John Boden, Principal Horn

Where did you grow up? Kansas City, Missouri

Where do you currently live? Liberty, Maine

What instrument(s) do you play? I perform on modern french horn, and classical/baroque horn

Educational background: I attended Wichita State University, received my Bachelors degree from Northwestern University and a Masters Degree from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri, Kansas City

Personal Information (family, pets, kids, etc.): The Bodens all play wind instruments. My wife Dawn plays trumpet, son Daniel plays trombone and daughter Ashley plays clarinet. The children have performed with the Portland Youth ensembles. Our cat Luna, tolerates our musical lives but lets us know her plight as our family pet.

How did you get started in music? As a fourth grader in Kansas City, I took a music aptitude test and was selected to participate in the school music program. The last question was “if selected what instrument would you choose”. My sister’s boyfriend played a shiny instrument, so I said French Horn. It wasn’t until I was 26 that I found out her boyfriend played the tuba, not horn.

What non-PSO musical activities do you participate in? On modern horn, I perform with the Portland Brass Quintet, and I’m principal horn with CityMusic Cleveland. On historical instruments, I work with the Handel & Haydn Society, Philharmonia Baroque, the Universal Piston Horn Quartet and other early instrument groups. My family and I also play together in community ensembles in the mid-Maine area

Describe a typical day: This question was written by someone that has a schedule. I have “things to do” each day. Play the horn, help get the children off to school, and work around the house/s (we have two houses on 21 acres in Liberty). There are ALWAYS things to do on the property.

What is the question you’re asked most often when you tell people you play with the PSO? Can you make a living playing with the PSO? or Do you like the new music director?

If you couldn’t be a musician, what would be your dream job? I have my dream job. I love playing and teaching the horn and I travel throughout the state of Maine helping educators with their horn players. I help switch people to horn, I check embouchures, find people horns and give lessons. I get to travel to perform with my various employers and love “doing” music. Hmmm, maybe bartending for fun

Any non-musical hobbies? Sports and fishing

What is your favorite music? What are you currently listening to? I don’t seem to have favorite music. I listen to music for upcoming concerts and my car radio has a preset for “oldies” popular music. I’ve been listening to a new CD by the Manhattan Brass Quintet which is GREAT, but I don’t have an “agenda” for tunes.

Who or what has been your greatest influence, musical or otherwise? My dad had a rather “no nonsense” attitude about getting things done. I hated it growing up, BUT, I do have that drive. My horn teachers were diverse and very devoted to music. Jim Funkhouser gave me the dream, Frank Brouk taught me just how beautiful the horn could be, Mr. Clevenger taught me about being a pro

Do you teach? If so, how can people get in touch with you? I LOVE to teach! People can reach me at: (207) 589-3118 (home), (207) 458-3238 (cell), or email jboden@usm.maine.edu

What/where are your favorite eats in Portland? Miss Portland Diner (breakfast), The Front Room (dinner), Beal Street (BBQ), Sebago Brewing (during rehearsal set), Imperial Garden (chinese), Yosaku (japanese), Portland Pie (pizza), Texas Roadhouse (dead and red)

Is there anything else you’d like to share? Three sayings:
1. You never have more time – only less.
2. There is no room for those who believe that admiring a row of corn is the equivalent of hoeing it.
3. If you follow the desires of your heart, the world will step in and help.

Filed under: Musicians

Tags: french horn, musicians