Name: Jim Erickson
Member of DSSO since: 1993
DSSO Position: Bass trombone
Education: Bachelors – Concordia College Moorhead, MN
Masters of Music in Conducting – Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
K-12 Administrative License- St. Mary’s University, Minneapolis, MN
What made you decide to pursue a career in music?
I enjoy the creativity of music making and the emotion that I experience and that I can share that with others.
What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
Sitting next to my friend and colleague, Steve Grove, tuba. We share life stories, music, and an occasional appetizer together.
What made you choose to play bass trombone?
My childhood neighbor told me I should play trombone because you always get to sit in the back row.
What’s the most challenging thing about playing bass trombone?
Playing beautifully smooth sounds is a constant goal for all trombone players.
Do you have a favorite piece of orchestral repertoire to play and/or listen to?
I love Planets by Gustav Holst, but have so many others like Tchaikovsky Symphony No 6, Shastakovich Symphony No 5, and Beethoven Symphony No. 9.
When you’re not performing, what do you do for fun?
I love fishing, mountain biking, and playing with my golden retriever, Bruno.
What’s one thing you hope people take away from a DSSO concert?
The emotion and beauty of the sounds.
Do you have any advice for those looking to pursue a career in music?
Don’t give up and keep practicing. Try to keep balance in your life!
