Mark Rohr, Trombone

Where did you grow up? Rocky Hill, CT

Where do you currently live? Woburn, MA

What instrument do you play? Bass Trombone

Educational background: BM: New England Conservatory of Music; MM: Yale School of Music

Personal Information (family, pets, kids, etc.): My wife, Sue, is a violinist. My son, Nathan, is a drummer.

How did you get started in music? My parents were non-musicians, but loved music and there was always music in the home. They supported me as my musical interests grew, giving me lessons, ensembles, and later a Conservatory education.  When a youngster I also played drums, bass, guitar, and tried out every instrument I could lay my hands on.

What non-PSO musical activities do you participate in? Currently the bass trombonist for the Boston Philharmonic, Emmanuel Music, Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra. I have performed with nearly every group in the Boston area, including the BSO, Boston Pops, Boston Ballet, Boston Opera Co., Boston Lyric Opera, and have performed numerous Broadway shows.
I have also taught trombone for over 30 years.

What is the question you’re asked most often when you tell people you play with the PSO? “What do you really do for a living?”

What is your favorite music? What are you currently listening to? When not performing or writing about music, I generally listen to Rock and Jazz.

Who or what has been your greatest influence, musical or otherwise? John Swallow, my trombone teacher in college, and mentor in all things musical and non-musical.

What/where are your favorite eats in Portland? Uncle Billy’s Barbecue – closed now, alas.

Is there anything else you’d like to share? I have also been a writer of program notes and notes for young people for nearly 20 years. In addition to the PSO I also write program notes for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Filed under: Musicians

Tags: musicians, trombone