How long have you played with the PSO?
My first concert with the PSO was the holiday concert in December 2019, then I returned after the pandemic for the holiday concert in December 2022.
At what age did you start playing the instrument you play in the PSO?
I began playing at 15 years old.
Did you learn another instrument first? If so, which one?
Yes, I started playing percussion for a couple of years, then I was moved to the clarinet section.
Why did you choose your current instrument?
Actually, I wanted to play the euphonium, but the music teacher suggested I play the clarinet.
What do you like about playing with a symphony orchestra?
There are many things I like about playing with a symphony orchestra, an example being, my love of the repertoire and the rich sound of the orchestra, and how powerful and touching these can be.
I love how the different timbres of the instruments of the orchestra blend and create different atmospheres, and as a part of the woodwind section, I basically feel as if I am in the heart of the orchestra, and able to appreciate all this right away.
I also enjoy the social part of working with various colleagues with the idea of creating something special, musical and artistic.
What is your favorite piece to play on your instrument?
It is hard to tell, of course I love the universal clarinet literature. One of my favorite pieces is the Brahms clarinet quintet, a master and beautiful piece, which is very expressive and challenging. I also love Mozart, Weber and Debussy works.
I am originally from Colombia and I love playing Colombian and Latin American music. I always try to include at least one or two Colombian/Latin American pieces in my concerts.
Do you play with other groups? If so, which ones?
Currently, I have a duet with a pianist. We have hosted a couple of seasonal concerts in a couple of different churches and libraries. I also sometimes play with the Seacoast wind ensemble, a community band based in Kittery, and I’m also a freelancer for various gigs in the Seacoast area.
Tell us about your musical education.
I started in my hometown, La Ceja’s music school, which is in the mountains of the state of Antioquia, Colombia. Then, I did my bachelor degree in clarinet performance at the University of Antioquia. In 2013 I moved to the United States to pursue a Master degree in Longy School of music, under the guidance of Jorge Montilla. After I graduated from Longy I moved to Lubbock, Texas to pursue a Doctoral degree in clarinet performance and pedagogy at Texas Tech University under the direction of David Shea.
How do you spend your time outside of the PSO?
I am a full time teacher at the Seacoast Waldorf school in Eliot, I teach music and Spanish. When I am not working, I like to spend time outside walking, running, or hiking and sharing time with my wife and my dog.
