Meet the Musicians: Jonathan Randazzo, Principal Trombone
How did you start playing the trombone?
I actually started on drums in the third grade but quickly realized I couldn’t play any melodies—I guess I didn’t fully think that one through. The next year, I picked up the trombone to be like my dad. He was a great professional jazz trombonist!
What’s an interesting fact about your instrument?
You might not be able to tell from the audience, but my instrument has a screw-rim bell. I had the bell cut and converted a number of years ago to make traveling easier. My case is now the same size as a viola case! Since I joined the orchestra, our whole section has converted, except Amanda [Stewart, Associate Principal Trombonist]. I’m still working on her—she’s the only holdout!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?
Two words: Long tones.
Do you have any pre-concert routines or rituals?
I’ll head upstairs to one of the warm-up rooms for a 15- to 20-minute warm-up routine. Recently, I’ve been taking a moment to pray and thank God for the gift and opportunity to make music for a living.
What 26/27 SLSO concerts are you most excited about?
There are a lot of programs I am looking forward to next season, but I am particularly excited to perform Mahler’s Third Symphony. Mahler wrote three extended trombone solos in the first movement which have become a staple in the trombone orchestral literature. It’s one of the few solos I have yet to perform. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity!
Learn more about Jonathan here.
Compiled by Iain Shaw.
