Gary Paulson
Been with the MSO since: 1983-1991 & 13 year break to teach in Germany. Auditioned for miscellaneous clarinetist on my return & played 2005-present day.
Hometown: Huron, S.D.
Education: M.A.
My day job: retired from high school band directing.
Earliest musical memory: First solo contest winning experience at age 13 in Redfield, S.D.
Favorite thing about performing music: Makes me feel good and I like identifying with other musicians and getting to know them.
Other instruments I play: all clarinets and saxophones
The composition I would most like to perform: Brahms' Academic Festival Overture
Best part about being an MSO musician: I enjoy performing quality classical music.
What’s on my iPod or in my CD player: Only classical and jazz selections plus 70 podcasts of a Spanish language class.
Other interesting facts(s): Taught music in Germany for 13 years from 1992-2005. Played in German symphony and sang in a German choir during those 13 years.
Advice for young musicians: daily practice is vital and perform as often as possible. Perform solos and find a group in which to play and perform. In the meantime listen to classical and jazz as often as possible.