Susie Lundberg, Oboe
chair sponsored by Richard and Giovanna Jackson
Durham, CA
playing with NSS since 2001 (and Chico Symphony since 1999)
What made you want to be a musician?
I loved the orchestra music recordings played during my ballet lessons growing up. It felt like magic to me. It didn't occur to me at that age (5) that I could be sitting in the middle of, and participating in, making that sound! I started on clarinet, but my band teacher asked me to switch to oboe in 8th grade. I felt like it was a much better instrument for me right away. But it wasn't until I was over 30 that I picked it up again (after 14 years) and studied in earnest, my goal to audition successfully for the Chico Symphony.
Favorite genre of music?
I love great choral works with orchestra (oratorios) and symphonies. I would love to experience more opera.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not rehearsing or performing?
I actually enjoy making reeds if I'm not under time constraints. I also love to ride my horse and to read (not at the same time).
What’s it like to perform onstage with an orchestra?
It is the one of the best experiences of my life, nearly every time I do it (see Hans Hoffer's answer to this question for the exceptions). It can be quite loud. Sometimes I have to wear earplugs because of the volume of the brass or flutes. But usually, I enjoy all the sound swirling around me, and there is nothing like blending in to it and making the pages come alive. It is still magic.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
When in doubt about what to do next, sharpen your knife.