How long have you played the oboe?
I started playing oboe in 8th grade in 1982, so I guess that makes it about 38 years!

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
My first gig with the WSO was as a college student at ECU in the early 90s, but I became a member in 1995.

What do you do for a career?
I teach band at Holly Shelter Middle School.

Where did you grow up?
In a very small town called Laurel Hill NC - about 2 hours away from here!

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
That's almost impossible to answer! I love Bach, but I also like 3 Doors Down and Evanescence! My favorite musical memory is playing a family recital with my Dad and brother, who are both trumpet players, and my step-mother and sister in law, who play piano.

Favorite meal or restaurant?
Any place that serves crab legs!

Favorite beverage?
My morning cup of coffee.

What is your favorite vacation?
Any place tropical, but my most favorite place is Ocracoke NC.

You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist and/or movie do you want with you??
Again, almost an impossible question to answer. As for music - I couldn't settle on any one, so I'd have to cheat and say a mix-tape of all my favorites! I don't have a favorite book, so I'd probably want an instructional manual on how to build a raft. My favorite movie would probably have to be Titanic.

What's your pet situation?
We have a beautiful mixed breed dog named Roxie, and just lost Sammy, a Rotty/Dobey mix, so we're on the lookout for the next furry family member.

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
It's a great place to play and they have grown tremendously during the 25 years I've been with them!

How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?
I'm a teacher, so during school I had to learn to teach band remotely, as best I could. But, I also managed to paint my entire house! I also bake and decorate cakes, so I've done quite a bit of that, along with several other artistic endeavors.

Any words of wisdom to help others through this pandemic?
Embrace the time at home and with family members. Get your to-do list done and maybe even learn a new skill!