 1. Where were you born? Tell us a little about your youth and upbringing.
Rochester, NY. I loved auto mechanics and baseball- at age 15, I managed a gas station for the summer and played in baseball leagues three summers. Started at the Eastman School of Music Prep Department my sophomore year in high school and was given a full-tuition scholarship to the Eastman School upon graduation from high school.
2. Earliest musical memories?
Introduced to French horn at 8-years of age and immediately loved the sound. Success came easily and the instrument has been a major part of my life since.
3. Your education? Where did you attend college, primary teachers?
Eastman School of Music, BM degree in 1966, Vern Reynolds and Milan Yancich teachers. My sophomore year I went on a 14 week tour to Europe , Mideast and Russia with the Eastman Philharmonia Orchestra.
4. Why did you choose your instrument?
I actually chose the trumpet, but the elementary music teacher gave me a French horn to take home saying he was out of trumpets!
5. When did you know you wanted to be a professional musician?
About 12 years of age, as the horn was the easiest and most satisfying of all of my interests. The band director gave me a recording of the Strauss Horn Concertos and I was hooked!
6. Who were/are your most important musical influences?
Dennis Brain, horn soloist; Vern Reynolds, horn teacher.
7. Most inspiring composers?
1. Brahms; 2. Mahler; 3. Mozart.
8. What would you be if not a musician?
In retirement, sail to more distant places. Spend more time with family and good friends.
9. Your favorite thing about playing in the ACO?
Being a smaller ensemble we get to know one another fairly well. It is a close, family-like atmosphere. Also the level of artistry has improved greatly over the last couple years which all musicians and audiences love!
10. With what other ensembles do you perform/where do you teach?
Was Principal Horn with the Syracuse Symphony for 29 years. Now semi-retired - play with the Palm Beach Opera Orchestra and Palm Beach Symphony as well as teaching privately.
11. What is in your CD player right now?
Respighi - Pines of Rome
12. What do you like to do outside of work/hobby/pastimes?
Spend summers living and cruising on our sailboat. Have sailed from the Great Lakes to Maine and Florida.
13. Anything else particularly interesting or enlightening you would like to share?
Married to "childhood sweetheart!" We grew up together living only 5 houses from one another. Started dating at 15-years old and married after graduation from college. This June we celebrate 43 years of marriage. Carol has her own nutritional counseling business, which she has done for over 30 years.
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