At what age did you start playing the instrument you play in the PSO? Did you learn another instrument first?
Nine. I played about 4 other instruments during the two previous years.
Why did you choose your current instrument?
I was a tiny little boy. For forty minutes a day I could be large by proxy.
How long have you played with the PSO?
14 years
Where do you live?
Portsmouth, NH
Do you play with any other groups?
Not at present.
What do you like about playing with a symphony orchestra?
Learning more about the music. Keeping my skills intact. The satisfaction of a piece well played. Hobnobbing with likeminded people.
How do you spend your time outside of the PSO?
Practicing appellate criminal law, singing, gardening, writing, hanging out with my wife and poodles.
What is your favorite piece of music to play on your instrument?
Solo piece? The Antonio Capuzzi Bass Concerto. Orchestra piece? Brahms’ Double Concerto: my favorite orchestra piece for almost 50 years.
Tell me about your musical education.
Started music lessons with my father at age 7. Spent 4 summers at the University of Vermont Summer Music Session for High School Students, where I learned to love classical music. I was a history major in college but spent most of my time in the music department. I spent a year at the U. of Washington music school in my mid-thirties.
Any recognition or accolades you want to share?
Winner of the Purple Prose award in the 1999 Bulwer-Lytton Bad Fiction Writing Contest.
