Occupation: I am a classical musician. I’m the principal bassoonist for the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, and freelance throughout the region. I also teach music at Naugatuck Community College in Waterbury.

Family: I’m married to Kristen Provost Switzer. She’s a Newtown native and minister at Prospect Congregational Church.

Pets: We have three cats, Fred, Clara, and Toni. They’re all brothers and sisters and about 6 years old. We adopted them when they were kittens, on the Cape.

How long have you lived here? I’ve lived in Sandy Hook just since the first of February, but this is home for Kristen.

What do you like to do in your free time? I compose music and I do practice a lot, preparing for future auditions. We do like to hike and we look forward to camping more often this summer.

Do you have a favorite hiking trail? We’ve gone hiking in every corner of the state. We like to use the state parks and forests. A favorite is Topsmead State Forest, near Litchfield. There’s an old estate on the grounds and it’s a really contemplative place to visit.

Do you have a favorite travel destination? I have wanderlust. I’ve been to 47 of the states. As a kid, I traveled in Europe, as well. And this move to Newtown is the 20th move I’ve made. I really enjoy the deserts of Utah and the mountains of Colorado.

What is the best thing about Newtown? Even if you’re not from here, it feels like home. And it has Ferris Farm, with really good ice cream.

What has influenced you the most in life? I would say the wilderness. It’s important for me to frequently visit nature to remind me who I am and why I’m doing things. It’s a way to recharge and recenter myself. Performance of music isn’t really a leisure activity. It can be very intense when you’re giving it your all.

Did you have a favorite toy, growing up? I really enjoyed video games as a child — just being able to interact with the media. I appreciate the craftsmanship of it.

Do you have a guilty pleasure? I think my guilty pleasure is driving. I like taking my Jeep as far away as possible. I’ve been known to find a random state forest on my way to a gig and just to park my Jeep and stare at the trees for a while.