YaoGuang Zhai, clarinet ***Seasons with BSO: 7 ***Hometown: Tai Yuan, Shan Xi, China ***Age Started: I started the violin when I was 3 years old, and switched to the clarinet when I was 10. ***Favorite Baltimore Restaurant: Miss Shirley's ***BSO Audition Memory: I had the incredible opportunity to play in…

Agnes Tse, violin ***Seasons with BSO: 4 ***Hometown: Hong Kong ***Age Started: I started violin when I was 4, but my mum made me watch Karajan conduct on TV since I was in a baby stroller! I also played the flute from 8-13, and attempted the piano a few times…

John Vance, trombone ***Seasons with BSO: I'll have 37 years with the BSO when I finish this season, which is my last as I am retiring. ***Hometown: Wheat Ridge, Colorado ***Age Started: I began trumpet as a 9 year-old, switching to euphonium (baritone horn), and then beginning trombone lessons at…

Sean Gordon, contrabassoon and bassoon ***Seasons with BSO: >1 ***Hometown: Darnestown, MD, currently live in Rockville as my wife works in DC ***Age Started: I started bassoon at 12, and before that clarinet at 9. I bought my contrabassoon in 2017, when I was 26, but first started playing it…

Holly Jenkins, violin ***Seasons with BSO: 7 ***Hometown: House Springs, MO ***Age Started: I started violin when I was 6! ***Favorite Restaurant In Baltimore: I love Woodberry Kitchen. ***Pets: Oh yes. My boyfriend and I have two dogs and two cats. Leo is our silly, chunky tuxedo cat. Sully is…

Amal Gochenour, piccolo and flute ***Seasons with BSO: 5 ***Hometown: Vienna, VA ***Age Started: I apparently wanted to play flute since I was five years old, but my parents made the wise decision to start me on piano instead. Finally, at the age of 10, I was able to switch…

Nina DeCesare, bass ***Seasons with BSO: 3 ***Hometown: Baltimore (Ellicott City), MD ***Age Started: 8 ***Favorite Restaurant In Baltimore: Alma Cocina Latina - I have celiac disease and most of their incredibly tasty food is gluten free! ***Pets: I have two dogs! Misty, who is a very sweet and opinionated…

FEATURE FRIDAY! Colin Sorgi, viola ***Seasons with BSO: 5 ***Hometown: San Antonio, TX ***Age Started: My parents are both violinists so they tried to get me to play something else …cello when I was 4 and piano for three years after that. Eventually they gave into me begging for a…

FEATURE FRIDAY! Marcia McHugh, flute ***Seasons with BSO: 18 ***Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevaa ***Age Started Playing Flute: 10 (piano at 4; violin at 5; cello at 10) ***Favorite Restaurant In Baltimore: Mera ***Favorite Composer: This will sound cheesy, but it’s really whatever I’m playing at the moment! ***Favorite Non-Musical Activity:…

Matt Barker, trumpet ***Seasons with BSO: 7 ***Hometown: Columbia, MD ***Age Started Playing Trumpet: 12 (piano at 5) ***Favorite Restaurant In Baltimore: Miss Shirley’s is a favorite for breakfast, Sotto Sopra is a favorite for dinner! ***Favorite Food: Indian food, sushi, Mexican food and cheesecake - maybe not all on…