March 28, 2008 01:30 pm
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BY RUTH RICE
RRICE@TRIBDEM.COM
As bass trombonist for Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Roger Johnston of Somerset bridges the musical gap between the two other trombones and the tuba.
“The bass trombone has extra tubing that expands its lower range,” Johnston explained. “Bass trombone parts are usually lower than first and second. I’m a support for the trombones, or I play with the tuba.”
Johnston hadn’t played the bass trombone full time until he auditioned for and joined the symphony in 1980.
He began playing a student trombone while attending fourth grade in Kittanning, Armstrong County, then played some bass trombone while at Clarion University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in music education in 1978.
“I didn’t have much orchestral experience in college, but I enjoyed listening to music,” Johnston said.
He earned a master’s degree in music education at IUP in 1982.
While teaching instrumental music for Meyersdale Area School District in 1980, Johnston learned from Dana Menser, who plays second trombone, of an opening for bass trombone in the Johnstown Symphony.
“He suggested I get ready and go for an audition, and I got the job,” Johnston said.
“I went out and bought a bass trombone and have been playing it ever since.”
Patricia Hofscher, executive director of the symphony, said Johnston is one of its longtime, extremely dedicated players.
Johnston has played tenor and bass trombones but said he has no preference.
“Just playing in this section is a lot of fun,” Johnston said. “It’s a learning experience. It’s amazing to work with such great musicians.”
He particularly enjoyed getting to play with principal tubist Larry Bird, a 36-year veteran of the symphony who retired last year.
Johnston said it’s also good to be on the other side of the podium after teaching all day. He has instructed beginning musicians at Meyersdale since 1978.
“When you teach beginners, you have to teach them how to open the case,” he said.
“You start with 10-year-olds who don’t know anything. It takes time and patience.”
He teaches all band instruments to students in grades five and six, teaches middle and high school lessons, and serves as assistant director for the marching band.
“This was my first teaching job, and I still love what I’m doing,” Johnston said.
“I’ve been here 30 years, and I work with some wonderful people.”
Johnston also taught low brass, which includes trombones, euphoniums and tubas, at Frostburg State University from 1994 to 2000.
“I had a brass class where I taught music majors how to teach,” he said.
Johnston also played bass trombone for the Western Maryland Symphony Orchestra for three to four years in the 1990s.
When Diahann Carroll came to Altoona in the 1980s and Henry Mancini came to the Cambria County War Memorial Arena in the 1990s, Johnston was among the local musicians hired to play for them.
“There were both one-time deals and a lot of fun,” Johnston said.
“It was an amazing experience to play under the baton of Mancini.”
Johnston also is part of Touch of Brass, a quartet that includes fellow trombonist Menser. The group plays for weddings, dinners, concerts and church services.
When not teaching or playing, Johnston enjoys spending time with his wife, Peggy, and daughters, Sara, 7, and Corinne, 3.
“We like doing family things,” Johnston said.
The family shares their home with Murphy, a Shetland sheepdog who enjoys herding the children in the back yard.
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