Those 20 years in uniform took him around the world. His most memorable Air Force experience was a deployment to perform in the Middle East, “it changed my life,” he says, “an experience unlike anything I’d ever encountered.”

With the Coast Guard Band, one assignment sent him across five Pacific islands over four weeks.

But the moment that started it all came much earlier, as a young person performing with the Houston Youth Symphony alongside jazz legend Chick Corea.

“This concert lit the fuse that led me to decide I wanted to be a musician for the rest of my life.”

This season, Cedric is a featured soloist at the CSO’s season opener, Swing Swing Swing.

He’ll tell you he loved doing the orchestra’s John Williams program. “I’ve always had very special moments performing the music of John Williams. It connects with the audience in such a special way. His music is easy to listen to, but very challenging to play well.”

Off stage, Cedric is refreshingly himself. He’s devoted to fitness (“but mostly music!”), shares his home with two dogs: Melo, a pit-boxer rescue, and Deucington, a Cane Corso known as Deuce, and is, by his own cheerful admission, “a cereal connoisseur of sorts.” (Everything from organic granola to Lucky Charms, and a warm bowl of Cream of Wheat made with, quote, “all the right ingredients — chef’s secrets.”)

The person he credits most is the late Ross Powell, his undergraduate clarinet teacher. “His compassion, dedication, and belief in me paved the way for the rest of my career. I learned a great deal about myself through him.”

What does Cedric want you to know about him? He said it best himself:

Come Hear Cedric For Yourself

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Chair sponsorships are one of the most meaningful ways to support the CSO. Every dollar goes directly toward the artistic operations of the orchestra — music rentals, guest artist fees, venue costs, and the countless behind-the-scenes needs that make each concert possible.

Chair sponsors are recognized in every concert program alongside the musician they support.

A lifelong sci-fi fan, Mark had a particularly good time at a recent themed concert. “I was fortunate to sit in and play with the CSO during the Space concert.

What a BLAST!” (Yes, he wanted you to catch that one.) He’s quick to credit the person setting the programming: “We’re very lucky that our conductor, Gary Liebst, does a stellar job of picking great content for us.”

His musical hero is a fitting one for a brass player who loves cinema. “John Williams has been a huge impact on me,” Mark says. “So many fantastic melodies, and he has shaped musical cinema around the world.”

Home is full and happy. Mark has been married to his wife Christie for 26 years, and they have two grown children — Dylan, 25, and Madison, 21. 

After nearly three decades of teaching, Mark has a favorite pitch for anyone on the fence about learning an instrument:

And the words he left us with are pure Mark — equal parts encouragement and grin:

Come Hear Mark For Yourself

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Sponsor A Chair

Chair sponsorships are one of the most meaningful ways to support the CSO. Every dollar goes directly toward the artistic operations of the orchestra — music rentals, guest artist fees, venue costs, and the countless behind-the-scenes needs that make each concert possible.

Chair sponsors are recognized in every concert program alongside the musician they support.

One of his most meaningful memories isn’t a single concert, but a connection. “When I met my sponsor, I was touched and honored to have my chair sponsored by such incredible people.”

It’s a reminder that behind every musician is often a supporter making the music possible.

Ken’s love of music was sharpened by Billy Ledbetter, his music leader in a professional big band he once played in. “I would tell him thank you for his brazen honesty,” Ken says, “and that I’m still working to be my best.”

Home is full: his wife Natalie, sons Owen and Clayton, daughter Kay, and dog Petra. And when it comes to the people in the seats, Ken doesn’t mince words about who matters most:

Come Hear Ken For Yourself

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Sponsor A Chair

Chair sponsorships are one of the most meaningful ways to support the CSO. Every dollar goes directly toward the artistic operations of the orchestra — music rentals, guest artist fees, venue costs, and the countless behind-the-scenes needs that make each concert possible.

Chair sponsors are recognized in every concert program alongside the musician they support.

The teacher who shaped her most was her own violin professor, Andrew Wilson, whom she studied with from 11th grade through college.

“He was a major influence on my choice of college and major, which then built my life,” she says. “He told me once that he thought I was put on this earth to play the violin, and that stuck with me.” He also liked to tease her about her braces, about her technique before she met him. 

Come Hear Lorraine For Yourself

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Sponsor A Chair

Chair sponsorships are one of the most meaningful ways to support the CSO. Every dollar goes directly toward the artistic operations of the orchestra — music rentals, guest artist fees, venue costs, and the countless behind-the-scenes needs that make each concert possible.

Chair sponsors are recognized in every concert program alongside the musician they support.

Come Hear Liz For Yourself

To Learn More About Our Musicians

Sponsor A Chair

Chair sponsorships are one of the most meaningful ways to support the CSO. Every dollar goes directly toward the artistic operations of the orchestra — music rentals, guest artist fees, venue costs, and the countless behind-the-scenes needs that make each concert possible.

Chair sponsors are recognized in every concert program alongside the musician they support.