When Gayane Pogosyan lost her vision in an accident 14 years ago, she thought that she would never be able to play a musical instrument again. Her viola and violin collected dust. Then her daughter, Marina, asked her to play a duet with her and provided her with a recording of the music. For painstaking hours, Pogosyan listened and memorized it note by note.
Two years ago that dedication earned her a part in the Moorpark Symphony Orchestra. The only blind member among its 75 musicians, the violist memorized 115 minutes of music for the recent concert of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, along with two concertos on the same program. It took almost five months for her to accomplish this fete.
"All of my body, mind, and soul celebrates after that hard work," said Pogosyan, who lives in Simi Valley. "We don't know what we're capable of until we only have one way to do it."
The Armenian born violist attests to the capabilities that lie in individuals, regardless of their handicap. She overcame expectations and spends much of her spare time studying music and preparing for concerts and performances around the community.
"It's not easy being a blind person in an orchestra because being able to watch the conductor is a must," said James J. Song, music director for the Moorpark Symphony Orchestra. "Gayane is a unique individual. She joins in when others are playing and has become well acclimated to the group."
In 2003, she received the outstanding musician award for her devotion to the orchestra. But finding time to practice and memorize each piece isn't easy for a mother and grandmother of three who works full time. During the week she works as a counselor for the state and helps visually impaired clients cope with loss and uses resources to improve their lifestyles. "I help them stand on their feet so that they can start a new life, as I did," she said.
Graduating summa cum laude from California Lutheran University, Pogosyan adapted as the only blind student from 1995 to 2000. Disability, she said, was not going to stop her from pursuing her dreams, "Sometimes I think that my blindness came as a blessing," she said. At first it was difficult, but I got through the challenges and it made my character stronger. Because of my blindness I went back to school and found God."
Music provided the fuel for another passion that she says comes naturally to her - dancing. On Friday nights, Pogosyan swings the night away with friends or her new dance partner, Dan Cutler. "I never regard her as having any handicap," Cutler said. "I forget lots of time."
Others do not recognize her blindness immediately. When she encounters people fearful or ignorant of her condition, she tries to educate them. She remembers many times when people would start talking slowly and loudly. "I lost my sight, not my mind," she would tell them.
Pogosyan thrives on new challenges and her dedication is respected by orchestra members, friends, and for her, above all else, her grandchildren. Loved ones and music are her top priorities. On a recent day off, her home echoed with their voices. Her grandson, 8 year-old Jake Brock, has decided to take violin lessons and sought the guidance of his grandmother as her two other grandchildren sat petting her retired guide dog. When the children get frustrated or discouraged, they can look to Pogosyan.
"Sometimes at school I tell people that my grandma is blind and I tell them all the things that she does,' said Lauren Reiber, her 13 year-old granddaughter. "They just say, 'Wow.' "
Rosy Banks
Ventura County Star
6/28/04
