“Welcome to Enter Stage Left. I’m your host, Yvette Monique Clark. This is the spot where we kick it about all things theatre — with veterans and newbies alike. From onstage, to backstage, and even under the stage, we’re talking stories, craft, and the passion that keeps the theatre world alive. So whether you're a performer, a crew member, or just a lover of the stage, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.”

What does it really take to play one of the hardest instruments in the orchestra?

In this episode of Enter Stage Left Podcast, Yvette Monique Clark sits down with a professional French horn player to talk about the hidden world of orchestras, Broadway pits, Carnegie Hall, and the physical discipline behind life as a working musician.

From why the French horn is considered one of the most difficult instruments to master, to the pressure of counting dozens of silent measures before one perfect entrance, this conversation pulls audiences behind the curtain of what musicians truly experience.

The episode also dives into: • Performing at Carnegie Hall • The emotional full-circle moment of returning to Carnegie as a professional musician • Broadway pit culture and networking • The physical demands of brass playing • Stress management, endurance, and musician wellness • Teaching the next generation of performers • The realities of working in New York’s music scene

Whether you’re a theatre lover, musician, performer, educator, or just fascinated by the artistry behind live performance, this episode offers an honest and inspiring look into the unseen work that powers the stage.