Sam Boundy
he/him
cello
Hometown: Pleasant Prairie, WI
Alma maters: University of Minnesota Twin Cities, B.M., 2019; Eastman School of Music, M.M., 2022
Photo by Matt Dine
Awards/Competitions
Quarter Finalist, 2015 Fischoff International Chamber Competition, Junior Division; Honorable Mention, 2015 Rembrandt Chamber Musicians High School Competition; First place, 2017 Mary West Concerto Competition, Minnesota
Appearances
Minnesota Sinfonia, substitute, 2019; Chicago Civic Orchestra, associate, 2021; New World Symphony, substitute, 2022; National Cello Institute, 2020; International Cello Institute, 2021
What is your earliest memory of classical music?
Waking up to my dad’s Classic FM blasting downstairs
When did you realize you wanted to pursue music as a career?
When I found myself blanking in an interview after being asked what my favorite part of accounting was.
How did you hear about TŌN? What inspired you to apply?
From studio mates and my teacher
Which composer or genre of music do you feel you connect with the most?
Alternative, emo, and country
What has been your favorite experience as a musician?
My first time playing Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5
Favorite non-classical musician or band
The Band
If you could play another instrument, what would it be?
Jazz piano
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
Climbing rocks
Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us
I like to roast coffee in a popcorn popper.
Piece of advice for a young classical musician
Performing feels less scary when you do it for the composer and not yourself.