Ronald Cruickshank – Viola Player, Management Team (Treasurer)


Ronald Cruickshank

Ronald Cruickshank 2020

Instrument of Choice = Viola

What were the circumstances that led you to play the viola? 

My late mother, Alma Cruickshank, played Viola and encouraged me to take it up as a high school project. Mum also played piano and taught piano and music at many schools as well as privately.


My late dad, Ralph Cruickshank, played flute, so a very musical family, and we all played at the TSO Training Orchestra in the 70’s. I played in many orchestras and groups at New Town High, including strings, and strings/woodwind. I lost my viola in a house fire in 1978, and did not play again till 2011. Glad to be back!

How did you hear about Derwent Strings? 

Via my colleague Colin Baldwin

What is it that you hope gain from playing with STCO? 

To share the love of music with others, increase network of friends and acquaintances, have an interest outside of work, Counselling & Marriage Celebrant duties.

What are your future goals regarding music? 

To continue to exceed my own expectations and to be involved with a quartet for casual playing and enjoyment!

Is there anything else you would like to share? 

I enjoyed the responsibility of doing the treasury for Derwent Strings and the Derwent Symphony Orchestra from 2012 till 2018. Although challenging at times, and somewhat time consuming, I carried a sense of pride to be able to conduct this role for a large organisation. I love the atmosphere of the orchestras and the weekly connections as we come and go.

I have enjoyed the challenge of continuing as treasurer for the Southern Tasmanian Community Orchestra through their name change transition from Derwent Strings and providing financial guidance into our new and exciting future!

This joke jumped out to me today:

A violist in an orchestra was crying and screaming at the oboe player sitting directly behind him.

The conductor asked, “What are you so upset about?”

The violist replied “The oboist reached over and turned one of the pegs on my viola and now it’s all out of tune!”

The conductor asked “Don’t you think you’re overreacting?”

The violist replied “I’m not overreacting! He won’t tell me which one!”