[ad_1]
Being a musician is much more than just playing an instrument. Choosing the right instrument and making music can be a life changing experience. Being a musician is more than a talent or a hobby; it builds the skills you need to be the player and make the music you want.
Rob Thorsen is a committed and experienced instrumentalist, convinced of his musical abilities and visions, who has been performing for more than 40 years. His bass hums with warmth as he weaves creative instrumental textures.
Thorsen is also familiar with other instrumental sounds. At 6 he played the baritone ukulele, at 8 he played classical guitar, then flute, saxophone and tuba. At the age of 19 he bought his first electric bass at a flea market in San Francisco and fell in love with the instrument.
“I started playing with different bands on the streets of San Francisco and played in different places in San Francisco day and night,” Thorsen said.
His career began with small gigs and cruise lines, and he soon became a full-time professional musician.
“I really found my voice in the double bass and couldn’t be happier than now,” he said
As Thorsen’s performing career progressed, he realized his love and talent for education. “It meant a lot to me to be able to help others to develop themselves and to find their voice on their instrument.”
Thorsen, who lives in South Park, currently teaches two ensembles at the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory. He also leads groups for multiple educational programs for San Diego Unified Schools.
“Fifteen years ago I founded ‘Jazz an American Art Form’ with trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos, guitarist Bob Boss and drummer Richard Sellers. This program regularly reaches 8,000-10,000 students annually, mostly in underserved communities, ”he said.
He is also involved in a program at the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library called World of Jazz, which was co-founded with pianist Danny Green. They appear in 10 to 12 schools a year. And he’s involved in numerous jazz clinics and programs in San Diego and across the country.
When Steph Johnson, Thorsen’s wife, and pianist Nina Deering founded Voices Of our City Choir in 2016, Thorsen came together to give homeless people the opportunity to sing, perform and rebuild their lives. The choir achieved national fame on the successful NBC TV show America’s Got Talent, where it received the coveted “Golden Buzzer” and made it to the show’s finale.
“Most importantly, we have worked to change the public’s perception of homelessness and show respect for our vulnerable neighbors,” Thorsen said.
Thorsen is enthusiastic about music.
“I love playing music and I love the joy it brings to people. Music is a universal language that heals and overcomes barriers from language, politics, religion and more.
“As a performer you are constantly challenged and have to be constantly motivated to continue on your path. I definitely enjoy this challenge and I now have just as much fun making music as never before in my life. ”
However, the pandemic has taken a huge toll. Independent artists have been hardest hit, and the field is still a long way from being restored.
“I worked so much before the pandemic,” he said. “It was a bit of a relief to have this self-imposed vacation, but of course we all had to do our business.”
As with many musicians, Thorsen switched to a virtual podium. He began conducting weekly radio and remote performances with various musicians that were pre-recorded.
“Every Sunday I present different artists and we perform live on Facebook on my terrace for a one-hour concert.”
About this series
Lallia Allali is a member of the Union-Tribune’s Community Advisory Board. She is a management coach and volunteer. She chairs the English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) for the San Diego Unified School District.
Someone San Diego Should Know is a weekly column written by members of the UT’s Community Advisory Board about local people who are interesting and noteworthy because of their experience, accomplishments, creativity, or references.
[ad_2]
Source link
