Describe your role with Portland Opera
I have been the principal timpanist for the Portland Opera since 2011. I also serve on the orchestra committee and have been a part of contract negotiations.
What music/book/movie/show/poem/place/moment is currently inspiring you?
Not to sound too trendy, but the production of Hamilton has been a source of fun inspiration. Learning the songs on the piano, but also, just remembering the energy of performing live. Watching something of such high caliber makes me want to perform at that level again.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a drummer. I grew up with the Beatles and wanted to be Ringo so badly... even though Paul ended up being my favorite.
In my free time, you can usually find me...
Playing golf. Drinking great wine. Watching the Yankees or Indiana Hoosier basketball. Spending time with my favorite pit bull/bull mastiff, Lucille
What has your favorite quarantine activity been?
I’ve started a silly Instagram show, guiding people on where and how to eat out during Covid. I’ve also played many rounds of golf with the Eugene symphony timpanist, Ian Kerr.
What is your favorite Portland Opera memory?
There are a lot to pick from in this category. I’ll have to go with an early one. We were performing Carmina Burana and we were sounding fantastic. We finished the first movement with a bang, and as you feel the last sounds of the music falling to the floor, someone in the audience screamed, “YEEAAA!!!!” The audience erupted as I silently celebrated with my fellow percussionists! I later found out who had screamed and we are friends and performing partners to this day.
