Damien Shindelman was born in Miami Beach, Florida, but calls North Carolina his home. In 1977 he won his current position with the Phoenix Symphony and moved to Arizona. He studied oboe and English horn at the North Carolina School of the Arts with John Mack and Joe Robinson, Principal oboists of the Cleveland Orchestra and New York Philharmonic. Damien enjoys collecting modern art, gardening, travel and quiet time at home with his two noisy Pomeranians. He can be found releasing the tension of his 25-year orchestral career at a casino or expanding the tattoo gallery he carries with him.