Meet the Musicians: Blaine Dodson, Second Horn
How did you start playing the horn?
I joined the school band in sixth grade. I wanted to play the saxophone, but so did nearly every other kid, so I got stuck with the horn instead. Luckily, I ended up enjoying it!
What one piece of classical music should everyone hear?
Mahler’s Ninth Symphony. It covers such a broad range of raw emotion. It’s tender, playful, terrifying, and gut-wrenchingly beautiful all at the same time. It’s a long one, but well worth the listen.
Do you have a favorite place to practice?
The sixth floor of the Segal Visitors Center parking garage at Northwestern University. The acoustics are glorious, and you get picturesque views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Every time I visit, I try to make a trip to the garage for a practice session.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?
Be kind to yourself and allow yourself to make mistakes. When you choose to keep a calm head, learn from mistakes and let them go, it allows much greater room for progress.
Does your love of outdoor activities benefit you as a musician?
Absolutely. Musicians are essentially athletes that train very small, obscure muscles. When I’m doing anything active, it gives me lots of information on how to use my body more efficiently when I’m playing the horn. Staying active is also very mentally therapeutic for me and definitely helps bring down any anxiety I might have when performing.
What do you love about the SLSO?
The strong sense of community and the friendliness of everyone. Also, the top-notch artistry of the entire orchestra. I feel so lucky to share the stage with and learn from my colleagues!
Compiled by Iain Shaw.
