Steve Gross
Q : How were you first attracted to music? How many years have you played?
A : I’ve been involved with music since 3rd grade, when I took piano lessons. This segued to trumpet in 7th grade. Then, my junior high school band director needed a French horn player, so he chose me. I’ve played ever since. I won’t say how long I’ve played, but let’s say that it has been a few decades!
Q : What's your favorite part of being a musician?
A : There are two aspects of music that I quite enjoy. The first is the feeling after a highly successful concert. I’ve delivered my best, and the audience came away with an encounter with something beautiful.
The second aspect that I value of being a musician is the travel. I’ve played in numerous countries and cultures, and these experiences have tremendously enlarged my perspective on life. Rewarding travel includes visiting Roanoke, Virginia and experiencing wonderful hospitality from our host family!
Q : Is there a musical instrument that you adore? A certain brand? Why?
A : Of course it is the horn! It is not noted for technical virtuosity or brilliance, such as the violin or trumpet. But the horn has a unique, eloquent and evocative sound and register. In this concert, all three horn soloists are challenged by unusually high and difficult parts.
Q : Would you share a tip on how to balance life's responsibilities with what you love to do (such as playing music)?
A : This is a difficult question, and one of the most serious considerations in a musician’s life. You can't equate personal value with professional success. We have very high standards, but upon occasion fall short of them. In these cases, we have to recover and improve without denigrating our value as a person.
Q : Do you provide educational lessons, instruct students or volunteer in the community?
A : I just retired after 29 years as Professor of Horn at the University of California – Santa Barbara. My duties included private lessons and coaching chamber music. At the beginning of my career, I was a member of the National Symphony and the Atlanta Symphony, and always taught lessons on the side.
Q : Is there some other information that you would like people to know about you?
