Rams' Kobie Turner Receives Custom Conductor's Baton from LA Opera Director
Defensive tackle Kobie Turner, nicknamed 'The Conductor,' was surprised by music director Domingo Hindoyan with a personalized baton and an invitation to see 'Carmen'.
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner, affectionately known as "The Conductor," received a unique gift and a special invitation following a recent practice. Domingo Hindoyan, the new music director of LA Opera, presented Turner with a custom conductor's baton inscribed with his name, nickname, and jersey number.
Hindoyan, who was wearing a Rams jersey, also offered Turner some pointers on leading an orchestra. The exchange was a full-circle moment for Turner, who has long pursued his passion for music alongside his football career.
"It's really cool to be able to represent that we're more than just athletes," Turner told The California Post. "It took me back to when I was multitasking and playing football in college, and then going right after classes to take my conducting classes."
Turner, a former double major in music and mathematics at the University of Richmond, has a notable background in music. He has performed in a cappella groups, played the piano, released music, and showcased his singing talent. In 2024, he competed on FOX's "The Masked Singer" as "Goo," reaching the quarterfinals. His post-football aspiration is to become a choir director.
"I'm living my dreams," Turner stated. "I'm playing the game that I've always wanted to play. I have a wife, I have a kid, and I'm still able to live that life while continuing to keep music a part of it."
As a gesture of goodwill, Hindoyan invited Turner and his family to attend LA Opera's production of Georges Bizet’s "Carmen," which runs from October 17 through November 7. Members of the LA Opera also participated in football drills with the Rams during their visit.
When asked if he might conduct the orchestra, Turner responded with a laugh, "That would be crazy. That would be a whole lot of work. Maybe I could conduct four bars or something, but that's his world."
Turner plans to display the engraved baton at his offseason home in Virginia. "It looks awesome," he said of the gift. "I might have to send it back to my house and figure out how to get a really nice display for it."