Orchestral Excerpt Insights: Jennifer Gunn

Audiences around the world have marveled at the beautiful and consistent playing of Jennifer Gunn, piccolo and flute of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Her instrument may be small, but her approach to making music with it is mighty.

In this Orchestral Excerpt Insights video, she describes the importance of airflow, sound concept and rigorous preparation. “An excerpt like the Shostakovich Sixth, first movement, needs a very strong, steady air stream, even though the printed dynamic of piano is deceptive and makes the player want to play less,“ she said. ”But in fact, for me, that piano dynamic means power and strength in a tiny package. So I don’t want to play loud, but I can’t play without an inner strength and determination.”

Explore more Orchestral Excerpt Insights