Eric Robins

Trumpet

Eric Robins

Trumpet

BIOGRAPHY

Born in: Concord, New Hampshire
With Shen Yun Since: 2012

Eric Robins holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree from New England Conservatory. He has performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, among others, and is former principal trumpet of the Daegu Symphony Orchestra (Korea). His fellowships include the Mabel Louise Riley Scholarship (New England Conservatory), National Orchestral Institute, Round Top International Music Festival, and Bar Harbor Brass.

Personally Speaking...

Born in: Concord, NH
Lived in: Normal, IL
One recording for a deserted island: Sacrae Symphoniae: Antiphonal Motets of Giovanni Gabrieli by the Metropolitan Opera Brass and John Sheppard.
Knew you wanted to be a pro musician at age: 18
Love most about music: Music brings people together, and I love that.
First heard of Shen Yun: in 2010
Best metronome: Best metronome is your heart, best tuning device are your ears. Dr. Beat makes a good metronome, too.
Favorite headphones: Not sure I have a favorite headphone brand, but my Audio-Technica ATH-ES55 over-the-ear headphones do a nice job presenting the symphonic recordings I listen to.
Favorite instrument case: Yamaha makes the best hard cases for trumpet. Alteri makes the best soft case. Brass Bags has the best in between case.
Good-luck trinket: None now. But for about 15 years I carried a $2 dollar bill in my wallet.
Must-have music for tour: The Charlier book. This is a classic book written by Belgian trumpet teacher Theo Charlier. It has 36 etudes that get progressively harder.
Favorite place to practice on tour: Rooftop open-air parking garage in sunny SoCal. Otherwise, practice wherever it is most efficient.
Best warm-up method: The one that gets me ready for the day.
Pre-show energy food: Kimchi.
Intermission activity: I like to read a few pages of whatever book I’m reading at the time, drink of water, restroom, back at it.
Post-show wind-down: Starts with some slow Bai-Lin flex and Vizzutti repeated notes, ends with a good sleep.