Monica Minden is a retired research scientist/ program manager inlasers and optics from the former Hughes Research Laboratory inMalibu. Her musical training included public school lessons;private lessons; High School of Music and Art in NY; MIT Symphony;overseas tours with the Camarata of Los Angeles; semi-pro engagementsin LA; more private lessons; and participating as a community member of the Pepperdineorchestra – until family and career grew too demanding. Afterretirement and empty-nesting, she picked up the violin again, and hasenjoyed devoting the last ten years to regaining and extending her proficiencywhile devouring repertory in orchestral and chamber music, operas andBroadway shows.