The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown, PA

Symphony trombonist overcomes horn failure
As second trombonist for Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Dana Menser of Somerset can’t let anything slide. Menser started playing with the symphony in 1976, after graduating from Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in Winchester, Va.
Clarinetist relishes seat in middle of the action
As second clarinetist for Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Rebecca Catelinet of Westmont keeps in harmony with the rest of the orchestra. While the principal clarinetist has more to play, including more solos, the second clarinetist adds harmony and sometimes plays together with first clarinetist, Catelinet said.
Symphony musician glad he switched horns
As principal French horn player for Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Dennis Emert is glad he didn’t follow his childhood dream of playing the saxophone. Emert, who lives in Monroeville, began lessons on the French horn in sixth grade, when no one wanted to play the horn, including him.
Playing second suits symphony's violinist
Beth Pile of Somerset County doesn’t mind playing second fiddle. Pile began her stint with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra as first violinist in 1989, then moved to second when an opening came about.
Trombonist strikes a chord with Johnstown symphony
Symphony timpanist likes to bang on the drums
As principal timpanist for Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Ronald Horner carries a big stick and knows how to use it. Horner's sticks are not the plain wooden variety because a standard drumstick would punch a hole in the timpani, or kettle drums.
Symphony percussionist sticks with it
As principal percussionist for Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Gloria Miller makes sure all the crashes and bashes happen at the right times.
Johnstown Symphony cellist plays for keeps
As second cello with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Darlene Lopresti plays second fiddle to no one. A symphony veteran, Lopresti will start her 38th season with the orchestra this fall.
Symphony's flutist is center of attention
Tom Godfrey has always been surrounded by women. Godfrey, who lives in Pittsburgh, is principal flutist with Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. He has held that seat since the 1988-89 season.
Symphony clarinetist: Music 'brings joy'
As principal clarinetist for Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Jeanne Frieben can put her fingers on the right notes. Her parents started her on the clarinet when she was 7, a young age for that instrument because young children's fingers are not usually long enough to cover all the instrument's holes.
Symphony's lone tubist has passion for playing
Gary Bird adds a lot of oomph to the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. Although he is principal tubist for the orchestra, he doesn't play for every concert because music for his instrument of choice wasn't written before 1842, the year the tuba was invented.
Concertmaster leads a busy life
Dena Miller of Pittsburgh keeps Johnstown Symphony Orchestra playing a sweet tune. As concertmaster, it is Miller's duty to tune up the orchestra before Maestro Istvan Jaray takes the stage.
Bassist also composer, singer
As principal bass player for Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Nathan Santos adds some pluck, at least on the strings. Santos has been a member of the symphony since 1995 and principal bass since 1998.

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