Amy Sandlin, Oboe/English Horn

Here's an interview with Amy in 2022:

How long have you played your instrument(s)?
I started band in 5th grade on clarinet in 1979.  I played bass clarinet for a while and finally switched to oboe in 8th grade.  

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
My first gig with the WSO was as a college student at ECU in the early 90s, but I became a member in 1995.

What do you do for a career?
I recently retired after 28 years of teaching middle school band, most recently at Holly Shelter Middle School in Castle Hayne, NC.  Currently I’m enjoying the time off by baking and decorating cakes and performing with the WSO and other local groups.

Where did you grow up?
In a very small town called Laurel Hill NC - about 2 hours away from here!

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
That's almost impossible to answer! I love Bach, but I also like 3 Doors Down and Evanescence! My favorite musical memory is playing a family recital with my Dad and brother, who are both trumpet players, and my step-mother and sister in law, who play piano.

Favorite meal or restaurant?
Any place that serves crab legs!

Favorite beverage?
My morning cup of coffee.

What is your favorite vacation?
Any place tropical, but my most favorite place is Ocracoke NC.

You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist and/or movie do you want with you??
Again, almost an impossible question to answer. As for music - I couldn't settle on any one, so I'd have to cheat and say a mix-tape of all my favorites! I don't have a favorite book, so I'd probably want an instructional manual on how to build a raft. My favorite movie would probably have to be Titanic.

What's your pet situation?
We have a beautiful mixed breed named Roxie, and a 2-year-old brindle lab/hound mix named Boone, who is a handful! 

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
It's a great place to play and they have grown tremendously during the 25 years I've been with them!

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