Kevin Casseday
Bass
What do you want patrons of the Symphony to know about you?
There is absolutely nothing I would rather be doing than performing for our audience. It’s thrilling every time to walk on stage, knowing that what we do matters.
Do you have any pre-concert rituals or routines?
Check the latest Washington State Cougar score, or in baseball season, the St. Louis Cardinals score, with Kevin Reid.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a professional musician?
Helping the grass grow.
What teacher, mentor or other influencer inspired you the most?
More than any one person, each teacher that was kind enough, and encouraging, to help me attain my goal of performing as a professional, even though I began quite late.
What do you do in your spare time?
Compose a bit of music, practice, check to make sure that my sons are not in the hoosegow.
What has been your favorite moment onstage?
The last time we performed. Every time a winner.
Do you have any pets?
A dog, Hank. He’s a mess.
Who is your favorite composer?
Beethoven. The most fun you can have with your clothes on.
Career Highlights
My first concert with the Walla WallaSymphony, after having played three months. What a thrill. First concert with the Jacksonville Symphony at Met Park. Roger Nierenberg making a grand entrance on a donkey. Being onstage with the likes of Luciano Pavarotti, Jessye Norman, Kathleen Battle, Thomas Hampson, and my colleagues in the orchestra. Playing in the rhythm section with the Fifth Dimension. Performing Bernstein’s Mass in Brevard, NC with Keith Lockhart; finally, after 40 years, performing a classical piece of music on electric bass!
Education
Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from Indiana University.