Trombones of the St. Louis Symphony – Stories from Backstage

Holiday Trombones

This Thursday the Trombones of the St. Louis Symphony perform their 21st annual St. Agnes Home Holiday Concert in Kirkwood.

It’s part of the SymphonyCares for Seniors program, but it began with bass trombonist Gerry Pagano driving by St. Agnes Home one day and figuring that they could use some holiday brass. The ensemble has changed a few times, but the residents at St. Agnes keep wanting them to come back for more.

The current ensemble is Pagano, Tim Myers, Amanda Stewart and Jonathan Reycraft. They will all be wearing their Santa caps.

Just Add Trombones

I enjoyed a conversation with bass trombonist Gerry Pagano on Wednesday afternoon. Since our conversation was recorded at the studios of KWMU, you’ll be able to hear some of what we said during the live broadcast of the September 19 Gala concert on St. Louis Public Radio. I don’t see the need to distinguish our discussion as an “interview,” because Pagano is such an affable and fun guy to talk with. I gave him room to plug the upcoming Live in the Commons concert, featuring the Trombones of the St. Louis Symphony at the Public Media Commons on Olive in the Grand Center district. Even if that part of our conversation gets cut, I’m plugging it here. According to Pagano, all music sounds better when played by four trombones. Go to the show and you’ll hear proof, Monday, September 28 at 7:30pm. It’s outside and it’s free.

The Trombones of the St. Louis Symphony: left to right, Gerry Pagano, Tim Myers, Amanda Stewart, Jonathan Reycraft

Fab Four

The Fab Four that is the St. Louis Symphony trombone section plays Ludwig van Beethoven’s Three Equali for Four Trombones at Powell Hall Friday and Saturday night. They start the show, alone on stage, and make music with their amazing song machines. Trombone is a very songful instrument, as you’ll hear in this week’s video blog.

The Trombones of St. Agnes

Members of the trombone section of the St. Louis Symphony have been performing at the St. Agnes Home in Kirkwood during the holidays for 19 years. Bass trombonist Gerry Pagano got the tradition started. This year’s ensemble was made up of (left to right) Tim Myers, Paul Jenkins, Jonathan Reycraft and Pagano.Next season will be the 20th anniversary of the Trombones of St. Agnes, which means an extra-special holiday celebration. Everybody’s invited!