Beth Wells
Beth Wells has been a member of the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra cello section since 1991. She is a member of the Greeley Philharmonic orchestra cello section and the cellist for String Quartet Con Brio.
Ms. Wells was proud to teach orchestra in several secondary schools in Poudre School District, Fort Collins, Colorado. Her orchestras at all levels received high praise and superior performance ratings at state and national competitions.
From 2013-18, she was director of the Northern Colorado Cello Choir, and chairperson for the Colorado Chapter of American String Teacher Orchestra Festival from 2015-2016. She is a member of the Colorado Music Adjudication Association, and enjoys the opportunity to conduct, clinic, and judge middle and high orchestra festivals around the state. From 2013-2021 she served on the Fort Collins Symphony Education Committee, and was co-organizer of the 2021 Virtual Musical Zoo, hosted by Friends of the Symphony.
Since retiring from Poudre School District in 2012, Ms. Wells has kept an active cello studio. Currently she is Assistant Chair of the Large Group American String Teach Association Regional and State festivals.
Beth is married to Tom Bittinger, principal bassoonist of the Fort Collins Symphony and Cheyenne Symphony. They enjoy national and international travel, attending performances of the finest orchestras, and spending time with their children, grandchildren, and two basset hounds.
Get to know Beth
Where are you from?
I was born in southern Indiana. My family moved to Fort Collins when I was five years old. I’ve lived in Fort Collins most of my life.
How did you first get started playing?
I started playing the piano when I was nine years old. When I was 12 years old, I started playing the clarinet in the junior high school band. I was more interested in orchestral music, and I listened to a lot of Mozart’s music. So, I moved to the orchestra class. The class had no cello players, so the teacher said I could play the cello. It turned out to be a good fit.
What’s your favorite thing about playing your instrument?
Of course, I love the sound of the cello and all the rich repertoire written for it. I also love the challenge of learning music that is new to me.
What do you like to do outside of music?
I love to cook and plan menus for big events. I have started to hike a bit, and I love that challenge. I enjoy traveling and taking daily walks with my husband and dogs.
Why is music important to you?
Music has always held a special place in my life. Learning to play the cello and immersing myself in the art of music continues to teach me self-discipline, patience and how to listen deeply. I have always been fascinated by composers and performers – their creativity and dedication feel like extraordinary gifts. Lately, I truly believe that music brings people together in a way that is hard to explain, yet deeply and powerfully felt.