UAF Fairbanks Tall Timbers Series 2024: An Evening with George Rydlinski

The Fairbanks Tall Timber Series honors those who have served the Fairbanks community well. Join veteran newsman Robert Hannon as he interviews George Rydlinski. George Rydlinski grew up in Chicagoland’s Wonder Years of the 60s and 70s. He was drawn to music by his local high school band. He pursued a Bachelor of Music in bassoon performance from Northern Illinois University. After freelancing in and around Chicago, George joined the Army in 1983. He served as bassoonist with the 76th Army Band in Kaiserslautern, West Germany, and several US Army Bands in various locations. George retired in 2004 from active duty and the 9th Army Band at Fort Wainwright. He immediately went to work with the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra office as the marketing manager, a position he held until his second retirement in 2022. George has been an adjunct faculty member at UAF and was the music director of the Fairbanks Youth Symphony from 2006-2017. He joined the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra and the Arctic Chamber Orchestra in 1996 as principal bassoonist. George has been active with Fairbanks Light Opera Theater (FLOT) as a pit musician and was the musical director for many FLOT performances. George is officially retired but still semi-active, performing with his bassoon and baton. He resides with his wife of over 40 years in North Pole.