Instrument: Bassoon and Contrabassoon
Originally from: Berea, KY
Now reside in: Austin, TX
Age: 29
Birthday: August 24
How did you get started? Started playing piano at age 7, trumpet at 11, started dabbling in other instruments (including the bassoon) in high school and finally got formal bassoon training in college (had always wanted to play the bassoon but it seemed exotic and unattainable, especially since my high school band was too small for me to switch from trumpet to bassoon), started playing contrabassoon in grad school.
What do you do when you’re not playing with ROCO? I play with the Austin Symphony Orchestra and teach middle and high school bassoonists in the Austin area.
What are you listening to on your iPod? Right now? Enya, lol. Don’t judge! It’s been a long day.
Personal info: Single.
Question you’re asked most often: Hmm… I get this one a lot at my favorite restaurant (Kerby Lane Cafe). What can I get you for dessert? Answer: A big ole slice of carrot cake. Mmmmmmmmmm!
Interests outside music: Fitness (pilates, swimming, weights etc.), dancing, hiking, entertaining guests/ throwing parties.
Links: My AIM screen name is generallytso.
Education: University of Kentucky BM 2003, Temple University MM 2006
Bio: Growing up in the hills of central Kentucky amidst a family of musicians, Daniel developed an appreciation for a variety of musical genres as well as for natural, cultural, and social phenomena which continue to inspire his playing. He dabbled in piano, voice, and trumpet studies until he attended the University of Kentucky where he began studies on the instrument he always wanted to play, the bassoon. After four years of demanding yet supportive instruction from Professor Peter Simpson, Chrisman graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2003. He continued his studies at the University of Louisville for one year with Matthew Karr before relocating to Philadelphia to study with the principal bassoonist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Daniel Matsukawa. Mr. Chrisman received his Master’s degree in music performance from Temple University in 2006. Daniel has soloed with the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, playing the Concerto in F Major by Carl Maria von Weber. He has also soloed with the Temple University Symphony Orchestra, performing von Weber’s Andante and Hungarian Rondo. In September of 2005, Daniel attained the contrabassoon position in the Haddonfield Symphony (now Symphony in C) in New Jersey. In September of 2008, Daniel moved to Austin, Texas where he is the contrabassoonist/3rd bassoonist in the Austin Symphony Orchestra. He thoroughly enjoys the time he spends in Houston playing with the fabulously unique River Oaks Chamber Orchestra!
