Mike Kanost
Cello
Played with the Salina Symphony since:
2007
Hometown: Broomfield, Colorado.
Current City: Manhattan
Education:
B.S. in Zoology, Colorado State University
Ph.D. in Entomology, Purdue University
Job Title:
University Distinguished Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kansas State University. My research is on biochemistry of insects. I teach several undergraduate and graduate level biochemistry courses.
Earliest musical memory:
Starting piano lessons when I was 6 years old
Best part of being a Salina Symphony musician:
I enjoy rehearsals the most; learning new music and seeing how all the parts fit together and develop as we rehearse each week.
Most memorable performance with the Salina Symphony:
I really enjoyed Dvorák’s New World Symphony. It’s one of my favorites.
Favorite composer:
Beethoven
Have you played in other orchestras?
Yes, Colorado State University Symphony as a student and two other community orchestras, Lafayette Indiana Symphony Orchestra and Southern Arizona Symphony in Tucson.
What song best describes you when you first wake up in the morning?
J.S. Bach’s Coffee Cantata (BWV 211)
Whom do you admire?
Jimmy Carter, for the humanitarian work he has done after being president
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Two things that are related: being a parent and being a mentor to young scientists