Hometown:
Seattle, WA
Education:
New England Conservatory, Master of Music, 2023
University of Washington, Bachelor of Music, 2021
Bio:
Sam Rockwood is a freelance oboist based in the Pacific Northwest. He has performed with the Boston Symphony, Pacific Northwest Ballet, as well as several other regional ensembles. He received his Master of Music from the New England Conservatory, studying with Mark McEwen and receiving additional instruction from John Ferrillo. For his undergraduate degree he attended the University of Washington and studied with Mary Lynch VanderKolk.
What inspired you to become a musician?
I always loved playing in band in high school, but when I went to my first live Seattle Symphony concert and heard Brahms' violin concerto I knew there was nothing else I'd rather do in life than play music!
Name three of your favorite composers:
My personal favorite composer is Mahler. I love the epic scale of his works and the inspiration he drew from the natural world. One of my all time favorite pieces is "Das Lied von der Erde".
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
Oboists have to make our own reeds, and making the reeds we play on is just as challenging as playing the instrument itself.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
Play Tennis!
Why did you choose the NRO?
I love playing in orchestra and I just want as much experience playing as much repertoire as possible! I am also looking forward to exploring the hiking trails around Breckenridge and meeting other musicians around my age.