Kaleb Collins joined the Louisville Orchestra bass section in 2024. He was previously a member of the Chattanooga Symphony and the Knoxville Symphony, and has performed as a guest with the Memphis Symphony, Nashville Symphony, and Cincinnati Symphony. His playing can also be heard in many popular TV, film, and video game soundtracks recorded with Nashville Music Scoring. Kaleb first studied with his middle school’s orchestra director and former Knoxville Symphony bassist, Daniel Thompson. He earned degrees from the University of Memphis, and the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, where his primary teachers were John Chiego and Rachel Calin, respectively. He also participated in various summer programs, including the Aspen Music Festival. Away from the orchestra, Kaleb enjoys teaching, practicing other genres, playing the guitar, as well as writing and recording his own music.

What do you enjoy most about performing with the Louisville Orchestra?

It is meaningful for me that we play so much in different communities, offer free concerts, and work to make the experience of live orchestral music accessible to a wider audience.

In what ways do you think the Louisville Orchestra can make the greatest impact on our community?
Educating young people holds a lot of significance for me. While I was growing up, going to see my local orchestra and interacting with my teachers and the other musicians was so inspiring to me. Through them I was exposed to amazing art, culture, and ideas that I wouldn’t have ever discovered on my own. They helped me learn to appreciate beauty in the world around me on a deeper level. I hope to make the same impact on the lives of future generations that my hometown musicians made on me.

What is your favorite type of orchestral music to perform, and why?  

Late romantic symphonic music; I love the grand scale and emotional intensity involved with these pieces.

Do you have a Louisville Orchestra or event that is especially meaningful or memorable?

In rehearsal for my very first concert here while we were playing Mozart’s Piano Concerto 21 with David Fray, everyone was so effortlessly synchronized and in tune with each other. I had a special moment where I was overwhelmed with gratitude to be a part of that sound, realizing how fortunate I am to play with such amazing colleagues!

What are some things that inspire you as a musician?

I love to learn about the lives of composers, and the circumstances/stories behind their specific pieces.

What’s something unique, surprising, fun, or interesting about you?  

I used to produce music for hip hop artists and record them in my college dorm room.

What are some of your hobbies outside the LO?

I like creating my own music as an amateur guitarist, drummer, keyboard player, and audio engineer. I also enjoy spending time outside hiking and camping and stuff like that.

What's on your playlist (what song are you currently into)?

Doom Gong!