Debbie Cation
Cello
Debbie Cation began playing piano at age six, and cello at age eleven. She studied cello privately from Emporia State University faculty cellist Edwin Stuntzner when she was thirteen, and began performing with the ESU symphony at the same age. During high school Debbie participated in district and state contests, and district and state orchestras each year, and was the principal cellist in the All-State Orchestra her senior year. She also performed with the Wichita Youth Symphony throughout her high school years.
As a freshmen at Emporia State University, Debbie played with the Great Plains Trio the first year of its inception, and was chosen as a soloist for the ESU Symphony’s concerto concert. She married her husband, Mark, her sophomore year, and went on to obtain her Bachelor of Arts in Music from ESU, studying under Craig Hultgren and Steven Packer. After graduation, she continued performing with the ESU Symphony, giving private lessons, and performing in churches and at weddings.
Debbie and her husband moved to Ottawa four years ago. They have three children: Adam, age 24, Jennifer, age 22, and Michael, age 18, and 1 grandchild, Isaac. Debbie is currently working as the receptionist for Franklin County Mental Health Clinic. She enjoys performing with the OSSI string quartet, playing in the Ottawa University Symphonette, and is a member of the praise team in her church.