In this episode of Legends of Reed, Fei Xie shares his unique journey as a bassoonist with host Jo Anne Sukumaran, from his early beginnings in China to becoming a principal bassoonist in the Minnesota Orchestra. He discusses the influence of his musical family, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and the importance of mentorship in his development. Fei also offers insights into his teaching philosophy, the significance of diversity in the music profession, and how he navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic. The conversation concludes with a look at his upcoming projects and personal interests.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background05:31 Musical Journey and Influences08:17 Cultural Transition and Mentorship10:23 Professional Aspirations and Achievements12:50 Favorite Repertoire and Performance Tips15:19 Teaching Philosophy and Student Development17:58 Challenges in the Music Profession20:37 Experiences with the Minnesota Orchestra23:07 Staying Positive During the Pandemic25:43 Personal Life and Hobbies28:24 Upcoming Projects and Final ThoughtsFind out more about Fei Xie:https://cla.umn.edu/about/directory/profile/xie00292Host: Jo Anne SukumaranSubscribe to "Legends of Reed" on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46fKYJX5g0Ak2entBcSZJU?si=8f67ef4dba98475bBeginning music credit (c) courtesy of Minnesota Orchestra,Fei Xie performs Mozart's Bassoon Concerto | Minnesota Orchestra | Osmo Vänskä