“Even if I hadn’t done music for a living, being in GDYO greatly impacted my life by making lifelong friends and memories that I still enjoy today.”

Mr. Buemi received both a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degree in clarinet performance from Southern Methodist University. He currently plays in the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra and Dallas Chamber Symphony. Mr. Buemi is an Adjunct Professor of Clarinet and Music Appreciation at Dallas College and also maintains a private studio. He is also a member and performs regularly with several groups including: Open Classical, The Belmark Trio, Savoy Swing, Swing Alley, and Mr. CJ’s.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE GDYO EXPERIENCE OR MEMORY? DO YOU FEEL THAT GDYO HAD AN IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?

There are so many but the favorite would definitely have to be the European tour we did in the summer of 2004. Seeing so many historical sites and performing great music in legendary concert halls across Europe, it was definitely the pinnacle of my time in GDYO. And GDYO absolutely had an tremendous impact on my life. As someone who makes a living playing and teaching music, of course getting to study great symphonic repertoire from Mr. Gianguilio and other DSO players helped shape me into the musician I am today but even if I hadn’t done music for a living, being in GDYO greatly impacted my life by making lifelong friends and memories that I still enjoy today.

TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU’VE BEEN UP TO SINCE GRADUATING FROM GDYO. HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH OPEN CLASSICAL?

Well, after graduating I went to SMU and got my bachelors and masters in clarinet performance. And it was there that I met a good friend named Thiago Nascimento who later became the original pianist of Open Classical and its Classical Open Mic Night. He was the one who introduced me to the crazy magical world of Classical Open Mic. I immediately fell in love with the wonderful people and the camaraderie of classical music there that I became a regular. Eventually Mark Landson, the director of Open Classical, asked me to take over hosting duties (probably because he knew they weren’t getting rid of me!) But seriously, I’m passionate of the vision of that organization which is to perform classical music in venues that don’t typically get to hear it and present it to people who would never go to a symphony concert and show them just how relevant and wonderful it is. In my time with Open Classical, I know several people who come to our events who would’ve never gone to the symphony hall but have done so now and that is the mission of what we do.

WHAT LIFE ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AND WHY?

I’m most proud to be a family man, husband, and father to my 2 year old and 2 month old. They are my world!

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

The pastor at my church is my greatest inspiration. Even though he doesn’t teach music, he ‘s the best teacher I’ve ever known and he’s so encouraging to me. Although he’s teaching a totally different subject, I use a lot of his same teaching techniques with my own students. He inspires me to teach with passion, to become a better student of the word, and to inspire the next generation of young musicians.

ANY HOBBIES, FUN FACTS, OR LIFE HIGHLIGHTS OUTSIDE OF YOUR CAREER THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

I really enjoy cooking – it’s a love language of mine! I love cooking for people and I love researching new recipes that are both healthy and delicious, I also enjoy sports, especially watching football, basketball and baseball. I can’t wait to take my kids to games someday!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CURRENT GDYO STUDENTS?

Enjoy this moment! I once read this quote: “the lust of future comfort is a thief of joy.” We are all so busy looking forward to the next thing – going to college, getting a career, etc. that we forget to enjoy the present moment. All those friends I made in GDYO and high school I don’t see on a regular basis anymore, some not at all. Growing is good but enjoy this moment because it will never be the same. I wish I had savored those moments and friendships more. Even if you don’t become a professional musician, the things you learn in GDYO are skills will carry you on to the rest of your life.

THANK YOU BRENT BUEMI FOR STEPPING INTO GDYO’S ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT! If you are a local GDYO alum, come meet Brent and other alumni next Tuesday August 30 for our second annual Alumni Classical Open Mic Night!

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW WOULD BE INTERESTED IN SHARING THE ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT OR WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE GDYO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, CONTACT CHARILYNE ROJAS AT CHARILYNE@GDYO.ORG.

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