Thanks for your posts. I am glad that you are enjoying these interviews. I am far from over, and I may do some other posts between the next few interviews.
I have approached some of the players on today’s audition circuit about the idea of an interview, and these are still in the planning stage but will appear at some point.

When I got into the music business, or I should say, when I decided to make music my main focus, it was certainly not a fiscal decision. I was also young and naive enough to not ponder the financial implications of a life in music. I just had to blow the horn, man.

Luck was on my side, and on a couple of given days, I was able beat the field to secure my positions with orchestras. Only years down the road did I fully realize the advantages of job security and how it impacts life decisions. Again, I was in my early 20′s when all of this went down, so in retrospect, I was not only naive, I was extremely naive.

I see a lot of people with “normal secure” lives and am really glad that I am not one of them (except for Friday and Saturday nights when I would rather be on a date with my wife than putting on my tuxedo for the millionth time!!).

Bringing beauty to the world and enhancing people’s lives through music is a noble and courageous pursuit. Although it is not rewarded as much as it should be in our society today, it remains a high calling.

It doesn’t have to be either/or. You don’t have to give up performing to get married, have children, buy a house or pay down student loans. There are plenty of freelance players in the world earning a living – just not all (or even mostly) from one source.

If Matt had never won the auditions he did, he’d probably be doing very well for himself freelancing in Boston. As well? No, probably not…but I’m keeping my head above water and enjoying what I’m doing.

Security doesn not equal happiness or even success. At least not in my book.

Sorry, I don’t mean to sound touchy about it…

Thanks for all the interviews. They help one gain perspective on the bass trombone world. Please keep them coming.

The Washington/Baltimore region certainly has more excellent and GAINFULLY EMPLOYED bass trombonists than anywhere on Earth.

It was great to learn a little more about Pat Corbett.

I’d love to see interviews with a few bass trombonists from the audition circuit… Charlie Reneau, Alan Carr, or Andy Chapelle perhaps.

There are many fine players not gainfully employed with great ensembles, and it would be fascinating to see what inspires them to keep reaching for the brass ring. It might be even more interesting to find out when (if ever) they would give up their pursuit of a performing career in order to get married, have children, pay off student debt, etc..

Why do so many deny themselves a normal secure life in order to play this instrument? Perhaps this question more than any other gets to the marrow of why we all, amateur and professional alike, choose to be bass trombonists.

Karl Wiederwohl

I think there might be more great brass players in Los Angeles. By numbers only……..

I enjoyed reading your interview. I feel the President’s Own is the model for today’s wind ensemble. I urge all of my students to catch Marine Band performances. They always have two things to say: 1) “Wow.” and 2) “It was free.” Talk about a great service to our Nation. Finally, the performance with Slatkin @ Strathmore was amazing.

George Perry