CSO Percussionists Answer ‘What was your first concert?’

First concert experiences often create lasting impressions. So we asked our Orchestra percussionists about their memories of their first concert.

Joe Bricker
Associate Principal Timpani and Section Percussion
Morleen & Jack Rouse Chair

Earth, Wind & Fire
My first concert was Earth, Wind & Fire at Ravinia in Chicago when I was maybe 8 years old, and I distinctly remember a middle-aged conga line around the lawn and I thought to myself, “yeah, this rocks.”

David Fishlock
Principal Percussion
Susan S. & William A. Friedlander Chair

Buffalo Philharmonic
The first time I heard a symphony orchestra live, I knew that’s what I wanted to do when I grew up!

Patrick Schleker
Principal Timpani
Matthew & Peg Woodside Chair

Ravinia Summer Jazz Series/Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Probably one of the Ravinia Summer Jazz series, curated by Ramsey Lewis. I wish I could remember who the artists were! My first orchestral concert was the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, playing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.

Jazz was a big part of my upbringing, and my dad fostered a love of that for as long as I can remember. To this day, it is always 
in my playlist.