Andrew Snedeker, Co-Principal Oboe
Andrew Snedeker earned his B.M. degree from the Conservatory at Baldwin-Wallace College and his M.M. degree from the Ohio State University. He has studied with Florence Sullivan, Dr. Galan Kral, William Baker and Robert Sorton.
Andrew has performed with the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra of Columbus, Ohio, the Miami Opera and the Royal Ballet of London, England. He has also been invited to perform at Kalamazoo College, the University of Massachusetts (Amherst), the Baldwin-Wallace College Bach Festival and for the Guiting Chamber Music Festival. With pianist James Cochran and harpist Dickie Fleisher, he produced the compact disc The Enchanting Oboe. Andrew has been a member of the Naples Philharmonic since 1989.
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The facts:
I was born in Connecticut and have lived in El Paso, Texas; Buffalo, New York; and Grand Rapids, Michigan. I received my Bachelor of Music in oboe performance from Baldwin Wallace College (University) and my Master of Music in oboe performance from the Ohio State University. I joined the Naples Philharmonic in 1989.
What has been your most memorable moment with the orchestra?
I have many memorable moments! One that comes to mind is being on stage as my son performed his concerto as a winner of the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition. Also, performing with so many of the great artists of our time is always memorable.
What inspired you to become a musician?
I was inspired by hearing performances of great symphonic music.
What is the most enjoyable part of your job?
The best part of my job is working with great musicians to perform great symphonic music.
What’s challenging about playing your instrument?
As oboists, we make our own reeds. In essence, we have to finish making the instrument… and we do it over and over and over again.
What are your favorite compositions?
There are too many to choose!
What have you been listening to recently?
My most recent listening list is whatever we happen to be performing at the moment. I also enjoy listening to Corelli’s Trio Sonatas and Telemann’s Oboe Sonatas.
Are there other musicians in your immediate family?
Yes—my mother is a private piano teacher in Tampa, my older brother is a horn professor at Central Washington State University, my younger brother is a music teacher/performer in New England, my wife is a soprano and our three kids are all active musicians as well.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like to travel and enjoy the outdoors. I like to read when I can, and I am currently reading Ron Chernow’s Grant.
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