Everything Band Podcast

John Thomson enjoyed a hugely successful 40-year career as a band director at New Trier High School (IL) and East Allegheny High School (PA). He is also a contributing author to the Instrumentalist Magazine. Topics: John’s early career including playing trumpet duets with his father, how he got his first job at East Allegheny High School, and how he came to write reviews for the Instrumentalist. A discussion of his program at East Allegheny High School and his thoughts about selecting literature including playing transcriptions. The program at New Trier High School including his emphasis on sight reading and chamber ensembles. Thoughts about being patient in your career, the importance of fundamentals to the band, commissioning new music, and raising funds for big projects. Links: John A. Thomson Instrumentalist Magazine Grainger: Lincolnshire Posy Biography: John A. Thomson received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in trombone performance and music education from Carnegie Mellon University, where he stu