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Thomas Parchman, principal clarinet

Oct 24 2018

Where did you grow up? Memphis, Tennessee

Where do you currently live? Portland

What instrument(s) do you play? Clarinets of various types, as well as saxophone

Educational background: Doctorate from USC, Masters from Northwestern, Bachelor of Music [Performance, Music Education] from Southern Methodist

How did you get started in music? Elementary Band in the 5th grade…. really…

What non-PSO musical activities do you participate in? Rhode Island Philharmonic, PORTopera, Green Mountain Opera, Opera North, Medomak Conductor’s Retreat, and Portland Ballet

What’s your favorite PSO memory to date? Performing the Brahms Sonata Op 120 as a soloist with the orchestra.

Describe a typical day: There are no typical days.

What is the question you’re asked most often when you tell people you play with the PSO? What instrument do you play?

If you couldn’t be a musician, what would be your dream job? If I weren’t a musician… I wouldn’t be me…

Any non-musical hobbies? Kayaking and home repair

What is your favorite music? What are you currently listening to? Opera…ok…Italian opera.

Who or what has been your greatest influence, musical or otherwise? I have had the great fortune to have a variety of mentors. Too many to list here.  But to each I owe a debt which I attempt to repay by doing the same thing for my students.

If you have any web sites or social media sites you’d like to link to from the PSO site, please list them here: www.schicchi.com

Do you teach? If so, how can people get in touch with you? Yes… contact me at the University of Southern Maine (207) 780-5268

What/where are your favorite eats in Portland? Fore Street

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