For January, meet Christi Allison, an oboist, who now resides in Darien, “A Nice Place to Live.”
Where did you attend high school? Naperville North High School – Go HUSKIES!!!
Who inspired you to play an instrument? Bob Hoffman (I also knew Mr. Hoffman from Grace United Methodist Church where I was really given a chance to perform! Organist Nancy Staton’s son plays oboe professionally and she took me under her wing!)
What Instrument (s) do you play? Oboe/English horn, flute, bass drum
How old were you when you started music lessons? I started taking piano lessons when I was 7.
Do you wish you’d learned to play a different instrument? Yes
Which one? Bassoon or tuba
How old were you when you joined the NMB? 18
How long have you played with the NMB? Since 2004… 16 years already?
What’s your favorite type of music / song / theme for NMB concerts? That is really hard to choose just one. My top three are Patriotic, Circus Marches, and Rene concerts.
What kind of music do you prefer to listen to in your car? Lately it has been EDM – electronic dance music.
Who’s your favorite musician or singer? Scott Bradlee or Scott Bradlee’s Post Modern Jukebox
When not playing music, what are your other favorite past times? Since COVID-19 my favorite past time has been riding the Peloton. Follow me #xtee!
What’s your occupation or “day job”? I work at a law firm as a legal assistant.
What’s the importance of music in your life? Music has been such a huge part of my life, and I did not realize how much so until I could not perform or even rehearse with others! I miss having it as an outlet after a rough day and as a celebration on a great day. Music can bring people of all ages, backgrounds, languages, and cultures together.
Any other brief note that might inspire others? When people asked my father, “Do you also play music?” he always responded, “Of course, I play the radio!” Typical dad joke. Even if you do not perform, create or write music, you are not stopped from enjoying it!
