Jim Gibson, Principal Trumpet

Since 1996

The opportunity to perform great music that I otherwise would not have.

I was brought up in a home that loved "classical music". My older brother played violin, My younger sisters played trumpet and oboe. I started violin, and then viola when I was six years old in the "Junior String Project" at the University of Texas in Austin. My mother played, and minored in cello during college, and my dad couldn't carry a tune in a bucket but loved music.

J. Frank Elsass and Ray Crisara and Tom Fairlie

I teach private lessons. I enjoy whitewater rafting, hiking, camping, and visiting historical sights with my wife Erin.

I played with and conducted the band with the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. When President Reagan came to the show in Washington D.C. I conducted "Ruffles and Flourishes" and "Hail to the Chief" when he entered.

Beethoven Symphony No. 6 (Pastorale). It depicts, with great color, the outdoors.

Be sure you have a vocation you can fall back on the pay the bills.

TSO is a group of local musicians that come together a few times per year and put a concert together with limited rehearsal time with amazing results.

I hope they have an enjoyable experience and want to come back.

It takes a lot of practice, rehearsal, and dedication to put on a great performance.

I try to prepare my music and get plenty of rest beforehand.

I enjoy all kinds of music, particularly "classical" and jazz.

Most of the musicians are not full-time professionals but have other jobs, such as teaching.

It keeps me alive.

Exhausting, Exhilarating, Enriching