Principal bassoonist Rian Craypo is currently in her third season with the Houston Symphony. Born in Virginia but raised in Texas, Rian grew up in a small community east of Austin. After studying at the University of Texas at Austin with Kristin Wolfe Jensen and the Hochschule für Musik in Würzburg, Germany with Albrecht Holder, she received her Master’s degree in bassoon at Rice University, studying with the former principal bassoonist of the Houston Symphony, Benjamin Kamins. Rian’s versatility as a performer has led to appearances in a variety of roles. She was awarded a Federation of German/American Clubs Scholarship in 2001, which lead to study and performances in Germany and Norway, and was a finalist in the Gillet-Fox International Bassoon Competition in both 2004 and 2006. Rian and her composer/firefighter husband Sean have one daughter, Amelia Jane.

What are your favorite hobbies?
I like to scavenge thrift stores for finds, do fiber arts (knitting, felting, sewing), and read enormous books.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
My parents have a 40 acre farm just outside of Bastrop, TX, and my in-laws live in Durango, CO. We decide based on the weather in Houston!

If you weren’t a musician, what would you most like to do?
After the birth of my daughter Amelia, I have become very interested in midwifery. And although I know it to be a very difficult job, stay at home mother sounds pretty satisfying, too.