MEET ZACK!

We are thrilled to introduce you to Zack Gauvain, our new clarinetist! Zack is also a clarinetist in the President's Own Marine Band. We've asked him a few very important questions to help you get to know him a little better!

Who the heck are you and where are you from?

I’m Zack! Originally from Texas! (I own cowboy boots and everything). Specifically DFW area and Austin (the greatest city ever.) I’m currently living in Capitol Hill East in DC.

What is the name of your clarinet?

My B-flat’s name is Shoshanna, and my current A clarinet is named Eleanor. But I have a new A clarinet on the way so stay tuned…!

What is your biggest fear?

Tornados. Although, I’ve always wanted to be a storm chaser so I guess that’s sort of a fascination/fear?

Favorite place to get coffee in the DC area?

Peregrine Espresso. They are like the Porsche of coffee: elegant and turbocharged.

If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why?

Tough call, I’d probably be some kind of sugary cereal like Lucky Charms due to my somewhat caffeinated nature.

What’s your favorite piece of music?

Another tough call! I’d say Gran Partita by Mozart, followed very closely by Bach’s Goldberg Variations.

How many quilts do you sew each year (on average)?

So far I have sewn zero quilts. But I have owned the same quilt for about 15 years and it’s still going strong!

Spirit animal?

The majestic moose.

What is the coolest concert you’ve ever been a part of?

I was fortunate enough to be able to play principal on Rachmaninov’s 2nd symphony at a music festival in Spoleto, Italy. I’ve never felt so physically and emotionally exhausted after a concert. It really changed the way I thought about performing. I then realized the best performances occur when you pour your entire heart and soul into it.

Which house were you in at Hogwarts?

GRYFFINDOR!

What would be the name of your debut album?

“Insanity”, with a picture of me on the cover doing something dumb.

Doughnuts?

WHERE?!?