On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with percussionist Jake Nissly, Principal Percussionist of the San Francisco Symphony, for a conversation about what it actually takes to build and sustain a career at the highest level of orchestral playing. Jake’s résumé is remarkable, but what stands out even more is the range of hats he wears: orchestral musician, soloist, educator, department chair at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, drum set player, former drum corps kid, and even Little League coach.

We spend time unpacking the reality of orchestral auditions, the intense preparation, the psychological pressure of playing behind a screen, and the almost figure-skating-level precision required to compete in that world. Jake walks through his own path: winning the Detroit Symphony job at 26, then later the Cleveland Orchestra, and ultimately facing the difficult experience of not receiving tenure. Rather than ending his trajectory, that moment reshaped it and eventually led him to the San Francisco Symphony.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation centers on Jake’s concept of feel. He credits much of his orchestral success to his background in drum set and drum corps, where groove, flexibility, and listening are everything. That experience, he says, translates directly into orchestral playing, even in repertoire like Mahler or Ravel’s Bolero, where there’s still a pocket to find if you’re listening closely enough.

We also talk about teaching and the changing landscape for young musicians. Jake shares thoughtful insights about how YouTube and digital access have transformed preparation, often producing incredibly polished players who sometimes struggle to develop ownership, personality, and soul in their playing. It’s an honest conversation about pedagogy, resilience, and the kind of musicianship that lifts everyone in the room.

Key Takeaways

• Orchestral auditions demand extraordinary precision — success often comes down to microscopic musical details.
• Career paths are rarely linear — setbacks can become turning points rather than endings.
• Groove matters in orchestral music — Jake’s drum set and drum corps background inform his orchestral feel.
• Listening is the core skill — great musicians adjust in real time to the ensemble around them.
• Technical mastery alone isn’t enough — personality and ownership bring music to life.
• Teaching requires adapting to new generations — digital resources have reshaped how students prepare.
• Leadership in music is collaborative — the best players elevate the entire ensemble.

Music from the Episode

• John Adams - City Noir: I. The City and its Double - St. Louis Symphony (David Robertson, conductor) - Jake Nissly - drum set
• Adam Schoenberg - Losing Earth: Concerto for Percussion & Wind Ensemble - The University of Texas Wind Ensemble (Jerry Junkin, conductor) - Jake Nissly - percussion

About the Podcast

The Bandwich Tapes is a podcast hosted by Brad Williams, featuring conversations with musicians, composers, producers, and creative thinkers about their musical journeys. Each episode explores the influences, decisions, and experiences that shape a life in music—one conversation at a time.

Connect with the Show

Email: contact@thebandwichtapes.com