Meg Hill

How did you come to Norfolk?
I landed in Norfolk somewhat fortuitously. I was living in Westchester County, where l had an active career in music and where I had raised my three kids. In 2018, my partner, Philip Carr-Harris, was nearing the end of a five-year stint teaching abroad and was looking for a place to settle within a reasonable distance from our extended families.

One of Phillip’s colleagues at The Kings Academy in Madaba, Jordan, happened to be “a native Norfolker” and strongly sang Norfolk’s praises, encouraging Phil to give it a close look. Shortly thereafter, the former 1839 West Norfolk schoolhouse was listed for sale. Philip made an offer and arranged for a moving truck. I closed down my Westchester studio and followed in 2019.

What do you do here? 
When not walking our dog, Finn, I spend most of my waking hours balancing working remotely as the managing director of Music at Port Milford, a summer music festival in Ontario, and serving as orchestra conductor and violin/viola teacher at the Kent School. I also have a home studio in Norfolk and welcome new students of any age (more at norfolkviolinlessons.com). While out of reach of most of my former freelance playing jobs, I maintain my position as a violinist with the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra.

What’s the best part of your job or what you do?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is collaborating with other people. I love discovering “what makes people tick” and find it immensely rewarding when something special is created by a group of people with different perspectives, backgrounds and strengths.

What do you like best about living in Norfolk? 
The natural beauty of Norfolk is unparalleled. I love the light through the hemlock groves, the sounds of the barred owl at sunset and the smell of hay-scented fern.

I have also been moved by how civically engaged Norfolk residents are. Shortly after moving here, neighbors reached out to introduce themselves and ask how I might want to get involved. It is clear that Norfolk residents care deeply about their community. And then there are our good neighbors…. Beyond seasonal gatherings in each other’s homes and borrowing an occasional egg as needed, there is a strong sense that we are all looking out for one another in the best possible ways.  

Favorite season? 
I appreciate each season, but I am particularly fond of the crisp air and brilliant colors that fall brings.
Favorite place(s) in Norfolk? 

Barbour Woods, Tobey Pond and the Yale campus.
What do you hope for the future of Norfolk, or in general? 
I hope that our shared open spaces continue to be preserved and cherished and that residents stay engaged

Anything else you want to say?
Having a local paper like the Norfolk Now is a rarity and something to treasure.

— Interview by Michael Cobb