Name: Aaron McCalla

Instrument: Tuba

Hometown: Duncanville, TX

At what age did you begin playing your instrument? 11

Who have been your greatest musical influences? Warren Deck, Mike Roylance and Matt Good – my teachers who taught me that tuba could be more than just the bass line.

Who are your favorite composers? Bach, Stevie Wonder, Duke Ellington, Debussy, Beethoven, Brahms (not much tuba in there, however).

What career path would you have taken had you not chosen music? I was thinking of going to school for pre-med, but tuba just kept calling.

What's currently playing on your iPod or CD player? Foo-Fighters, Art Blakey, Battles, Herbie Hancock, German Brass.

Your hobbies and interests: Family, friends, sports, the beach, going on trips.