Q & A

Were there specific musicians or performances that ignited your passion for brass instruments and inspired you to pursue music professionally?

First time I heard the Chicago Symphony Orchestra was at a performance of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 at Symphony Center. I left that concert speechless, inspired, maybe even a little obsessed with the sound and musicality that I witnessed. I was hooked!

Can you recall a piece of music from your childhood that left a lasting impression on you and influenced your musical journey?

I remember listening to Holst’s The Planets, recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra and Sir Colin Davis. I probably listened to this recording thousands of times when I first discovered it.

How do you approach selecting repertoire for Lakeshore Brass performances, and what criteria do you consider?

I think Lakeshore Brass has a particular way of playing both musically and fundamentally. We all are students of the Chicago school of brass playing and we are passionate about showcasing that great style in any repertoire we perform. I think we pick music that allows us to do so. We also pick music that we feel passionate about and that we like!

If you had an entire day in Chicago free from musical commitments, how would you spend it, and what experiences would you seek? 

I enjoy spending time by Lake Michigan! The lakefront trail is an amazing bike ride and some of the best views of the city are from various spots along the trail. I also really enjoy the Chicago riverwalk.

How would you describe the unique dynamic or chemistry within Lakeshore Brass, and how does it contribute to the group's musical identity?

One of the challenges with any chamber music group is chemistry. Not just musically but interpersonally. We are very fortunate that we all are really close friends and we enjoy many of the same things. I’d say more importantly we all geek out about the same things and we want to be around each other!

If you could add an unconventional instrument to Lakeshore Brass, what would it be, and how would it enhance the group's sound?

Well I don’t know if it is very unconventional but, I enjoy using different trombones for different repertoire. For example, for french rep, I like to use a smaller and brighter instrument. For more modern repertoire I use a larger modern orchestral instrument. I enjoy doing this to vary the sound between pieces as opposed to using one horn for everything.

Share a humorous or memorable backstage moment with Lakeshore Brass that left a lasting impression on you.

At an intermission once, we started chatting and enjoying our break, so much so that we forgot to return to the performance and the concert host had to come get us. We totally lost track of time. I think this shows how well we all get along.

Is there a particular piece of music or recording that was pivotal or foundational in your musical journey?

First time I heard the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for the first time was at a performance of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 at Symphony Center. I left that concert speechless, inspired, maybe even a little obsessed with the sound and musicality that I witnessed. I was hooked!

How do you balance pursuing musical expression and technical precision?

Ha! I’m still trying to figure this out. However, I have been taught that music always comes first! So when preparing a concert I always practice things in a way that puts the music first. If there is a technical problem that gets in the way of my intention I then figure out how to work that out. 

Deep Dish or Thin Crust?

I like both but I mostly stick with thin crust pizza when I order. I like to only eat Deep Dish when I have visitors from out of town. I like to keep it special!