Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Instrument: French Horn
Started playing an instrument at: 10 years old
With ASO Since: 1998
Education: Music degree from Old Dominion University

Which performance this season are you most looking forward to and why? The first concert, because it’s the start of an exciting musical adventure with our new music director.

When I’m not on stage with the Asheville Symphony, you can find me… walking my dog Scarlet in Montford, building something in my woodworking shop or writing my blog (TempoSenzaTempo.blogspot.com) about my collection of antique photos of forgotten musicians and musical groups.

My favorite non-classical music is… the music of jazz pianist Keith Jarrett and rock legend/composer Frank Zappa.

I knew I loved playing the horn when… In fourth grade, my parents let me choose a musical instrument, and I picked the horn because, with its three keys, it looked easier to play than the alto saxophone — my next choice. I knew more about the saxophone’s sound because my dad liked jazz and had lots of records. But he also introduced me to great classical music, and, when I recognized that the horn got to play some of the best tunes, I was hooked for life.

What is your favorite or most memorable performance with the ASO? I’m very proud of our performances of Shostakovitch’s Symphony No. 11, Mahler’s Symphonies No. 4 and No. 2 and Beethoven’s Symphonies No. 7 and No. 9 — but my favorite concert was with Brahms’ Symphony No. 1, when Daniel Meyer invited me to demonstrate its famous melody from the last movement on my alphorn. That music of Brahms was part of my first inspiration to play the horn.

My favorite part of performing is… watching children marvel at the sound and range of the horn, from high notes to low and from soft to loud.

The thing (food/experience/place) I enjoy most about Asheville is… the fresh mountain air that always inspires a zest for tasty food, unique art and crafts and colorful music.

You should come see the Asheville Symphony because… listening to music on earbuds, car radio, home stereo or HDTV doesn’t even come close to the thrilling experience of hearing great music performed by a live symphony orchestra.