Where are you now? And how long have you been there?
I’m currently in the Seattle Symphony as 4th Horn, and I’ve been here since 2017.
Favorite hang out spots when you were in San Diego?
I always liked going to the cactus and succulent garden in Balboa Park, Coronado beach, Torrey Pines State Park, or any of the amazing restaurants and cafés that were within walking distance of me in North Park!
What is the best thing about San Diego?
The weather! I heard rumors about people getting sick of the sunshine, but I certainly never did! I also really like succulents, so I really loved seeing all the amazing gardens and landscaping around town.
What do you miss most about San Diego?
Ha ha… The weather! I live in Seattle now, after all! But really, most of all, I miss all the great friends I made during my seasons in the SDSO.
What would be your first restaurant/food joint if you came to visit?
Tribute Pizza in North Park! I still dream about their brownie sundae… Although realistically, my first stop is usually Starlite Lounge because it’s so close to the airport 😂
Tell me about your audition journey. Seattle is your hometown right?
That’s right! I lived in New York for a long time as a freelancer. Then I decided to pursue the orchestral life and was so fortunate to land my first job as 2nd Horn in San Diego! I’m not sure there’s any other place I would’ve gone besides back to my hometown.
What do you enjoy about being there?
Being in a professional orchestra is sort of like being a professional athlete: you have to go wherever the job,is, and there’s not a lot of choice when it comes to where you live. It’s hard enough to get any orchestra job, so I feel extremely fortunate to have a job in my hometown. The best part about it is being close to my family, but I suppose it’s also nice to see the seasons again (even if about 60% of the year is rainy 😂).
If you had a long weekend to spend in SD what would you do?
I usually plan my San Diego trips around meals… I have to make sure I hit all my favorite spots! In between I like to walk around, ride Bird scooters (we don’t have them in Seattle 😂), and lay on the beach! I would also make sure to leave plenty of time to just hang around with my friends including Rose Lombardo and her cats!
How have you changed as a horn player and artist since you left college?
Wow, that’s a big question! I think when I was a student, I thought a lot more about climbing up the ladder towards being a “professional.” Once I actually was granted tenure in a professional orchestra, I didn’t have another concrete “step” that I was working towards. Everything has become a lot more abstract and it’s giving me the opportunity to think about creating and cultivating my life, both in and outside of music!