Keith Packman has had an active freelance career in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for the past decade. He can regularly be heard performing with various ensembles around DFW and is an active member of the Lone Star Wind Orchestra. Also, a specialist in chamber music, Keith is a part of two professional tuba-euphonium quartets. For more information on Keith, visit his website.
What do you love most about the tuba?
The tuba is extremely capable of performing in so many different musical concepts. I absolutely love being the bottom-end of an ensemble, holding down the bassline and groove for everyone else to soar over. I also love being a soloist, displaying the beautiful timbre of the tuba through melodies across many registers. If I have an idea for something I want to play, the tuba can probably do it!
Do you have a favorite experience playing with Lone Star?
One of my first performances with LSWO was as a substitute musician for the “Epic Tales” concert back in 2013. This was my first time performing at the Meyerson Symphony Center in downtown Dallas and I remember being awe-struck by getting to make such fabulous music with great musicians in such a glorious hall. It really opened my eyes (and my ears!) to not only how wonderful a wind band can truly sound but also inspired my drive as a younger musician to keep working hard so that I would have more of those opportunities!
What do you like to do outside of playing music?
Outside of my constant work as a musician, I’m lucky that I’m still a very passionate music-listening fan. I’m currently digging the 2021 albums from black midi, Remi Wolf, Benny Sings, and Tyler, the Creator. I’m also trying to be a good example of a functional adult who still really likes to play video games and recently purchased my first Virtual Reality (VR) headset. My wife and I have only broken one light fixture, so far!
Listen to Keith Packman perform David Uber’s arrangement of Amazing Grace with the LSWO Low Brass Quartet.
The Lone Star Wind Orchestra is comprised of professional wind, brass, and percussion musicians throughout North Texas and beyond. All players are equally essential to the success of the LSWO.