire underwriters—in addition to their other generous support. They have again taken the lead as repertoire underwriters for the Season 53 March concert. We are grateful for their example and their contribution to making the music possible for the VSA!
Rachael King - Principal Violin 2
I joined the VSA in January 2017 and played my first concert that February. I started learning violin from my mom at age 7, though I had gaps in playing. In high school, I took a break but returned to the
orchestra in my senior year. At college (CSU in Fort Collins), I was hesitant to audition for the orchestra, but my boyfriend (now husband) convinced me that it wouldn’t hurt. I got in and received lessons!
After college, I didn’t play for 18 years due to family and work. Born and raised in Boulder, I moved to Delta in 2005 with my husband, Toby. We now work together with his mom at Raymond James Financial Services, where he’s a financial advisor.
Music has always been a big part of my family—my parents are musicians, most of my siblings play instruments or sing, my husband is an incredible saxophone player and band director, and all four of our kids play instruments, too. During COVID, I reconnected with my mom for weekly FaceTime violin lessons.
As a kid, I wanted to quit violin, but my parents didn’t let me until they were sure I was good enough to return to it later. I’m glad they did! Playing with others is much more fun than practicing alone, and having a performance to prepare for pushes me to improve. The better I get, the more enjoyable playing becomes. It's a satisfying cycle.
In my spare time, I enjoy crochet, knitting, and photography. Fun fact: in the late 1800s my ancestors moved to Colorado from Scotland, and we’re related to William Wallace (Braveheart)!
Julie Martensen - Violin 2
I love music, the people in the VSA, and Thursday night practices—it’s my happy place where I can escape for two hours. Being part of the orchestra and bringing music to the audience’s enjoyment is a wonderful experience.
Julie, born in Santa Rosa, CA, has called Montrose home since 1993. She works as a cashier at Home Depot, where dogs flock to her—likely drawn to the treats she carries. "Even my own dog sits behind me while I practice violin," she says, reflecting her love for dogs.
Julie also enjoys nail art, video games, and reading young adult fantasy. "My dream job would be spending the day with dogs, doing nail art, and listening to classical music.” She volunteers as a greeter at her church and looks forward to performing in the October concert featuring cartoon music and video game soundtracks.
Her musical journey began with piano at age 7, and she picked up the violin in 2012. Julie played with the VYO through high school and joined the VSA Orchestra in 2016.