Why the Tuba?

I always wanted to play the tuba, from the very beginning. I was too small at 10, so I got a trumpet, and when I was 14 I switched. After 2 different Band directors in High School, I wanted to quit. And did for half of my junior year. Dave Sawall was instrumental in me getting back into band, and then later studying in the US. Then I wen to Germany.

Why Germany?

I wanted a job in an orchestra. Germany has the most of any country. The freelance scene is also better, because of the number of cities wanting to do cultural things. The only aspect that is not quite as good, is the union. There is little or no union involvement in freelance activities in Germany.

Why Cologne?

I was afraid my German would not be good enough and Cologne looked like it would be easier that way. As it turned out, I was in good hands with Hans Gelhar, as my teacher. There were many opportunities to play as well.

What bothers you the most about the tuba?

That we constantly have to try to „break the stereotypes“ by confirming them. This results in constantly playing stuff that was not written for our instrument, and only „works“ on it. It gives solo performances sort of a Zoo type atmosphere where people can watch the tuba at work. No real communication happens.

What ist the most important thing in music for you?

Communication. Music, like all art forms, is a form of communication. Communication between musicians and audience, composer and musicians, and so on. So much of our thought is controlled by language. Language is an important tool, but it cannot be universally applied to all thought. Music can get around language.