In its 120 year-run, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) has become the largest performing arts organization in the southwestern region of the United States, earning national recognition and praise.
There are 93 full-time musicians that are a part of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra this season — three of whom are our neighbors.
George Nickson | Percussion
How did you end up in Oak Cliff?
I’m an avid cyclist, and when I first joined the orchestra in 2019, I spent some time exploring Dallas looking for beautiful, hilly neighborhoods that are fun to ride in and stumbled upon East Kessler Park. I fell in love with it instantly and knew we wanted to live here.
Did you always know you wanted to be a musician?
I would say that the desire to play music has been a constant for me since I began at age 7. I never really thought about making a decision to “be a musician,” I just kept following the path in front of me that led to studying, working hard and loving the process of making great art. Eventually, I turned around, looked back and realized, “I guess I’m a professional musician at this point!”
How would you describe your experience working in this field so far?
I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities and performances I’ve been able to be a part of. This field requires everything of you. Unwavering commitment from an early age, 12-hour days of practice throughout college, grad school and even to this day, with no guarantee that any of it will work out. The reward is amazing though. Being able to share the stage with the greatest artists in the world, travel the world playing all kinds of music in some of the greatest venues on earth and being able to make a nice living doing it has been an absolute joy. I try to enjoy every concert because what we do is fragile. It is a complicated art form that requires a lot of resources, and we have to be mindful of the deep privilege in making this art.
Stephanie Key | Interim Second Clarinet
What initially drew you to music?
Both of my parents were vocalists and music educators. In addition, my father was the chair of the music department at the university where we lived, so as a child, instead of logging hours with a babysitter, I attended concerts with my parents. From band to orchestra, student and faculty recitals, visiting artists concerts, I heard it all. They taught me to conduct to keep me busy, and I conducted a lot of concerts from my back row seat! Music has always been a part of my being – I hear it everywhere: not through headphones, but through nature.
Why did you choose the clarinet?
At the age of 10, I originally wanted to play the oboe but was quickly convinced to play the other black instrument with silver keys by my (oboe playing) band director.
I’m still not sure why, but I am grateful she did. Quickly, jazz clarinetists Benny Goodman and Peter Fountain became heroes early on, then as I began exploring more repertoire, Harold Wright and Robert Marcellus became icons of the classical repertoire. I continue to be amazed at what I can do and create through the clarinet. It is the most flexible and inspiring instrument to me.
What advice would you give to a young musician?
BE OPEN. And listen. So often in our field, people become judgmental and, I believe, lose sight of what it is we do. We make music. No one is wrong. Everyone has something to say. Everyone has worked astoundingly hard to achieve what they have, and they deserve a chance to be heard and respected. Again, just as in life, we need more humility and respect and empathy for each other. We have so much to learn from each other, in music and in life, and it all feeds into each other and what we ultimately have to say through our instruments. I teach my students to emulate kindness, find that beauty in yourself; it will always come back to you when you treat people kindly and respectfully.
Robert O’Brien | Assistant Principal Timpani & Section Percussion
When did you know you wanted to be a musician?
Around my junior year of high school, my musical commitments started getting more and more serious. Even though it involved more rehearsals and practicing longer hours, it was always exciting and never felt like a chore. I knew then that I had found my passion.
What drew you to percussion?
Initially, I chose percussion simply because I knew my dad had played drums when he was in middle school. I got really drawn in when I started studying privately with a great teacher who showed me just how vast the percussion world truly is.
What is something people may not know about the music industry?
If there was a ranked list of the most important traits required for this field, I would put talent at the very bottom. I speak mostly from my own experience, but I believe being successful in the music industry comes down to working hard, working intelligently and getting lucky.
What is your favorite part of being in the DSO?
The level of artistry my colleagues bring to the stage is frankly astonishing. I work at a place where I am constantly inspired to push myself to the highest level. For a job, it doesn’t get better than that.
These interviews have been edited for clarity and brevity.
