David Sheets

Associate Principal Bass

David Sheets has been a member of the Double Bass section since 1996, and was appointed Associate Principal in 2016.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by genuine passion and dedication to anything someone loves to do.

If you had to do something other than be a Baltimore Symphony Musician, what would you do for a living?

I would be a musician in another orchestra. It has always been clear to me that this is what I was meant to do.

Where is your favorite get-away spot?

I enjoy traveling to the extent my finances allow, and am very grateful that my career has allowed me to see a lot of the world. Locally, I like to visit Assateague and New York

What piece of music do you feel was written for you?

There are too many works to mention here. I love playing real orchestral music more than anything. Some of my favorite composers are Mahler, Sibelius, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, and Brahms. I'm also a big fan of Steve Reich

Who influenced you to be a professional musician?

Oddly, the rock band "Rush" had a big influence on me - Yes, seriously!

What do you like to do with your ”me time”?

When I have the time I study Chinese, fish at Loch Raven Reservoir, work out at the gym, and enjoy discovering new places.