Jenna McBride
2nd Horn
Describe your ideal vacation.
My ideal vacation changes, depending on the season and/or my mood. Currently, I would like to go to Wallowa Lake, OR with my family and stay in a cabin with a wood-burning fireplace. We would go horseback riding, fishing/swimming/BBQing off of a pontoon boat in the lake for a day and perhaps parasailing. Then I would take my horn up on a gondola into the Wallowa Mountains and charm some Mountain goats with its dulcet tones.
If you could visit any location in the world, where would it be?
I would definitely visit Ireland. I have always wanted to go, and haven’t quite made it there yet. I particularly want to visit the Aran Islands where Gaelic is still spoken and I can just enjoy being in the land of my ancestors.
Who is your favorite recording artist or group?
My favorite group, hands down, would have to be The Decemberists. Like most great things, they come from Oregon, and I love how their music and lyrics are infused with so much variety and are influenced by other artists or literature. I especially appreciate how they tell a story, whether through one song or throughout the whole album. Plus, who doesn’t love the accordion? “The Crane Wife” is my favorite album, closely followed by “Hazards of Love.”
What do you like most about working for the Symphony?
I love the opportunity to play some of my favorite pieces with a fine orchestra that A.) Respects our esteemed maestro, B.) Respects each other and C.) Enjoys playing together!
Describe a perfect meal.
The perfect meal would be made and shared with excellent company, perhaps an adult beverage or two, and eating just enough to feel full---not like the Michelin man. Some sort of decadent dessert and coffee would create a nice finish.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the wild and wonderful Great Pacific Northwest, and am a proud native of the majestic state of Oregon. Specifically, I am from Newberg, OR, which is about 35 minutes southwest of Portland.
Where did you go to college and what was your major?
I went to St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, where I received my BM in Horn Performance.
Your past jobs and employers?
I have been a chef, barista, food service underling, camp counselor, administrative assistant, telemarketer, private horn instructor, and am now a Box Office Customer Service Representative extraordinaire. I work for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Ensemble Theater of Cincinnati, and work for the Cincinnati Opera in the summer. Ask me about affordable subscription options!
