Music & Arts’ Interview with Simply Three

In late 2016, Music & Arts invited the string group Simply Three to perform at several of our stores. Instead of interviewing only one member of the group, we thought we’d switch it up and interview each member individually. Whether you play the violin, the cello, the string bass, or just enjoy music, you’re sure to enjoy what we have in store for you. Read on for our exclusive interview with Simply Three!

GLEN MCDANIEL, VIOLIN

Where are you from?

Dallas, TX

How did you meet?

I met Nick through an ensemble called Alkali that we both were a part of for some time, and I met Zack via collaboration with S3 prior to joining the group.

Classical Crossover is such a fun and exciting new genre for string players, what inspired you to get into this genre?

For me, playing in a funk/r&b band for the years preceding S3 really opened my eyes to what string instruments could do outside of the symphony orchestra/classical genre. It challenged me in new ways, and I really found the challenges to be unique and inspiring.

How long have you played your instruments and why did you choose the violin/cello/ bass?

22 years. My mom chose the violin for me because she adores it and wanted one of her kids play it because she never had the opportunity to do so.

What is your advice for a beginner string player choosing which instrument to play?

Play each of them and also listen to a solo piece of music for each and see if any one in particular speaks to your heart.

Have you taken private lessons? If so, when did you start and what advice do you have for beginning string players thinking about taking private lessons?

Absolutely. Started private lessons from the start because my community didn’t have an orchestra at the time. My advice would be to start lessons immediately even if you have a program in school. It’s just a much more personalized and in-depth way of learning your instrument from the beginning, which is highly advantageous.

What is the one thing every beginning string player needs?

Immense patience.

What are your must-have accessories for performing?

For what we do, I need my DPA microphone without question. In general, though, just my instrument, some rosin, and a bucket of confidence.

Sherman Dark Violin and Viola Rosin is a light rosin great for meeting the needs of student musicians. Learn More

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to make it in the music industry?

Just like a beginner, you must have immense patience. Surround yourself with honest colleagues and peers to help drive you towards new levels, and make sure you know your worth and never part from that standing. Moreover, immerse yourself in a multitude of genres so you don’t limit your opportunity.

What are the next steps for your group? Where can we see Simply Three in the future?

More performing, more recording, more creating. You’ll hopefully see us everywhere.

NICHOLAS VILLALOBOS, STRING BASS

Where are you from?

I’m a born and raised Arizonan. Born is Chandler, AZ and actually still live in Chandler ,AZ.

How did you meet?

I have known Zack since we were in high school. We played in the Phoenix Youth Symphony together through high school. We also participated in regional and All-State orchestras together. We always had a good time performing together growing up. I met Glen a few years ago as a part of string orchestra we toured with. When we were in need of a new violinist I knew just the man to ask. Glen joined the group just over two years ago.

Classical Crossover is such a fun and exciting new genre for string players, what inspired you to get into this genre?

I grew up listening to all kinds of music. I loved listening to Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and the Beatles just to name a few. I always wanted to be a part of rock band so I figured well why can’t I just play that kind of music on my classical instrument in my own way? It’s been fun trying to figure out how to play these different songs on these instruments in a way that is still effective as the original.

How long have you played your instruments and why did you choose the violin/cello/ bass?

I’ve been playing bass for about 18 years now. I actually started on the violin.  But after a few years I started to really not like it. I discovered the bass at an instrument petting zoo that the Phoenix Symphony was putting on. I saw the bass in the corner and it was love at first sight.

What is your advice for a beginner string player choosing which instrument to play?

Really try and explore each instrument as much as you can. Try and listen to each instrument and find out if you like the sound. Listen to yourself and what instrument really moves you.

Have you taken private lessons? If so, when did you start and what advice do you have for beginning string players thinking about taking private lessons?

I can definitely say that the reason why I am a professional bass player is because I took private lessons. I was fortunate enough to start private lesson right when I began the bass. I would definitely recommend all strings players to have a private teacher. They are there to inspire and direct you in your musical journey. I know private lessons can be a financial burden, but if you serious about playing, a private teacher is the only way to go.

What is the one thing every beginning string player needs?

Determination

What are your must-have accessories for performing?

Well there are the essentials which would be rosin and what not. We also need our instrument microphones for our music. I also love to have a bottle of water on stage. I get pretty thirsty while performing.

The Shure SM57 is one of the most popular professional instrument microphones of all time. The dynamic SM57 mic performs reliably delivering natural sound night after night. Its durable, bulletproof design stands up to road travel and abuse. Learn More

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to make it in the music industry?

I would say determination is the main thing a person who wants to make it into the music industry. There will be a lot of ups and downs. Much more downs than ups at some points. But, if you are passionate about your music and your art people will take notice.

What are the next steps for your group? Where can we see Simply Three in the future?

You will see a lot more original music from us. Right now we are recording our first full length original album. We really feel like this album will change the way a string ensemble is viewed in the world. We want people to know that strings aren’t only meant for back up. They can do their own full show and have people be rocking out.

ZACK CLARK, CELLO

Where are you from?

I’m from Arizona! I was born and raised in Mesa, and I now live in Chandler with my wife and 2 kids.

How did you meet?

I actually met Nick in the Phoenix Youth Symphony in 9th grade! We continued to see each other in Regionals and All-State Orchestras, and we because friends who loved to talk about music, cello and bass, and skateboarding too. We keep telling ourselves we need to go skating again but we just never get around to it, although we still share skateboarding Instagram videos with each other almost daily. And I met Glen through Nick, who met Glen while gigging in Texas.

Classical Crossover is such a fun and exciting new genre for string players, what inspired you to get into this genre?

We each just loved different kinds of music. I was never one of those classical musicians who only listened to Classical music, and neither was Nick. When we started the group we were just wanting to play other kinds of music that we loved, like The Beatles, Coldplay, Onerepublic and Michael Jackson. We though to ourselves, “Why can’t these instruments play pop music too?”

How long have you played your instruments and why did you choose the violin/cello/ bass?

I have been playing for 20 years; I started when I was 10 years old. I chose the cello actually because my mom encouraged me. My sister was already playing the cello at the time, and my mom only wanted to rent one instrument if it was possible. I mean, I don’t blame her either haha. But I quickly loved it, and I stuck with it simply because I enjoyed it and liked progressing.

What is your advice for a beginner string player choosing which instrument to play?

I would say to try and play as many instruments as you can before you decide. And also listen to lots of different instruments and different kinds of music as well, and go with the instrument you think you like!

Have you taken private lessons? If so, when did you start and what advice do you have for beginning string players thinking about taking private lessons?

Oh yeah! I started private lessons when I was 11 years old, and I would absolutely be nowhere near as good as I am now if I didn’t. Taking private lessons is absolutely essential to progressing fast and correctly.

What is the one thing every beginning string player needs?

A private teacher!

What are your must-have accessories for performing?

Rosin is vital, and an extra set of strings in case one breaks in the middle of a show (which has happened!).

The D’Addario Prelude cello strings feature a solid steel core string that is excellent for students and amateur players. Durable Prelude strings are not affected by temperature and humidity changes. Prelude strings are bright, without the shrill sound of traditional steel strings, and are easy to bow Learn More

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to make it in the music industry?

My advice would be to find your passion, and try to execute in a unique and high quality way. And continually assess your competition and the market to gather ideas and also see if your are working or not. Don’t be afraid to go back to the drawing board. And on top of it all, you need determination. There were several points in our career where it would have been easy to give up. We have experienced failure a lot. Everybody does. The difference between successful people and those who quit is just that – successful people simply don’t ever quit.

What are the next steps for your group? Where can we see Simply Three in the future?

We are going to be touring a lot in 2017, so catch our tour dates on our website. We are thrilled to be recording our original music now, and we will be releasing a full-length, original album in 2017.

Simply Three stress the importance of finding a good teacher, which isn’t always easy. Fortunately, we’ve put together a guide to help you out. Not sure where to start? Music & Arts’ The Lesson Studio can help match you up with the perfect teacher.