Aaron Collins plays 20 Questions with The Beachside Resident
Story by Tobin Bennison; Photos by Tom Saam and Rachel Ferrara
Within the profound realm of classical music, conductors are some of the most caricatured personages of the lot. The mere mention of them conjures images of gloweringly imperious white-maned figures gesticulating wildly from their symbolically heightened perches.
But along with a clutch of up-and-coming younger maestros throughout the country — and the world — conductors like 27-year-old Cocoa Beach native Aaron Collins, leader of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, has set out to shatter this musty cliché. Thanks to a discerning, adventurous, and highly accessible program, which includes both contemporary works and beloved pieces from the past, Collins and the exceptionally talented musicians who make up the SCSO provide comfort to traditionalists and plenty of surprising challenges for a growing number of younger music lovers.
Maestro Collins spoke to us about such lofty subjects as Samuel Barber’s tearful Adagio for Strings and the virtues of a cookies n’ cream milkshake.
Read the complete interview here >>
Name: Aaron Collins
Age: 29 years old
Born: March 13, 1982 (Corvalis, Oregon)
What organizations are you affiliated with? Brevard Symphony Youth Orchestra, Central Florida Lyric Opera, Central Florida Winds and Chamber Winds, Community Band of Brevard, Melbourne Community Orchestra, Melbourne Municipal Band, Orlando Concert Band, Pegasus & Colbourn Brass Ensemble, Space Coast Brass Ensemble, Space Coast Oratorio Society, Trombonanza, and of course, the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra.
What's your concert schedule like this year? 142 concerts and counting! I think I need a drink...
Where did you grow up? Cocoa Beach, Florida
Where did you go to high school? Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School
Did you enjoy it? Yes, of course!
When did you find yourself getting involved in music? Well, I started out fairly early. My grandparents were involved in music and I started writing music at a fairly young age. The first piece I ever wrote was this silly chromatic piece titled, “Mega Symphony.” It was two minutes long! I also arranged Happy Birthday in various styles which turned out pretty good. I played cello and sang in chorus throughout elementary school. In sixth grade, I made the move to the French horn, which had a big impact on my life. Music suddenly became something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
What was your first paid gig in regards to writing music? Well, I did win a National Competition through the National Federation of Music back in 1992-93. There was a small prize and that was the first check I got for my music. Shortly thereafter, I did the soundtrack for a movie called Mother Ocean, where portions were aired on National Geographic. I wrote 72 minutes of music and there was no dialogue or narration. It was such a fun experience. I did not make too much, but the experience alone was exciting and worthwhile.
Describe yourself. What do you think about yourself and do you think people perceive you in the same way? I am a pretty laid back guy. I work very hard and am extremely determined. I believe I am a kind, generous, and loyal friend/person. I certainly hope people perceive me in the same way!
What is your favorite television show? It was 24. But there are a lot of shows I like to really get into.
What is your taste in music? Well, of course I love ‘classical’ music. I really fancy 20th Century music. However, I try to keep up with all the genres (rock, rap, jazz, country). When I was younger, I really fell in love with film music. That kind of influenced my writing and later I had a few opportunities to meet and work with the ones I so greatly admired. At this point in time, I favor Romantic and 20th Century music.
Any favorite composers? That’s a tough question.
Name ten: Ok, in alphabetical order: John Adams, Samuel Barber, Bela Bartok, John Corigliano, Elliot Goldenthal, Kenneth Fuchs, Gustav Mahler, Nicholas Maw, Christopher Rouse, Igor Stravinsky, and John Williams. However, there are many more that deserve to be in this list!
Favorite movie? JFK
What inspires you? My family (particularly my mother and grandmother), my friends and all of the musicians I get a chance to work with. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of people. I love sharing, talking about and engaging people about symphonic music. It is a driving force in my life.
What is your favorite piece of music? For many years now, it still remains Samuel Barber’s Symphony No. 1. It brings tears to my eyes every time I listen to it! Although, I did cry in Waterworld as well.
Favorite Conductor? Several… Claudio Abbado, Marin Alsop, Bruno Walter, and David Zinman. Have you met any of them? Yes, both Marin Alsop and David Zinman.
Which is your favorite time of the day, are you a morning person or a night person? Definitely, a night person. Although, I am generally up very early in the morning. However, I am generally incoherent and often grumpy.
What other jobs have you done in the past? Office Manager, tennis pro shop cashier, a lot of serving jobs. Did you enjoy them? Yes. The work was hard, but I like social interaction, so it fit me perfectly.
Conducting vs. Composing: What wins? Conducting. Although I really enjoy composing, I really have fallen in love with conducting. There is nothing quite like it.
What is the craziest thing you have ever done? Too many things I don’t want to get into.
Do you like sports? Very much. Huge fan of the Florida Gators, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Orlando Magic. I enjoy watching baseball and tennis as well.
Who was your first crush? Did you ever tell her about your feelings? Kristy Swanson (from the movie, Buffy the Vampire Slayer). No, but am considering doing it now.
Any last words? Go to live music concerts! There is nothing quite like it.
