Oregon Symphony Musician Bio

Ken Baldwin

Assistant Principal Bass

Since joining the Oregon Symphony in 1985 Assistant Principal bass Ken Baldwin has enjoyed the many facets of Oregon Symphony life. His off-stage experiences have ranged from creating a set of custom stools for the bass section to serving on the Symphony Board. When provoked, he has joined his colleagues doing committee work. Says Ken, "The Oregon Symphony is remarkable for the way the people of the organization participate and collaborate. Many strong friendships have formed—and I think you hear this when we play a concert."

A native of Minnesota, Ken earned a degree from the Eastman School of Music and continued his study in Chicago where he was a member of the Civic Orchestra. For a couple of years just prior to coming to Portland, he was a member of the Nashville Symphony. He also spent eleven summers performing with Chicago's Grant Park Music Festival.

An active bass teacher, Ken is a faculty member at Portland State University and the University of Portland. His interest in music education has lead to a long-time association with the Seattle Youth Symphony's Marrowstone Music Festival and regular participation at Seattle's Hammond Ashley Memorial Double Bass Workshop. Ken has recently served on the board of the Portland Youth Philharmonic.

Ken and his wife Jeanie, a pianist, have four children.

Biography