Polishing the Gear: A Soloist Becomes Part of the Claflin Hill 'Watch'

Classical Gassing — November 16, 2025This week’s episode is a heartfelt departure from our usual backstage banter. We dedicate this special recording to Sachiko (“Sashko”) Murata, our November 8th soloist, who delivered an extraordinary performance of the Strauss Oboe Concerto — and then sent Music Director Paul Surapine a deeply personal reflection about her artistic journey.At Paul’s request, Sachiko recorded her story in her own voice.What follows is an intimate audio letter about family, identity, artistic struggle, ego, community, and the moment during last week’s concert when everything changed for her.Sachiko shares:how she was handed her first oboe by her fatherthe painful years of auditioning across the U.S.why she once felt she had “failed” as a musicianthe artistic stubbornness (“kodawari”) that held her backthe realization — during rehearsal with CHSO — that transformed her playingthe joy of becoming “one gear” in the beautifully crafted Claflin Hill watchIt’s honest, vulnerable, and profoundly inspiring.If you’ve ever loved an instrument, chased a dream, or felt shaped by the people who make music with you, this episode will stay with you.Learn more about our orchestra and upcoming concerts at claflinhill.org.#oboe, Strauss, #classical_music, #orchestra_life, #musicianstories, #ClaflinHill, #auditionstruggles, #inspiration