Our Team

Section cellist with the Sherman Symphony Orchestra and principal cellist with the New Texas Symphony Orchestra.

She currently performs with the Sherman Symphony Orchestra as section cellist and with the New Texas Symphony Orchestra as principal cellist, having been appointed principal after one season in the section. While pursuing cello studies with John Belk (from the studio of Desmond Hoebig) at Rice University, Maxine earned a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics, graduating magna cum laude.

Maxine has experience teaching cello in schools to students of all backgrounds and coaching adult community ensembles. As a teacher, she believes that her role is not simply to tell students what to do, but to guide them toward understanding the cello and their own playing. Through this approach, students find confidence in their own abilities and discover the joy and excitement of music-making. Her teaching breaks down technical concepts in accessible, easy-to-understand ways, helping students to develop healthy, reliable fundamentals and understand how these skills connect to the sound and stories they share through music. When not performing, practicing, or teaching, Maxine enjoys taking ballet technique classes, running, and spending time with her two orange cats.