Name: Vincent Osborn
Member of DSSO since: 1998
DSSO Position: Assistant Principal Bass
Education: USAF Bands 1978-98
Bachelor of Arts – College of St. Scholastica 2003
Master of Music Double Bass Performance, University of Minnesota 2010
What made you decide to pursue a career in music?
I love music and decided when I was in high school that I wanted to be a musician and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
In 1997, I performed the Vanhal Double Bass Concerto with the Kunitachi City Orchestra in Tokyo, which was a wonderful time. But every time I get to make music with my friends is always a great time.
What made you choose to play bass?
My commander actually ‘ordered’ me to learn the double bass when I was stationed in New Hampshire in 1984. I was 25 and had been playing electric bass since I was 15. I studied with James Orleans (Boston Symphony) and I just simply fell in love with the beautiful sounds he got from the bass.
What’s the most challenging thing about playing bass?
Hauling it to gigs! Actually, playing the bass is physically demanding and because we’re always playing, there aren’t that many opportunities to rest. So, I usually am suffering from some back pain by the end of a long night of playing.
Do you have a favorite piece of orchestral repertoire to play and/or listen to?
Although I love the symphonies of Beethoven and Mahler, I really enjoy exploring the more obscure composers such as Weinberg, Schulhoff, Henze and others. I also advocate for original music composed for the double bass. Also, pretty much most any piece of music I’m performing ends up being a favorite – although there are a few exceptions (you’ll have to ask me privately for that list 😉).
When you’re not performing, what do you do for fun?
I enjoy reading, cooking, playing golf and learning more about music.
What’s one thing you hope people take away from a DSSO concert?
I think people have been taught to have too much respect for classical music, but what I truly hope is that they just let the music take them on a journey and treat them to a wonderful life-changing experience.
Do you have any advice for those looking to pursue a career in music?
Only do it if your life would be empty otherwise. I have been so fortunate to make a living doing what I love. The true test for any musician is that their love of making music supersedes everything else.
