Eric Polenik, Bassist

Bassist Eric J. Polenik was drawn to the instrument's low sound at age 16 after hearing Beethoven for the first time. While studying at Duquesne University, he served as Principal Bass of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra. In Rochester, Eric has continued his studies with Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Principal Bassist, Robert Zimmerman, and has since joined the RPO's bass section. He was a founding member of the NEO Chamber Orchestra, a student operated ensemble based out of Rochester, NY. In addition to serving as principal bassist, Eric was a writer, creating scripts and stories to follow the concerts' programs. He is also a bass instructor at the Eastman Community Music School and bass coach for the New Horizons Orchestra.

Education:

Eastman School of Music, Master of Music in Bass Performance and Literature
Duquesne University, Bachelors of Music in Bass Performance and Literature

Trained with:

Robert Zimmerman
James VanDemark
Jeffrey Turner
Micah Howard

Performed with:

Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Brighton Symphony Orchestra
New Horizons Orchestra
Rochester Oratorio Society
Rochester Chamber Orchestra
Madrigalia

Home town:

Outside of Indiana, PA. I like that people can still pick up on where I grew up because of our unique dialect. I was very much into the outdoors and loved the hills, mountains and endless woods and trails. It was the perfect place for me to grow up. We turned old coal mines into race tracks for our ATVs and Mountain bikes, and there were always new places to explore. Now when I visit my parents' house, I like to lounge on the porch, watching all the different birds come in for seeds.

Favorite performance memory:

My first week performing with the RPO. I thought I knew what good playing was, but they took all the technical skills musicians learn and created an inspiring performance. I walked away understanding that an ensemble is less a machine than an organic being with a life of its own.

Funniest performance moment:

At a benefit concert, I told the audience that my solo piece was so emotional that eventually the music would burst forth and one instrument wouldn't be enough. Performing it, I could really feel the connection with the audience, the rapture in the room, everyone hanging on every note. When the climax came, the music burst forth from my bass into my voice. I began to sing the melody in my out-of-breath, laboring way while still accompanying myself on the bass. It would have been perfect if not for two of the cutest little girls sitting in the front row giggling. No amount of hushing from their mother could make them stop. By the end I couldn't keep a straight face and sang the last few bars with a big smile.

Other interests:

In summer I'm on my motorcycle. Otherwise, I like to cook and eat, play my classical guitar, and compose.