My former student Rob Knopper won the audition for the section percussion position in the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.   Rob studied with me at the Interlochen Arts Camp and played for me on and off during his time at Juilliard.   He won a position in the New World Symphony last year and now he’s on to the Met.   Congrats to Rob and for all his hard work!   Rob joins Met Opera percussion members Greg Zuber and Scott Stevens.

Congrats to all the percussionists that took this audition – the list was tough and everyone had to devote a serious amount of time in the preparation.

The photo, L to R:   Brian Flesher (New World Symphony timpanist), myself and Rob in front of Juilliard in 2009.

Photo below is my recent visit (2011) to Miami for the New World Symphony audition – I, once again, met up with Rob and Brian.   We spent the day together enjoying Miami Beach.