Jake Yates, trumpet

Here's an interview with Jake in 2020:

​How long have you played your instrument(s)?
22 years

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
The 2020 - 2021 season will be my 8th season!

What do you do for a career?
I am the music teacher/band director at Snipes Academy of Arts and design, a professional trumpet player, and the Orchestra Personnel Manager for the Wilmington Symphony.

Where did you grow up?
Swansboro, NC

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
I listen to a WIDE range of music, from orchestral, jazz, and show tunes, to more modern music(pop, rap, motown, country). I'm currently on a big Ed Sheeran kick right now though.

As for a musical memory, one of my more exciting memories is playing the Haydn trumpet concerto with WSO a few years ago.

Favorite meal or restaurant?
My go to is pizza, in all shapes and forms. However, my favorite restaurant in Wilmington is a tie between Caprice Bistro and Rx, both downtown.

Favorite beverage?
Beer. Hands down.

What is your favorite vacation?
To date, my favorite vacation was visiting Yountville, in Napa Valley, CA.

You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist and/or movie do you want with you??
If I can take a whole series, a Song of Ice and Fire(aka, the Game of Thrones series).

Album, Kind of Blue.

Movie: Forrest Gump

What's your pet situation?
I have a golden retriever named Felix.

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
I want them to know that what makes the Wilmington Symphony great is the great efforts it takes to keep our musicians local, and bring our Wilmingtonians their own genuine city symphony.

How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?
Well, I have a 6 week old baby boy, so that occupies a lot of my time! But also, practice, running and reading.

Any words of wisdom to help others through this pandemic?
Stay physically active! Go for a bike ride/walk/run at the beach, or Greenfield lake! Work in the yard! Hike the trails in Brunswick Nature Park! Getting out of doors is one of the safest things you can do during this craziness. It can also keep both your mind and body occupied, helps you sleep, and your heart will thank you later!

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