How did you come to join QUO?

I first heard about QUO when I met Eric Hayslett (French horn) through a mutual friend from college. He had just moved to NYC and recently joined. I first played with QUO on a Fall 2011 concert as a tenor saxophonist for a Broadway medley programmed.

How long have you been playing your instrument(s)?

I began playing saxophone in 5th grade (1991) while attending elementary school in Pennsylvania. The summer before 6th grade, I started piano lessons on my 12th birthday! I found my passion for doubling in high school when I had an opportunity to play for a production of “West Side Story.” My private teacher taught me clarinet basics as well as saxophone. Later in college as an undergraduate music education major, I took some flute and oboe lessons, too.

What musical symbol best describes you and why?

What a fun question. Hmmm…

I honestly don’t know. Maybe a sforzando (sfz) or Flatterzunge (flz; flutter-tonguing). I suppose they both make a note or phrase stand out with clear contrast – I like to think I am similarly individual and outgoing.

What is your favorite place to take friends visiting NYC?

In Manhattan, I would say my favorite places to take friends visiting the city are a walk through the Village, the market at Grand Central, and Pisticci, a fantastic Italian restaurant near Manhattan School of Music. Living and working in Brooklyn now, I would also add the DUMBO waterfront and the absolute best Lebanese restaurant in the city – Bay Ridge’s Tanoreen.

From the previous member Brian Harrington:

Who is your favorite composer and what is your favorite piece to play/listen to?

My favorite composer is Shostakovich. My favorite piece to play is Fernande Decruck’s Sonata for Saxophone and Orchestra; my favorite pieces to listen to are Beethoven’s 3rd and Grieg’s Piano Concerto.