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Musician Spotlight Joseph Beverly, new clarinet/bass clarinet Joined TFO: November 2016 Originally from: Norcross, Georgia Previous experience: Performed with the Savannah Philharmonic, Annapolis Symphony, “Chief’s Own” Air Force Band, Macon Symphony, Symphony Orchestra Augusta, and Charleston Symphony Orchestra. Attended Clarinet Academy of America, Madeline Island Chamber Music Festival, and Eastern Music Festival. Recently was awarded first prize in the 23- 25 age division of the International Great Composers Competition for the 17th and 18th century categories. Education: Master’s from the University of Maryland, bachelor’s from the University of Georgia, both in clarinet performance. At what age did you start playing clarinet and why? I started playing clarinet when I was 11 in the 6th grade. Actually, trumpet was my first choice — but I couldn’t make a sound! Clarinet worked out much better. A former state tennis champion, I didn’t start taking clarinet lessons until I was 16, after I got hurt playing tennis and couldn’t pursue that career anymore. I loved clarinet and started practicing as much as I possibly could. I also play the saxophone and guitar. What fascinates you besides music? I’m always amazed by nature, especially mountains and waterfalls. I love to learn about anything, and I try something new as often as I can. What’s a musical experience that changed your life? My middle and high school band directors were some of the goofiest people I know. Learning how to love music and work with people helped make it worth pursuing. I would have never thought I was good enough to do anything with music if they hadn’t convinced me to go for it.  What is the absolute best part about being a professional musician? I love that I have the opportunity to play so many different kinds of music day in and day out, with each piece having its own challenges. It definitely keeps things interesting!   What’s the best/most embarrassing things that have happened to you on stage? The best thing was getting to play the Copland Clarinet Concerto with the University of Georgia Symphony Orchestra my senior year of my undergrad. It really felt like the culmination of my studies there and the start of something new in my musical life. … Most embarrassing thing would have to be a combination of all the squeaks I gloriously and confidently proclaimed my first few years of college. What excites you about the Tampa Bay area? Definitely the weather and being in a new place. I don’t know it very well yet, and that excites me the most.  What excites you about The Florida Orchestra? I have been met with such a warm welcome that I am just excited to continue working with all of my fantastic colleagues. At every rehearsal and concert, they inspire me to be a better musician. THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA | 2016-2017


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