Played with the PSO since: 2022
At what age did you start playing the instrument you play in the PSO? Did you learn another instrument first?
I started when I was nine. I actually wanted to play flute, but I guess my older sister had tried to play it, but it was too difficult, so my parents didn’t let me.
My choices were either clarinet that my older brother played, or percussion which my sister had played. I was supposed to get braces soon, so my only option was the latter against my will, but I just kind of went with it. And here we are!
What do you like about playing with a symphony orchestra?
There is a certain intensity that comes with playing in an orchestra, and the music is quite beautiful. I love the many roles percussion plays in contributing to a greater sound; it drives the orchestra, punctuates and amplifies the lines of the other instrument families, and provides the dynamic range that can have you jumping out of your seat.
What is your favorite piece to play on percussion?
That’s tough! I don’t have my own marimba, so whenever I have access to one, anything that I can recall on it from playing in college is very therapeutic for me. My closest friends happen to be percussionists, so playing accessible marimba duets that we’ve drilled into our brains like Ivan Trevino’s Catching Shadows is a great way to blow off steam and just have fun.
How do you spend your time outside of the PSO? Do you play with other groups?
Currently, I am a supervisor at a part time job while doing gigs in the Seacoast area and a little private teaching as well. I play with Velvet Pastures Ensemble, Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra, and a variety of others that I sub in frequently. I also enjoy playing in pits for musical theater. I am also building my portfolio as a freelance illustrator, which is something I would like to pursue.
Tell us about your musical education.
Growing up, one of the biggest reasons I stuck with playing percussion (and music in general) was my percussion teacher, Bill Manning, who was a huge support for me. I then went on to learn from his teachers, Nancy Smith and Les Harris Jr., at the University of New Hampshire where I earned a B.A. In Music Performance Study in 2023. It is an honor to be playing alongside Dr. Timur Rubenshteyn in the PSO, who is the current percussion faculty at UNH.
Any recognition or accolades you want to share?
I was honored to receive the 2021-22 Presser Scholar Award at my university, and also had the privilege of touring Europe with the university’s 3 O’Clock Jazz Band in the summer of 2023.
