Name: David Dash

Instrument: Trumpet

Hometown: Lincroft, NJ

At what age did you begin playing your instrument? 10. I also studied the piano for many years and still enjoy playing.

Who have been your greatest musical influences? My father, primarily. He is a pianist and a clarinetist, and we have performed a lot together over the years.

Who are your favorite composers? Bach, Brahms, Mahler, Prokofiev.

What career path would you have taken had you not chosen music? Psychology.

What's currently playing on your iPod or CD player? Radiohead, Billy Joel, Pearl Jam, Lily Allen, Glenn Gould playing Bach, San Francisco Symphony playing Strauss tone poems.

Your hobbies and interests: Martial arts, chess, poker, playing the piano, reading, politics.

Some little-known, yet interesting facts about you: I was born in Marseilles, France.

Funniest concert moment: As a "starving artist" freelancer in New York, I used to dress up as a clown and march in parades in New Jersey.

Daily practice rituals: I have a routine of exercises that I play every day. They allow me to focus on ways to improve technique. I also like to play along with recordings and copy my favorite trumpet players.

The question you're asked most often about your instrument (and your answer): How loud can you play on that thing? (Answer: You don't really want to know.)

Your favorite part about playing in the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra: The variety! I love being able to play a week of chamber music followed by a week of pops followed by a classical week.