Oboe
Where were you born?
Ridgecrest, California.
What college did you attend?
University of Southern California.
What inspired you to start playing music?
I had a natural affinity for it and my parents were very interested in having a musician in the family.
Why did you choose your principal instrument?
I played the violin through 8th grade, but there was a lot of competition. No one was playing the oboe at our school so I took it up.
What other instruments do you play?
Flute, clarinet, saxophone and recorder.
When did you start playing with the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra (what year)?
1980.
With what other orchestras do you perform?
Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay, Pageant of the Masters, Long Beach Municipal Band and the Long Beach Opera.
Have you performed for any of the following, and if so, who or what?
Films:
Many current Disney Channel Movies, “Path to War” (HBO), “Little Big League”, “Legally Blonde II” and others
Recordings:
Natalie Cole, Art Garfunkel, Linda Rondstat and numerous jingles.
Cartoons:
“Tiny Toons”.
Touring Artists:
‘CATS’ bus and truck.
Other:
Disney and Universal Theme Parks.
Who is your favorite composer?
Alban Berg.
Why?
He was able to combine the many 20th century compositional techniques like serialism and atonalism into interesting and dramatic music.
What is your favorite orchestral work?
There are so many great ones I could never pick just one.
Why?
I try to play everything as if it is my favorite.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you while onstage?
Leslie Lashinsky’s “Fertility Goddess” costume at a Long Beach Symphony POPS! concert and me doing my seagull imitation for another Long Beach Symphony POPS! concert.
What do you enjoy doing besides music (hobbies, etc.)?
Renovating our Colonial Revival home in Whittier and golf.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Rocky road.
Do you have family, kids, or pets that you’d like to share something about?
Our Pembroke Welsh Corgi loves to sit at out feet while we are teaching or practicing!
Is there anything unique you’d like our audience to know about you?
I have played at more different positions in the woodwind section of LBSO than anyone. I’ve played 1st and 2nd oboe, English horn, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, bass clarinet and 2nd flute.
Email Address:
YoOboe@hotmail.com
