Assistant Principal Trombone Kristofer Leslie has lived in many places — Florida, Puerto Rico, California, Boston, Toronto, and now Calgary — but he considers his hometown to be China, Maine.
Before joining the Calgary Phil in the 2023/2024 season, Kristofer’s freelance career saw him perform with the Toronto Symphony, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, Esprit Orchestra, and the Hannaford Street Silver Band. As he settles into his second season here, Kristofer obliged to provide answers to a few pressing questions…
Assistant Principal Trombone Kristofer Leslie has lived in many places — Florida, Puerto Rico, California, Boston, Toronto, and now Calgary — but he considers his hometown to be China, Maine.
Before joining the Calgary Phil in the 2023/2024 season, Kristofer’s freelance career saw him perform with the Toronto Symphony, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, Esprit Orchestra, and the Hannaford Street Silver Band. As he settles into his second season here, Kristofer obliged to provide answers to a few pressing questions…
Favourite Composer?
I really like to play Bruckner, but my favourite to listen to would probably be Mahler.
Favourite Thing About Calgary/Alberta?
My favourite thing outside of Calgary is the mountains. Every day that I have off that has nice weather, I try to go out and do hiking and scrambling. My favourite thing inside town has got to be all the river pathways, but the brewery and coffee scene is also awesome.
Favourite Thing About Maine?
It has got to be the coastal mountains.
Currently Reading?
I just finished reading Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake trilogy, which is about a futuristic society where shadowy corporations control everything and every time I tell someone that they’re like, “wait, isn’t that just today?”
Currently Watching?
The Boys. I don’t know if it’s a good show, but it’s an addictive show.
Pancakes or Waffles?
Pancakes. Waffles have too much going on.
Vinyl or Streaming?
I stream because I’m a young person.
Rain or Snow?
Snow. No question about it.
Cats or Dogs?
Dogs
Crossword or Wordle?
Neither. Soduku.
Ocean or Lake?
I like lakes, but if I could pick a third thing it would be ‘river.’
Waterskiing or Hiking?
I love waterskiing. All my family water skis. My dad was like a competitive water skier at one point. But I think hiking is more my thing. Just don’t tell my parents.
Big City or Small Town?
I like visiting small towns but, for a place to live, a big city.
Maximalism or Minimalism?
Minimalism. Maybe three times a year I listen to Einstein on the Beach, the Philip Glass opera, which is minimalist as hell in the best way possible.
Laundry or Dishes?
Dishes. I can do dishes in 30 minutes, but laundry takes me like six days.
Roller Coaster or Ferris Wheel?
I think I like roller coasters, but I will get very scared waiting in line.
Morning Person or Night Owl?
I like a good morning — wake up before sunrise, go see the sunrise, drink coffee, and all that stuff.
English or Math?
Math. I was really good at math in high school, really good at science, and really, really terrible at English.
Casual or Formal?
When push comes to shove: very casual. I’ve been known to wear crocs for a variety of occasions.
Introvert or Extrovert?
I tend to be a little bit more extroverted, but I’m very independent with it — an independent extrovert.
A Christmas Carol or Die Hard?
Die Hard.
Favourite Composer?
I really like to play Bruckner, but my favourite to listen to would probably be Mahler.
Favourite Thing About Calgary/Alberta?
My favourite thing outside of Calgary is the mountains. Every day that I have off that has nice weather, I try to go out and do hiking and scrambling. My favourite thing inside town has got to be all the river pathways, but the brewery and coffee scene is also awesome.
Favourite Thing About Maine?
It has got to be the coastal mountains.
Currently Reading?
I just finished reading Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake trilogy, which is about a futuristic society where shadowy corporations control everything and every time I tell someone that they’re like, “wait, isn’t that just today?”
Currently Watching?
The Boys. I don’t know if it’s a good show, but it’s an addictive show.
Pancakes or Waffles?
Pancakes. Waffles have too much going on.
Vinyl or Streaming?
I stream because I’m a young person.
Rain or Snow?
Snow. No question about it.
Cats or Dogs?
Dogs
Crossword or Wordle?
Neither. Soduku.
Ocean or Lake?
I like lakes, but if I could pick a third thing it would be ‘river.’
Waterskiing or Hiking?
I love waterskiing. All my family water skis. My dad was like a competitive water skier at one point. But I think hiking is more my thing. Just don’t tell my parents.
Big City or Small Town?
I like visiting small towns but, for a place to live, a big city.
Maximalism or Minimalism?
Minimalism. Maybe three times a year I listen to Einstein on the Beach, the Philip Glass opera, which is minimalist as hell in the best way possible.
Laundry or Dishes?
Dishes. I can do dishes in 30 minutes, but laundry takes me like six days.
Roller Coaster or Ferris Wheel?
I think I like roller coasters, but I will get very scared waiting in line.
Morning Person or Night Owl?
I like a good morning — wake up before sunrise, go see the sunrise, drink coffee, and all that stuff.
English or Math?
Math. I was really good at math in high school, really good at science, and really, really terrible at English.
Casual or Formal?
When push comes to shove: very casual. I’ve been known to wear crocs for a variety of occasions.
Introvert or Extrovert?
I tend to be a little bit more extroverted, but I’m very independent with it — an independent extrovert.
A Christmas Carol or Die Hard?
Die Hard.