Charles Bailey
Instruments: Bassoon, Contra Bassoon
With the RPO since: 1995
My earliest music memory is being forced to take piano lessons in the first grade.
Most influential teachers: Margerite Denny, my first grade piano teacher, and all my bassoon teachers - John Williams, Dennis Michel and Ben Kamins.
I knew I would make music my career when I was in second grade after seeing the Boston Pops play on TV.
Favorite composer and/or musical period: Shostakovitch and Pat Metheny; Late Romantic period music.
My favorite thing about Rochester is the fall season. The changing of the colors is something I didn't experience growing up in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
What do think is the Orchestra's most important role in our community? Educating current and future audience members. The RPO is the largest and most visable organization that Monroe County has to offer. It's our duty to make people aware of how powerful music can be.
