AMERICAN YOUTH SYMPHONY

AMERICAN YOUTH SYMPHONY

Meet the Musicians: Chris Fujiwara

Chris is a 26-year-old oboe player that is currently a graduate student at the University of Southern California.

When did you start playing your instrument?

When I was in the seventh grade, we had the choice of picking our instrument. When people started to pick their instruments, I noticed that no one was in the oboe char. It was unique.

What do you like to do outside of AYS?

I freelance around LA and play with the Bakersfield Symphony, La Sinfonietta, and USC ensembles. I also do outreach with Kinetic Wind Quintet. Outside of music, I love to go hiking all around LA and go to the beach as much as I can.

How do you prepare for a performance?

I do not do anything special really, I typically run through the program in my head and show up. The biggest part is making sure that I am at the venue ahead of time in order to make sure that I am comfortable.

How do you like to relax?

I am from Honolulu, so I love to go the beach as much as possible. Much of my time is spent making reeds and practicing them.

Do you have an advice for aspiring Oboe players?

Practice your scales when you are young. I also would recommend to start learning how to make your own reads, only after you can pay the instrument. Do not learn how to make reeds at the beginning when you are starting.

American Youth Symphony