Chris Miertschin
Horn
Has played with the Salina Symphony since: 2014 as a substitute, 2021 full member!
Hometown: Hutchinson, KS
Current City: Salina, KS
Education:
BA of music education, Kansas State University; MM, horn performance, University of Georgia
Job Title:
Director of Athletic Bands, Kansas Wesleyan University
Earliest musical memory:
Film soundtracks have always stuck with me, and the earliest one I remember really capturing my imagination was John Williams’ score to Jurassic Park when I was 5 or so. It’s been my favorite film and one of my favorite scores ever since!
Best part of being a Salina Symphony musician: Performing in the best section of the orchestra – the horns!!
Most memorable performance with the Salina Symphony:
Probably my first one while I was in my undergrad at K-State – I had never been a last-minute ringer before! I was asked to sub in for 2nd horn (now my seat in the orchestra!) the day before the 2014 Symphony at Sunset and looked over the parts on the way to the dress rehearsal. Certainly a bit nerve-wracking, but the horn section was very welcoming and great to perform with; glad I’m a full member of the section now!
Favorite composer:
How do you just pick one?? Some of my favorites would be Jan Koetsier, Jean Sibelius, John Williams, and of course the genius team behind the music of ABBA.
What song best describes you when you first wake up in the morning? Probably “Mamma Mia” by ABBA – when I wake up, it’s “here we go again”!
What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
So many different kinds! Generally, my go-to’s would be 90’s/2000’s pop music, ABBA, or any of a number of different Broadway shows.
How do you spend your free time?
I perform with other organizations around the area, most often in the pit orchestra for Theatre Salina. I also like to travel, ride my bicycle, cook and spend time with my husband, Jair, and our cat and dog.