Paul Austin, Piano
Has played with the Salina Symphony since: 2011
Hometown: Humble, TX
Current City: Salina, KS
Education: BM, Church Music and MM, Theory and Composition, Hardin-Simmons University
Job Title: Director of Worship Ministries at First Covenant Church
Earliest musical memory:
Singing with my family
Best part of being a Salina Symphony musician:
The variety of musical styles and concerts is spectacular.
Most memorable performance with the Salina Symphony:
I have two; playing Rhapsody in Blue with the Salina Symphony and performing an overture that I composed titled “Divinum Mysterium.” I am extremely thankful to maestro Hakoda for allowing me both of those opportunities!
Favorite composers:
Johannes Brahms
What song best describes you when you first wake up in the morning?
I’ve Got the World On A String
What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Henryk Gorecki, Philip Glass, Johannes Brahms, NEEDTOBREATHE, The Civil Wars, Muddy Waters
How do you spend your free time?
Outside of playing with the Salina Symphony? Coaching baseball, teaching my children piano, and spending time with my beautiful wife Kandi. I am also in a band called Everyday Lights that includes three other symphony members (Gus Applequist, Hannah Applequist and Cody Toll). Check us out at everydaylightsmusic.com. Nice plug, right?
Whom do you admire?
The person I most admire in life is my father. His commitment to his church, career, and most importantly his family is something that I will aspire to for the rest of my life.