This episode of The Trombone Corner, featuring orchestral trombonist, arranger and composer Gerry Pagano, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass and The Brass Ark.
The Trombone Corner is now on video! You can watch this episode on our YouTube channel here:
"Gerry Pagano: Sackbuts, Stories and Trombone Lore"
And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here
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From a kid digging out his dad's old trombone case from the closet to 27 years in the St. Louis Symphony, Gerry Pagano shares the hard-won lessons, detours, and lucky breaks that shaped one of the most beloved bass trombonists in the game.
Gerry has great stories, sharp advice, and the kind of honesty only a veteran can deliver. He talks about the "practice at home" wake-up call that changed how he interacted with his fellow musicians, the teachers and colleagues who pushed him forward, and the years freelancing in Georgia, New York and San Francisco before landing the stable orchestral life he had chased.
We also dig into understanding great orchestral playing, the mindset required to thrive as a bass trombone player, and how retirement opened the door to composing, recording, and freelancing again.
And because this is Trombone Corner, there's plenty for gear fans too: vintage Conns, a favorite Bach 42, an Edwards, contrabass adventures, and a love letter to old horns, music memories, and the sound of a truly great section.
Just a couple of the memorable quotes from Gerry:
"We gave up a really creative, interesting, humorous name for our instrument when we gave up sackbut... Imagine if you could say, 'I play the sackbut.' That would have a totally different impact!"
"Before you ever play an instrument, you're a musician or you're not. It's inside of us... You can always learn an instrument, but music has to be a part of you to begin with."
About Gerry Pagano:
Gerry Pagano is a professional trombonist whose musical career has taken him around the world and across a wide range of musical styles. After studying at the University of Georgia and the Juilliard School, he performed with ensembles including the San Francisco Ballet and San Francisco Opera before joining the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in 1995, where he built a distinguished career as bass trombonist.
Throughout his career, Gerry has performed in orchestras, opera, ballet productions, Broadway shows, jazz ensembles, and more. He is also a dedicated educator and advocate for low brass, helping foster the next generation of musicians through masterclasses, workshops, and the St. Louis Low Brass Collective.
Gerry's lifelong passion for music and the trombone continues to shape his work as a performer, collaborator, and mentor.
Episode Links: Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances: - NCMEA Conference, November 8-9, Winston-Salem, NC
- Greg Black Mouthpieces, November 10, Mount Holly, NC
Podcast Credits:
