Which concert have you enjoyed the most this season? Which concert from the 24-25 season are you most looking forward to?
My favorite concert this season was the Masterworks with Schumann Symphony No. 2. The third movement has some of the most beautiful melodies. I’m most looking forward to playing Brahms Symphony No. 2 next season, another masterpiece with gorgeous melodies.
What/who inspired you to pursue music professionally?
I started playing oboe in middle school as a member of the school band. Later I joined the San Francisco Symphony’s youth orchestra. There was something about being in the middle of the orchestral sound that hooked me. It was there that I got serious about pursuing oboe professionally.
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever received?
My undergraduate oboe professor Richard Killmer would always say “When in doubt, play beautifully!”
What do you love about the Oboe in general and your instrument in particular?
The reason I chose oboe was because I love the sound of it. It can really cut through the orchestra. And when my reeds are working right, it feels like I’m just singing!
What is your favorite thing about Tucson?
The mountains! The natural beauty here is amazing, and I’ve become more outdoorsy since moving here.
Will you be performing at any music festivals this summer?
Nope! I’ll be putting the oboe away for a little bit and spending some time with my family on the west coast. A little break from playing can be nice and helps reinvigorate the passion when I come back to it.
