Emelia Banninger,
Principal Bassoon
What is your favorite music to listen to?
“I'm currently on a kick of Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, Cory Wong, Metropole Orkest, and Brighde Chaimbeul.”
Besides the Bakersfield Symphony, what else do you do for a living?
“I am also the contrabassoonist of the San Luis Obispo Symphony, as well as a freelance musician in Los Angeles and throughout the California Coast. When people ask me where I live, I jokingly say the 101 because I'm on it for over 800 miles almost every week.”
What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring musician?
“Be patient and kind to yourself. It takes so much courage to go after your dream, and in a field that is so competitive, it rarely follows the plan or timeline you think it should. Know when to rest and recover, and keep going after it!”
Fun Facts
“I'm a Highland Games Athlete, so on weekends that I'm not performing music, I'm competing in Scottish Highland Games throwing heavy things!”
“I love to travel. Seeing the world is one of my absolute favorite things! Getting to adventure in new places, experience new cuisine, and witness new cultures is such fun for me!”
“I'm a crafter. Sewing and painting are my main mediums, but I'll try crafting with anything. It's magic being able to turn raw materials into something useful or beautiful.”