Fifty Years and Counting

Written by Theresa-Marie Wilson

Theresa-Maria Wilson has been a journalist covering the North Coast and South County area for over 20 years. She is also the founder of Cat Noir CC and is currently working on a novel.

January 31, 2025

Ed Harris celebrates 50 years with the SLO symphony. Photo by Dean Sullivan

It was 1975, mood rings and 8-track tapes were popular and a postage stamp cost $.10. While Captain and Tennille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together” dominated the charts, 19-year-old Ed Harris was playing a different tune as the newest member of the bass section with the San Luis Obispo Symphony — 2025 marks his 50th year with the orchestra. 

“Music is eternal and it’s universal,” Ed told Estero Bay News. “When you’re 19, you don’t think much of the future, mostly you hardly think at all, but I knew that as long as I could play, I’d want to play.” 

Ed, who lives,  in San Luis Obispo, plays the string bass, the largest string instrument in the orchestra. Its warm, deep tones resonate throughout as a harmonic foundation of a composition.

For readers who want to hear the awesome sound of the bass in a prominent musical role, Ed suggests starting with Brahms and Beethoven with the goal of in-person performances.

“They really loved the bass, and they played great,” he said. “But the best way is to come out and hear an orchestra. You can hear the San Luis Symphony and Orchestra Novo, which is Mike Novak, who lives out in Los Osos. The best way to hear a symphony, is live. And you can see us playing and working hard and creating music. Just the beauty of all these different instruments playing together, just an amazing sound, it’s an emotional thing. If you’re playing light, delicate music that gives you one emotion, as opposed to something that’s really bombastic and loud, it’s a different emotion.”

Screenshot

Music has played an important role in Ed’s life from an early age. Beginning with clarinet in the 4th grade. In the 7th grade, when his orthodontist suggested no more wind instruments, he chose to move to the string bass to fill a gap in the orchestra. 

In 1970, Ed attended Cal Poly majoring in industrial engineering and joined the Cal Poly Orchestra. He soon transferred to graphic design and graduated in four years with an emphasis on printing.  

After graduating, Ed’s first regular gig was a lengthy stint at the SLO Breakers Restaurant, then as a regular at the “1865” restaurant and, ultimately, he formed a popular jazz/dance band named “Oasis.”  

Not only is Ed’s fifty years of experience and continued joy of playing an asset to the symphony’s performances, his instrument, itself, offers something rare. Ed is the proud owner of one of four string basses made by English luthier William Forster II, sometimes known as the “Royal Forster” from his title of Music Seller to the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cumberland. Made in approximately 1790 “at the direction” of King George II, Ed’s bass is highly prized, and in exceptional condition. It was purchased from the estate of local cardiologist and former member of the orchestra, Dr. Henry Zevely.

“The executive director with the symphony said that Mrs. Zevely still had some of Mr. Henry’s bases,” Ed said. “I went over and tried it. I said, ‘Oh my God, this is like driving a VW then driving a Porsche.’ It is an incredible instrument.”

The Royal Forster bass has fascinated musicians and historic instrument scholars for years. Carved into the back of the instrument is a royal crown, confirming its distinctive pedigree that stirs the imagination. 

“These instruments are made to be played,” Ed said. “The wood just starts to vibrate, and it’s more open, easier to play. It’s interesting how that works. But if you pack it away for a while, it’s not going to be the same. These instruments need to be played.”

Ed is also recognized by those who enjoy an evening out, a wedding, or other social events. He was, and still is, considered a regular in the local music scene including classical organizations such as the SLO Symphony, Santa Barbara Symphony, Santa Maria Philharmonic, Orchestra Novo, and Lompoc Pops.

Beyond being a musician, Ed also plays a crucial role in mentoring the next generation of not only musicians but students of many subjects. Ed is a substitute teacher for the San Luis Obispo Unified School District. His music background qualifies him to oversee music ensembles, something that most substitutes pale at the thought.

As a testament to his dedication and love of his art, Ed has only missed one concert over the five decades with the symphony. It was because he had the flu. 

With the symphony Ed has played well over 200 shows, and then there are the shows with smaller combos at private events or smaller venues. In every musician’s career, across the genres, there is a piece that they’ve grown tired of playing, yet some gigs require it. For Ed that composition is Ravel’s “Boléro.” 

“It’s like two bars in repetition; it just goes on forever and ever,” he said light-heartedly. “The whole song builds up, but we’re just the foundation.”

On the flip side, a base centric song that everyone might know, and Ed loves to perform is Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5.” 

At the end of the day, Ed’s career was well chosen and one that we all hope continues. 

“I just love playing music,” Ed said. “It’s just such a joy for me. It’s a part of my life. I’ve got great musicians to work with and great music. It’s still very enjoyable.”

The SLO Symphony will perform Classical Hits on Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center. For tickets and more information, go to slosymphony.org.

You May Also Like…

Water Project Money Held Up

Water Project Money Held Up

This map of the Los Osos CSD’s ‘Water Resiliency Intertie Pipeline Project,’ shows the proposed route for a water...