Nick and Lori Scales, Bass Duo

Principal and Associate Principal

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we wanted to feature one of many musician couples in the Amarillo Symphony! Introducing the bass duo Lori and Nick Scales! 

Nick, who began playing bass 44 years ago in 7th grade, and Lori, who started 39 in 8th grade, both find immense joy in the foundational role the bass plays in an ensemble. They describe the sound of the bass as warm and “chocolatey,” and both love playing the low/pedal tones that everything else is built upon. “As we carry our basses around town to various gigs, people often say ‘I bet you wish you played the flute!”, said Lori and Nick. “No, I can assure you we do NOT wish we played the flute (no offense to flautists).  As a matter of fact, we would have never met if either of us had been a flute player!  Also, the bass is not as heavy as it looks, and it’s great exercise hauling it around!”

Their paths first crossed at West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M University), where they began dating during Lori’s freshman year. Since then, they have been playing side-by-side for 34 years. Their shared passion for music has taken them to numerous performances with prestigious groups such as Chamber Music Amarillo, Amarillo Opera, the Roswell Symphony Orchestra, and of course the Amarillo Symphony. Recently, they have been performing together at the Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre.

Nick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance from West Texas State University, a Master’s Degree from the University of North Texas, and a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Double Bass from Texas Tech University. Since 2005, he has been a Professor of Double Bass at WT and also performs as a jazz bassist. Lori, with her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Business from West Texas State University, currently works in Admin/Accounting at a local law firm and assists in the Amarillo Symphony music library.

Beyond the stage, Nick and Lori are avid adventurers. Their recent escapades include a family ancestry trip to Scotland and the UK, (where they had the pleasure of dining with George Jackson in London) and a challenging 75-mile hut-to-hut hike through the Italian Alps. They also cherish every opportunity to visit their daughters in Washington and Wyoming. When not traveling or playing music, the couple enjoys hiking, camping, and spending peaceful moments at home with their three kitties!

This 100th season is Nick’s 25th year and Lori’s 21st year with the Amarillo Symphony!