The Musicians
Kevin Reid (Horn)
Member of the JSO: Since 1998
Hometown: Orlando
Education: Kevin received his bachelor’s degree in music performance from Florida State University, where he studied with William Capps, and earned a master’s in music performance from Southern Methodist University where he studied with Greg Hustis.
Performance experience: Kevin has performed with orchestras in Phoenix, Tallahassee, Albany (Ga.), and Waco (Tex.). He’s also played with the Dallas Symphony, the New World Symphony and the National Orchestra of the Dominican Republic. Summer festivals include the National Repertoire Orchestra, the National Orchestra Institute and the Aspen, Tanglewood and Eastern Music festivals.
Musical training: Kevin started the horn in fifth grade after playing the piano for five years. “I chose the horn because it seemed like a unique instrument. And after dropping the slide of the trombone at try-outs and not liking all the keys on the sax, I choose the four-valve French horn.”
Home life: Kevin’s wife Martha is also a horn player and is active in teaching both horn and piano. They have two children, Benjamin and Nathan.
Hobbies: Kevin is a literature buff, whose favorites include the writers Kafka and Gogol, as well as American authors Flannery O’Connor and William Faulkner. He also has a prized baseball card collection. “My favorite cards are the ones that I got while collecting with my dad."
Most memorable JSO experience: "At my first concert, the members of the orchestra made me feel quite welcome, which was very reassuring. It’s a demanding situation where you don't know anyone, and in two days you’re expected to perform as if you’ve played there your whole life.”
Biggest fans: Kevin’s parents often travel from Orlando to catch his performances with the JSO.