Bassist Paul Firak of the Las Vegas Philharmonic has experienced many sides of the local music scene, including as a performer in Strip shows and as an instructor to student musicians.
Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009 | 2 a.m.
Beyond the Sun
Name: Paul Firak, musician
Age: 42
Education: Bachelor’s degree in performance, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley
Gigs: Principal contrabassist in the Las Vegas Philharmonic, substitute bassist for various Strip productions, including “Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular”
Getting started: When he was 6 years old his father bought him a guitar with the idea that the two could play together, but playing the instrument was of little interest to Firak, and it gathered dust. He finally picked up the guitar in high school — an electric bass guitar that he used to play rock ’n’ roll in garage bands. He chose bass because it allowed him to slip into the background.
After high school he started playing piano and upright bass. He wanted classical training and decided to become a music major, knowing that, at his age, he had a lot of catching up to do.
“I’m a late bloomer. I practiced four or five hours a day. It’s worked out. I feel fortunate.”
Getting to Las Vegas: After college Firak moved to Texas, where he spent some time in Austin and Dallas, playing in Las Colinas Symphony. He moved back to Colorado and saw that there was a position open in the newly formed Las Vegas Philharmonic.
Then-music director Hal Weller hired him as last chair. Though the Philharmonic is not a full-time orchestra, Firak was so desperate to play that he moved here for the position, working as a waiter in a steakhouse while he made his way into the music community. Four years ago a position opened for assistant principal, then two years ago the position of principal opened. He won the audition.
He’s worked as adjunct professor at UNLV and coaching high school bass players on contract with the Clark County School District.
Working in Las Vegas: In addition to the Las Vegas Philharmonic, Firak dipped into the diverse and broad music opportunities offered in Las Vegas, including performing with an Elvis impersonator. He’s played with production shows “Spamalot,” “Avenue Q,” “Miss Saigon” and “Mamma Mia!” He’s even played in small ensembles for burlesque shows at Forty Deuce at Mandalay Bay, and Tangerine at Treasure Island, at one point serving as the musician who pulls the dancer’s glove off with his teeth. More recently he’s been playing with a Peter, Paul and Mary tribute band.
His highlight, he says, was playing with tenor Andrea Bocelli.
Why bass? “I like the vibrations, the low end. It’s such a beautiful instrument when it’s played well.”
Influences: While growing up in Chicago and Colorado Springs, Firak’s music interests evolved in succession — from John Denver to the Bee Gees to Iron Maiden, Metallica and Led Zeppelin. His influences include classical bassist Edgar Meyer and Geddy Lee of the rock band Rush. Lately he’s been listening to a lot of percussive music and the Bach Cello Suites.
Las Vegas: “I like the West. I like the climate here, even though it’s a little hot for me in the summer. I love Mount Charleston. It’s a great place to go hike.”
Other interests: Music composition, gym, meditation class, yoga. He has an 11-year-old son named Dakota.
Sticking around? “I don’t think I’m going anywhere. I’m going to see where this goes. I’m grateful for what I have here.”
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