AboutJohn Metcalfe Expertise Trombone performance - general and classical. (Although I have played in big bands, I am not an expert in jazz.) Trombone solo and ensemble literature. Equipment questions only as they pertain to whether or not a particular horn would be a good fit, given your playing experience and needs. Please, NO questions about serial numbers, vintage horns, etc. There are other resources here who know that stuff.
Experience 25 years principal trombone with the Bloomington (MN) Symphony. 10 years prior to that second trombone with the Rochester (MN) Symphony. 25 years member of the Minneapolis Trombone Choir and the Minnehaha Brass Quintet. Various free-lance performance with brass ensembles, orchestras, and concert bands. 35 years as a private teacher of trombone and euphonium.
Education/Credentials Member of the Luther College Concert Band. Private student of Henry Charles Smith and Robert Getchell.
Awards and Honors Featured soloist with the Luther College Concert Band, the Austin (MN) Symphony Orchestra, and the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra (two occasions)
I relocated from LA and am looking to network with other bone players and came across the Minneapolis Trombone choir. Any chance I could be a part? Or who should I talk to.
Thanks,
Pete Keuer
Answer Hi, Pete. Welcome to the Twin Cities. I can give you some information about the Minneapolis Trombone Choir.
It is a group of anywhere from 25 to 30 local amateur trombonists. There is a range of ability within the group. There are some very accomplished players and a few others who are good but not quite as good. We have a lot of fun. The choir has been around for over 35 years.
We meet during January and February for weekly rehearsals - Saturday late afternoon - and present our annual concert in early March - on a Sunday evening. That is the only time that we are together. It kind of fills the dead space between Christmas and Easter on the gig schedule. The concert is a combination of classical (some transcriptions and some original large choir works) and jazz. Often we have a guest choir from a local college - gives us a chance to rest the chops - and perhaps a big name soloist. The past two years we have had Doug Wright and David Herring (principal and bass trombonists with the Minnesota Orchestra) appear with us. It doesn't get any better than those guys.
The group used to be pretty open to anyone who wanted to join. But the quality suffered as a result. So now we try to monitor who is invited a little more closely. (Over the years I have recommended a number of players whom I knew personally and knew to be very good players.) This policy has enhanced the quality of the group.
Obviously, I cannot recommend you because I do not know your playing. But I will give you the name and email address of the person you should contact. His name is Jim ten Bensel. His email address is: tenbensel@aol.com.
Jim is the leader of the group. Contact him and give him some information about your background, etc. You may mention my name if you wish, but, please, only as a point of contact and not as a recommendation. Hopefully, he will get back to you in a timely manner.
