Carol Franklin

Bassoon
Featured
Dec, 2018

When I was 5, my mother sat me down on our piano bench and taught me to read music. I took to it like a duck to water. In the 5th grade, my parents gave me a flute, which I learned to play myself and used to perform with the Morgan School band here in Montrose. In the 8th grade, my music teacher showed me a bassoon, reed, and fingering chart, and said, “When you learn to play, you can join the band.” I felt like a cast off, but it was the best thing, because I love to play bassoon!
I grew up in Montrose and graduated from Montrose High School. In my sophomore year, I tried out and was selected to play with the honor band at Western State. I played through the 11th grade and didn't think much about playing again for many years. I also enjoyed singing and made all state chorus my senior year, although I was unable to attend.

I moved to Grand Junction, got a job, married in 1977, and raised three children. In 1998, when my youngest child was a senior in high school, I found out that the VSA owned a bassoon that was available. My brother, Paul Good, told me this. He played the bassoon part on his euphonium in the VSO from 1984-1998. It had been 26 years since I had played. It was difficult at first, but I was determined and kept at it. I had the joy of playing a couple of concerts with my brother, but sadly he relocated.

I enjoy hiking, traveling, and being a grandma, sewing, gardening, and playing piano at my church and for chapel at the VA hospital.

I’ve been playing with the orchestra since 1998, except for about a years' absence while I was caring for my husband. I enjoy playing and feel like we're family in the VSA, and it's a joy to be a part of the organization. Music has always been an important part of my life.