Where are you from originally?
Bloomington/Normal Illinois.
How many years with the symphony?
Six years.
Funniest orchestra story?
Anyone who has been to an ASO Pops concert knows to expect some comedic commentary from our Principal Pops conductor, Chris Confessore!
Why do you feel classical music is still relevant?
Classical music has the power to heal emotional wounds, inspire reverence for our world, and set our imaginations free. There will never be a time when that power is irrelevant.
Scariest orchestra moment?
In college while performing an orchestra concert, I threw my bow offstage during a particularly aggressive pizzicato chord. At least it got a laugh from the front row!
Hobbies?
I’m fascinated with the art and science of brewing beer. A colleague at the symphony showed me how to brew back in 2016, and I’ve been brewing ever since, trying to recreate my favorite commercial beers from around the world. I also have been trying my hand at composition and recording arrangements of some of my favorite pieces of music.
How has being a member of the ASO connected you to the community?
The ASO offers education and outreach opportunities of which I’ve been lucky to be a part, such as the INSPIRE program, education concerts, and sectionals for our youth symphony. I’ve enjoyed paying forward the musical inspiration I experienced as a child.