Kathleen Gomez - Oboe/English Horn

 

 

Your name:  Kathleen Gomez

 

Your instrument/position: in the orchestra third oboe/English Horn

 

How old were you when you started playing your instrument? 14

 

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

 

When did you join the orchestra? 1981

 

Education:

BS in Instrumental Music Education K-12 University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse

MM in Woodwind Instruments University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

 

What made you choose your instrument?

My older brother Tom, who was my mentor, played a few orchestral recordings for me featuring several different wind instruments. I really enjoyed the oboe....so....I began the oboe. He also played the oboe.

 

In a few words or sentences, how would you describe yourself?

Fun loving, enjoy people, love the arts, animals, and good food.

 

Favorite saying or motto: Groovy, and what's happenin'.

 

Pet peeve: people who do not use their blinkers when turning, students that do not practice, walking with tall people, water in a key hole.

 

Most memorable moment in the orchestra: When I performed the Swan of Tuonela.

 

Inspirations: great music, new and old.

 

Favorite Movie and/or TV Show: The Wizard of Oz

 

Favorite foods: Chicken, Mexican, pasta, and good chocolate

 

Hobbies: yard sales, gardening, coloring.

 

Bad habit: talking too much

 

Most influential teachers: Richard Killmer, Ray Still, Treva Womble

 

Favorite pieces of music: Too many to list, but give me a good Brahms Symphony,

or a Strauss Tone Poem...

 

Dream vacation/trip: West Coast

 

What is your favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids?

Getting the benefits of a big city with small city traffic.

 

Last words/parting thoughts:

Knowing what GR was like in 1981 and seeing it now, I am amazed at the growth of the city.