Professional experiences: The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, the Knights (NYC), The Milwaukee Symphony, Marlboro Festival

Inspiration as a musician: I love contributing towards something larger than I am and getting to work with masterpieces on a daily basis. My colleagues on stage are also a constant source of inspiration.

Favorite orchestral work: It would be nearly impossible for me to choose just one. I will say that, unlike most other bassoonists, I love Bruckner. Other favorites are Beethoven, Schubert, Debussy, and Britten.

Interesting facts: I teach quite a lot and I really enjoy it because it pushes me to draw connections between music and other pursuits, artistic and otherwise. I find that connecting the dots helps students and helps me keep growing as a musician.

Funniest concert memory: I remember a performance of Carmina Burana I once played (in a different city) in which the baritone soloist sounded remarkably like popstar Aaron Neville whenever he sang in falsetto. The other bassoonist and I were in stitches the entire time...getting the giggles in a concert is really the worst! I was digging my nails into my palms and trying to think really sad thoughts to keep from falling out of my chair with laughter.