He is a double bassist born to a musical family in Amarillo, Texas where his brothers are also professional musicians and his father was a piano teacher. He studied at the Interlochen Arts Academy and the University of Michigan as well as participating in the Tanglewood Music Festival.
In 1977 he joined the North Carolina Symphony and stayed there for that season until briefly joining the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, he also performed with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra at some point. In 1978 he joined the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington D.C. and remained there for nearly 4 years until he became a member of The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1982. During his time in Philadelphia he has also been heard performing with several chamber ensembles. He retired from The Philadelphia Orchestra in 2020 after 38 years service.
In the field of musical education he has taught private lessons and been a member of the faculties of the Indiana Summer Music Festival, Peabody Conservatory, Trenton State College and Temple University.
Sources:
- https://old.philorch.org/about/musicians/john-hood#/
- https://slippedisc.com/2020/08/eight-musicians-retire-at-the-philadelphia-orchestra/
- http://www.pomusicians.org/john-hood.html
- https://boyer.temple.edu/about/faculty-staff/john-hood-405
- https://www.facebook.com/122709094283/photos/thanks-going-out-to-john-hood-from-the-philladelphia-orchestra-it-was-a-great-ev/10154821558454284/