Andrew Fierova, Assistant/Utility Horn
Are you a native Charlottean?
No, I'm from Spartanburg, SC
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What was your musical upbringing like?
I come from a musical family. My mom and dad both sing and play guitar, my sister plays piano, and my brother plays the guitar and trumpet. As a result, there was always music in the house. I started playing horn in the 6th grade in band and never stopped!
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What drew you to your instrument?
The sound.
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Do you teach?
Yes, I have a private studio and I also teach at Davidson College.
How were you inspired to be a professional musician?
I had a great role model in a past teacher of mine that embodied everything that I wanted to be. Through him I felt like there was an obvious path forward that led me to want to be a professional musician.
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Outside of your work with the Charlotte Symphony, where else do you perform?
I perform at many local churches, but I also like to play/practice in the parking lots of some of the great local mountain bike trails in between laps!
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Could you describe your job within the Symphony?
I am the Assistant/Utility Horn. When all the regular horn section members are playing I will usually sit next to the principal and play parts of the 1st horn music to help spell the principal when necessary. When a core member of the section is unable to play for personal or professional reasons, it is also my responsibility to fill in.
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Can you describe what you’re thinking and feeling right before a concert starts?
I think about staying in the moment. The only thing I have control over is what I'm doing in each individual moment. If I can focus on being in the moment I will play well.
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What are some of your non-musical interests or hobbies?
I love to mountain bike and cook BBQ. I own 3 different mountain bikes and two big smokers.
How do you give back to our community?
Teaching is the primary way I give back to the community but I also play with the 10AM volunteer choir at St. Michael's Catholic Church frequently on Sundays.
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