Biography
Sam Blair joined the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s bassoon section in 2026. Born and raised in Frisco, TX, Sam received bassoon performance degrees from Southern Methodist University and the Yale School of Music. He then became a bassoon fellow with the New World Symphony in Miami, FL, where he played for almost two seasons before winning a position with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra for contra and utility bassoon in 2012. In this role, he worked with touring ballet companies from all over the world, as well as the Washington National Opera Orchestra.
During his time in Washington D.C., Sam was a frequent substitute musician with the National Symphony Orchestra, playing two one-year contracts with the orchestra from 2022-24. He has also been a guest musician with the Malaysian Philharmonic, Baltimore Symphony, and Los Angeles Philharmonic.
His primary teachers include Wilfred Roberts, former principal bassoon of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and Frank Morelli. Under their guidance, Sam was able to attend many summer festivals, including the National Repertory Orchestra, Round Top Festival Institute, Sarasota Music Festival, Spoleto Festival in Charleston, S.C., and the Verbier Festival in Switzerland.
During his time at the New World Symphony, Sam performed with the YouTube Symphony in Sydney, Australia and considers this to be one of the best experiences of his personal and professional life.