Double bassist Luke Halpern is a senior at Friends’ Central School in Wynnewood, PA. Luke currently studies with Christian Gray of The Philadelphia Orchestra and serves as the Principal Double Bassist of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra. His past teachers include Heather Miller Lardin, Robert Kesselman, and Lesa Hornaday-Kurtz.
At Friends’ Central, Luke performs regularly in the orchestra, jazz band and house band, and will take on the role of Assistant Music Director of its spring musical, Head Over Heels.
In addition to participation in these ensembles, Luke has also performed in the PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association) All-State Orchestra and participated in the Boston University Tanglewood Institute’s Double Bass Workshop in the Summer of 2023, studying under Todd Seeber of The Boston Symphony Orchestra.
When he isn’t playing, Luke enjoys long-distance running, cooking, reading, and playing with his two dogs, Bentley and Bella. Luke plans on studying music and neuroscience next fall at Brown University and hopes to play bass in the Brown Symphony Orchestra.
10 Questions with Luke Halpern:
1. What was one thing that surprised you when you first started playing in an orchestra?
When I first started playing in an orchestra, I was surprised by the importance of the conductor. As a little kid, I always thought that the conductor just kept time for the ensemble, however I quickly learned that the job extends far beyond that.
2. What’s your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
My favorite thing about Philadelphia is the amount of creativity that runs through the city, whether in music, theater, or visual and culinary art. The constant stream of new art in the city makes it such an exciting and enjoyable place to live.
3. What inspires you?
I’m inspired when I get to discuss subjects with my teachers and peers that they’re deeply passionate about. Even if we don’t share the same interests, I love an opportunity to learn something new.
4. What advice would you give your 9-year old self?
I would tell my 9-year-old self to not get discouraged if I felt like I wasn’t getting better at my instrument, because progress isn’t always (or usually) linear! I know everyone says this, but the secret to improving is consistent practice! Try to make time to practice every day.
5. What was one thing about your instrument that surprised you when you started learning to play?
The one thing that surprised me the most was how high I can actually play on the bass. Many of the solo pieces I learn take me way into treble clef, and the sound that comes out of the instrument can easily be mistaken for that of a cello.
6. What was your dream job as a kid?
My dream job as a kid was to become a pediatric neurosurgeon–it still is!
7. What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading The Men with the Pink Triangle, by Heinz Heger for my English class at school, and James, by Percival Everett on my own time.
8. Who are some musicians that have influenced your playing?
Some of the most influential musicians in my musical career so far have been my current teacher, Christian Gray, and previous teachers Heather Miller Lardin, Robert Kesselman, and Lesa Hornaday-Kurtz. I have also been inspired by Yo-Yo Ma, Joe Conyers, Ranaan Meyer and Todd Seeber.
9. Do you have any hidden talents?
My hidden talent is cooking–I make a really good omelette, topped with fresh herbs from my garden!
10. Do you have any tips for people just getting started on an instrument?
I would tell people to listen to standard repertoire for their instrument and select pieces to set as goals for the future. When students first begin working on music, the pieces they play are often beginner’s exercises that lack emotional intensity and musicality. Although it may be a while before they can play these works, hearing what their instrument sounds like when played at a high level can be inspiring and motivating. I know it was for me! Similarly, I would also recommend going to see the Philadelphia Orchestra or even PYO (Philadelphia Youth Orchestra)!
