05/05/2026
*Symphony Spotlight*
We're highlighting our wonderful musicians! Today we are featuring a member of our woodwind section.
Name: James Brinkmann
Instrument: Flute
Member of the SSO since 2024
Q: How long have you been playing your instrument?
A: It’s my 25 year flute-anniversary! I began in 7th grade in my public school’s band program. I’m so grateful to my band director Mrs. Holubec for helping me start the journey of a lifetime.
Q: What inspired you to start playing your instrument?
A: The summer before middle school, a woman at my church was an amateur flutist and played a solo one Sunday. I was immediately captivated by the ringing sound! Without knowing what the instrument was, I turned to my mom and said that I had to play it.
Q: Who has been the biggest musical influence in your life?
A: Lisa Byrnes, Associate Principal Flute with the Utah Symphony, was my first flute teacher and is a dear friend. She is a fantastic musician - gorgeous singing tone, versatile and collaborative, and very expressive. She taught me the importance of a beautiful tone and that every note had to mean something. Through the ups and downs of my career, she has shown me the power of kindness, curiosity, trusting the learning process, resilience, and gratitude. I am so grateful to her. I would not be doing what I am today without her support and guidance.
Q: What is one of your favorite pieces to perform?
A: Too hard to choose one so I picked a flute, solo, a chamber piece, and a symphony!
Sonata No. 1 by Eric Ewazen
Au Dela du Temps by Yuko Uebayashi
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5
Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of the Sherman Symphony Orchestra?
A: My colleagues are so friendly and welcoming! It makes music-making so much more fun!
Q: What do you do when you're not making music?
A: I love to stargaze, hike, and play lots of board games! Last year, I went to Glacier National Park for the first time. Life changing.
Q: What's a fun fact about you that might surprise people?
A: I co-wrote a comedic theatrical classical music show about Mozart’s Concerto for flute/oboe called Concerto for Frenemies! It’s about a musical rivalry between a Divo flutist and Diva oboist and has high-energy conflict, banter, audience participation, and virtuosity. We have both chamber and orchestra versions. I love getting to act, perform, and wear an 18th century costume with a fantastic wig!
Q: Why do you think having an orchestra is important for this community?
A: As people, we need to create things and share with others. It keeps us connected and appreciating the beautiful aspects of humanity. Orchestras add a different experience to the wide variety of music and cultural groups that we can have.
Q: What would you say to someone who has never attended an orchestra concert before?
A: I love this question as I did my dissertation on how listener’s make meaning of music! Rest assured, whatever you experience is valid! Join us for a night of beautiful and interesting music and choose your own adventure! Create a story, focus on your emotions, pay attention to specific instruments, see if the music stirs up any memories, or come up with your own focus. Bring an open mind and follow your curiosity!
