Carin Miller Packwood

Carin Miller Packwood joined the Oregon Symphony as principal bassoon in December 2008. Prior to her move to Portland, Carin held the principal bassoon position with the Jacksonville Symphony from 2005 to 2008 and the Shreveport (LA) Symphony from 2004 to 2005. Carin regularly performs as guest principal bassoon with the Oregon Ballet Theatre and Portland Opera, and has appeared with the Buffalo Philharmonic, Houston Grand Opera, New World Symphony, Spoleto Festival USA, and the Cabrillo Festival. A passionate chamber musician, Carin has performed with Chamber Music Northwest, 45th Parallel, the Martingale Ensemble, Classical Up Close, and the Chintimini Chamber Music Festival and has been featured on All Classical Portland’s Thursdays @ Three radio program. Carin recently curated and performed in a chamber music program with commissions from local composers and in conjunction with the Audubon Society of Portland to raise awareness of the impact of climate change. An equally passionate teacher, Carin is the bassoon professor at Reed College, and maintains a private studio for students of all ages. A native of Queens, NY, Carin holds a bachelor’s degree from the Juilliard School, an Advanced Certificate from the University of Southern California, and a master’s degree from Rice University Shepherd School of Music. Carin is indebted to her teachers, which include Frank Morelli, Whitney Crockett, Stephen Maxym, and Benjamin Kamins. When not performing, teaching, or making reeds, you can find Carin in the garden or kitchen, reading, or out exploring the natural world with her husband Matthew and son Elias.