I learned to play the Double Bass when I was in primary school and enjoyed many years of playing in school orchestras, including European tours, and then going on to play in Aberdeen University Symphony Orchestra as a student. After university I sold my bass and gave up playing completely. 

In 2018 I was encouraged back into playing for a Perth Youth Orchestra reunion concert. At that point I hadn’t played for over 20 years so it was pretty daunting to rejoin an orchestra after that long but it wasn’t long before I got back into the swing of things. I bought myself a new bass, and joined PSO and have been playing ever since.  

A highlight for me has been getting to play pieces I last played when I was at school or in the university orchestra. The muscle memory from practicing all those years ago is still there, even if my reading of music can be a little rusty. 

Rehearsals are fun and I enjoy the opportunity to switch off from a hectic life once a week for a couple of hours and just play.