Nathaniel Hsu, Principal Trombone

5 years

It's a lot less pressure than every ensemble I've played with in school. Some rehearsals in high school and college were downright scary.

6th grade when I started playing trombone. I chose band because I needed an elective and heard that the band got to go on a fun trip every year. I started really getting into it when we started doing chair tests every week and I wanted to be 1st chair. I also really liked being able to play music from video games and movies.

My high school band directors. Going through their program was one of the most challenging and influential things I've ever done. I learned that I was capable of putting in a lot more effort than I thought I was.

I work as a mechanical engineer. My favorite hobbies are rock climbing and ultimate frisbee.

I can solve any size rubik's cube.

I don't think I have a favorite piece exactly, but my favorite performing experience by far was playing Blue Shades by Frank Ticheli, conducted by Frank Ticheli, for all state band. The ensemble was 3-4 times the normal size, and we played really loud. I could feel the music vibrating my whole body, like I was front row at a rock concert.

It takes a lot of concentrated effort to get good at an instrument, but the better you get the more fun it becomes. I imagine that's the case in a lot of creative endeavours.

It's very laid back, and we don't just play old classical music. The last concert I did we played disney music.

That orchestra doesn't have to be boring and stuffy.

nothing, preserve the magic

The most important thing for me is to practice until I'm very comfortable with my parts. That makes everything else a lot easier and calms my nerves.

I like all kinds - my favorite genres are probably funk and indie music. My favorite band is Vulfpeck (instrumental funk band).

It's very laid back - a lot of orchestras are overly formal and stuffy, and TSO doesn't have that vibe.

I like how it sounds

go touch brass