Emily Dunsmore

Principal

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/2014

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

My Mother

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Gail Williams

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Not sure of one song, but I listen to CBC while driving and love what they program during the day.

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

I would love to be part of an orchestral tour of and artist like Taylor Swift or someone similar…where I could feel like a total rock star. Or be part of the chamber ensemble for a Frank Zappa tribute.

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

I love to knit, hike and run on trails, and bake. I’ve been baking more and more with my son, who loves to help in the kitchen as much as he can.

David Natsheh

Section

When did you join the NSO?

10/01/1986

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Edsel Bonnell

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Radek Baborak

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Imagine Dragons – Bad Liar

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Not applicable 🙂

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

I am a one trick pony.

Elizabeth Philpott

Section

When did you join the NSO?

09/05/1977

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Always dreamed of playing horn (played trumpet in elementary and junior high) but Sr. Celine Veitch at Holy Heart gave me the opportunity. Kjellrun Hestekin at MUN Music School was my beautiful mentor.

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Jann Arden

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

No preference

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Jann Arden, Rijaton

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Quilting, fitness

Michelle Stevenson

Section

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/2008

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Jim Prowse. The band director at Beaconsfield High School

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Sarah Willis

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Rain on Me by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Elton John

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Reading, walking, knitting

Katie Sullivan

Principal

When did you join the NSO?

04/01/1991

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Libby Philpott, Michelle Dinn, Donald Buell

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Karen Donnelly, Principal Trumpet of NAC

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Before You Go, Lewis Capaldi

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Ed Sheeran

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Hiking, walking, tennis

Jill Dawe

Section

When did you join the NSO?

09/06/2010

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Katie Sullivan

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Phil Smith

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

No clue

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Bon Iver

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Yoga, interior design dreaming

Darren McDonald

Principal

When did you join the NSO?

09/05/1994

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

David Smith

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Jack Conte

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Sweet Dreams + White Stripes Mashup | Pomplamoose ft. Sarah Dugas

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Billy Joel

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Mountain Biking, Whitewater Kayaking

Andrew Cooper

Principal Bass Trombone

When did you join the NSO?

09/09/1993

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

My Dad

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Beyonce

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

no idea

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Alan Jackson

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Hockey, golf, hunting, fishing, camping, and motorsports.

Catherine Tansley

Principal

When did you join the NSO?

08/01/2018

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

As a young person I listened to a variety of musicians and developed a keen sense of what type of musician I wanted to be.

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Lizzo

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Not sure

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Not sure

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Spending time with house plants, and making art.