Justin Cheesman

On Stage

Charlotte native Justin Cheesman joins the Charlotte Symphony this season as Acting Assistant Principal Bass. Justin studied double bass at the Boston Conservatory with Susan Hagen of the Boston Pops Orchestra for his Bachelor's Degree in Double Bass Performance and received his Master's Degree in Double Bass Performance at the New England Conservatory, under the tutelage of Orpheus founding member Donald Palma. During his time in Boston, Mr. Cheesman played frequently with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra while holding positions as Principal Bassist of the New England Philharmonic and Assistant Principal Bassist of the Boston Civic Symphony. Since leaving Boston, he has been a regular substitute with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and Orlando Philharmonic and was the Acting Principal Bassist of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra for the 2022-23 season. Additionally, Mr. Cheesman has performed with the Charleston Symphony and the Florida Orchestra. Outside of playing bass, Justin enjoys riding and working on bicycles, and also enjoys exploring specialty coffee. 

Off Stage

Where did you grow up? Hometown?
Charlotte, NC

What do you like to do outside of work? Any favorite hobbies?
I got into both cycling and specialty coffee during the Covid lockdown

What would you do if you weren’t a professional musician?
Part of the reason I got into cycling during Covid was because I ended up working part time at a bike shop. I ended up really enjoying repairing bicycles, so I think I’d look into becoming a bicycle mechanic.

What are you most looking forward to about being part of the Charlotte Symphony?
Having the opportunity to make music with an orchestra that helped inspire me to become a musician in the first place.