Kyle Hopkins
Horn
Has played with the Salina Symphony since:
2001
Hometown: Hutchinson, KS
Current City: McPherson, KS
Education:
Kansas State University-Master of Music
Washburn University-Bachelor of Music Education
Gornyi Institute (St. Petersburg, Russia)-Russian Language certification
The University of Kansas-Bachelor of Arts
Job Title:
Associate Professor of Music-Music Dept Chair-Director of Bands at McPherson College
Earliest musical memory:
My dad taking me to a Maynard Ferguson concert when I was in 4th grade.
Best part of being a Salina Symphony musician:
Getting to perform next to the infamous Schafer sisters!
Most memorable performance with the Salina Symphony:
Performing Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite (Oh…and it just happened to be while the Boston Brass were standing in the wings of the stage listening!)
Favorite composers:
It depends what day it is and what I’m listening to. But today my favorite composer is Mahler…tomorrow maybe John Cougar Mellencamp.
What is on your Ipod?
A lot of “brass intensive” music like Boston Brass, Maynard Ferguson, CHASE, Tower of Power. And, of course, all the Mozart Horn Concertos.
What song best describes you in the morning?
4’33” by John Cage
How do you spend your free time?
As a band director, I don’t get a lot of that. But when I have it, I like to play horn as much as I can in groups like the Salina Symphony, and ride my motorcycle.
Whom do you admire?
Tim Hobson (former 2nd horn player). His lifelong involvement in music was an inspiration to me and it’s because of people like him that I enjoy playing in community orchestras.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Quitting my comfortable job with the State of Kansas and returning to college for my music education degree.