Where were you born/grew up: St. Joseph, MI. I can show you where it is on my hand.

Current residence and marital status/family: Pittsfield, MA; married; two cats and a fish

Education: Northwestern University School of Music; New England Conservatory

When did you start playing with VSO: 2000

Other current jobs: Albany Symphony section bass; Schenectady Symphony principal bass; adjunct faculty at Skidmore College

Favorite composer: Brahms

Hobbies: hiking, gardening, reading, travel, cooking

How did you get started in music? piano lessons with my aunt, then public school string program

Describe a typical day: Hmm, “typical”?

Dream job if not musician: Beachcomber, probably doesn’t pay so well!

Secret ambition: composing

Favorite vice: Vermont beer

People would be surprised to know that: I love to cook. Barbecue and brownies are specialties.

Best advice I ever got: “Persevere!” Spoken to me by BSO bassist Larry Wolfe at my last NEC bass lesson.

Favorite way to spend an evening: watching Red Sox

Pet peeve: when they lose.

I’m most proud of: Having raised a son who turned into a good person.