Colin Corner joins New Century Chamber Orchestra in 2024 having been with the bass section of the Oregon Symphony since 2017, and principal bass of the Grant Park Music Festival in Chicago since 2016. He has also served as principal of the Rochester Philharmonic and the Atlanta Symphony, and has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, Vancouver (BC) Symphony, and the Louisiana Philharmonic.

Colin won the 2003 ISB Orchestral Competition, which led to a one-week internship with the Detroit Symphony, and placed third in that competition in 2001. He was also a recipient of the Interlochen Double Bass Class Studio Award in 1997, which has since been renamed The Colin Corner Award in his honor.

A graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, he received his training at Indiana University as a student of Lawrence Hurst. An avid teacher himself, Colin has served on the faculty of Morehouse College, and has been a visiting artist at the University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, he was a founding faculty member at the NorCal Orchestra Studies Academy of the Golden Gate Bass Camp in San Francisco. Currently, he teaches at Portland State as an adjunct instructor. 

Colin also counts playing jazz and many different styles of music as a passion outside the orchestra. In Portland he has worked with musicians ranging from jazz drummer Ron Steen to singer/songwriter Noah Kite. Proud of his instruments, he plays on a bass made by Joseph Hill, c. 1780, and a bass made by Albert Jakstadt in 2001.

What is your hometown?

Indianapolis, IN

How long have you performed with New Century?

Only one week (so far), but it was an incredible and memorable week! 

What do you love about New Century?

Very different than playing in a large orchestra. It’s a truly democratic rehearsal process, and as a result we have more rehearsals than a typical symphony would have. This offers an opportunity to do a deeper dive into the music. Also, being the only bass (vs playing in a 6 to 8 member section), means that I have a LOT of responsibility to really drive the music, and play out. It’s very thrilling, and incredibly musically rewarding

What is your favorite New Century memory?

Everything about the week I did was a wonderful memory. I would say I particularly enjoyed playing at the Green Music Center at Sonoma State. What a beautiful hall and acoustic.

How did you start learning your instrument, or who inspired you to begin?

My public school music program. So thankful that I found the bass through that in 5th grade!

What do you like to do when you're not being a musician? What are your hobbies?

Mountain biking, road biking, golf, and I really love playing electric bass and jazz, also dabbling with other instruments, namely drum set and flute.

What's your favorite Bay Area place (restaurant, park, etc.)?

I love Philz Coffee, and I was able to do some mountain biking at Pedro Mountain while I was there- spectacular! If you see a minivan driving down from Oregon to SF the week before an NCCO concert with 2 basses in the back and 2 bikes on top- well it’s probably me, I am excited about cycling and playing in SF with this fine chamber orchestra!