Military Appreciation Month: Master Sergeant Christian Eberle ’88
Military Branch: United States Army
Military Band: United States Army Band
“My conservatory experience prepared me well for what has been a long and successful career in classical music. The opportunities to study and perform at NEC and in Boston provided me with the perfect foundation for my success in a variety of musical challenges.”
Why did you choose NEC?
Of all the cities with music schools, Boston struck me as offering the best balance between livability and cultural diversity with opportunity. I was also attracted to NEC's faculty and the opportunity to study with members of the BSO.
What are some of your favorite memories from your time at NEC?
NEC afforded me the best studio instruction available. Learning my craft from legendary bassoon players and studying chamber music with industry luminaries gave me a foundation that I still draw upon today. I was fortunate to be in the Honors Woodwind Quintet in 1985-86 which afforded me tremendous opportunities in both performance and study.
Share a story about one of your favorite faculty or studio instructor.
During my senior year, I commuted from New York for lessons with Leonard Sharrow to finish my degree. We had two-hour lessons every other week. He would give me change to feed the parking meter when we took a break. His friendship was something I have cherished to this day.
What have you been up to since graduating from NEC? What projects have you been working on?
I performed for 27 years with the West Point Band from 1987-2013. Since moving to Florida in 2013, I have played with many local orchestras for concerts, ballet, and opera. I have also had chamber and solo opportunities, and collaborated with many fine musicians from a variety of backgrounds.
How have your NEC experiences shaped your artistic approach?
My conservatory experience prepared me well for what has been a long and successful career in classical music. The opportunities to study and perform at NEC and in Boston provided me with the perfect foundation for my success in a variety of musical challenges. By also playing in a military band, I was able to experience music outside the traditional classical genre.
Do you have any advice for young musicians/current NEC students?
Keep an open mind. There is far more one can do with a classical instrument than play in a symphony orchestra. Chamber music is a great way to better one's craft because there is no place to hide.
Precision is required at all times. A military band is no less demanding than a professional orchestra, and if playing with a military band is something you think interests you, it comes with an unparalleled compensation and benefits package.
Share any other stories about what has inspired you at NEC and beyond.
The instruction I received in the studio and in chamber coachings is something I will always draw on no matter where or what I'm playing. Learning from people like Louis Krasner, Fred Cohen, Roland Small, Sherman Walt, Leonard Sharrow, John Heiss, Frank Battisti is something I feel very fortunate to be a part of.
Learn more about Christian:
Current Job Title & Employer: Freelance Musician
Graduation Year: 1988
Degree: Bachelor’s of Music
Major: Bassoon Performance
Instrument: Bassoon
Facebook: facebook.com/chris.eberle.167
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chris-eberle-49b64520