Laurel Wachtler, violinist, hails from New Mexico, where she graduated with a B.S.
degree from New Mexico State University. She has played in numerous orchestras
while following her Air Force husband’s career, including Phillips Orchestra and
Chamber Orchestra of Southern Maryland where she was principal second violin. Upon
arrival in Fayetteville, Laurel began performing with Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and is in her 25th year. She is a frequent performer with Florence Symphony,
Wilmington Symphony, and Carolina Philharmonic. Laurel has been a part of the
Snyder Memorial Baptist Church orchestra and The Singing Christmas Tree productions
for 13 years. She has maintained an active private studio since 2010 teaching violin and
beginning piano.

Laurel was the assistant director for FSYO strings and Sinfonietta for four years and has
now become the director of Sinfonietta. She is involved with both string youth groups,
including summer camps.

Outside of music, Laurel’s interests include flying airplanes, scuba diving, hiking,
gardening, and singing with The Coventry Carolers. She is also a volunteer tax preparer
for AARP’s Tax-Aide program.