Kaelan Decman joined the San Diego Symphony Orchestra in 2018 on a Long Term Substitute contract prior to winning a position within the double bass section in 2022. A Los Angeles native, he holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Double Bass Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and continued his graduate studies at the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. His primary instructors include Bruce Bransby and David Allen Moore.
During his studies in Indiana, Mr. Decman was appointed to the position of Principal Bass of the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic and Terre Haute Symphony Orchestras. He has since performed with the Phoenix Symphony, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, and is a regular substitute with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Mr. Decman has attended a number of summer music programs as a fellow, including the Tanglewood Music Festival, the Aspen Music Festival, the New York String Orchestra Seminar, and the Music Academy of the West where he was awarded a Global Academy Zarin Mehta Fellowship granting him the opportunity to perform with the New York Philharmonic.
Outside of his work with the symphony orchestra, Mr. Decman enjoys hiking, cycling, rock climbing, cooking, playing video games, and cuddling with his dog, Penny. He and his partner Sarina are avid gourmets and enjoy exploring the wide variety of wine, beer, and vegan cuisine that San Diego has to offer.
Mr. Decman plays on a modern American double bass made in 2003 by Albert Jackstadt.