CHARLIE JOHNSON – TRUMPET
Norwalk Symphony Orchestra
Norwalk, Connecticut
On any given day, one is equally apt to see Charlie with either a Trumpet or a Squash Racquet in his hands. As the Squash and Fitness Director for the Yale Club in New York City, Charlie tells about one particularly memorable day – it was a Friday in February, 2011. “I was probably the only person in the world who ran a large junior squash tournament, professional men's and women's squash tournament, and played trumpet with two major symphony orchestras (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and The Dayton Philharmonic) on the same day! Did I mention it snowed that day?” Charlie joined the Norwalk Symphony in 2017 and was named Principal Trumpet in 2018. He is active with the Symphony’s Brass Quintet and participates in our education programs. Maintaining an artistic approach to playing with others is the most challenging part of the past months. “It is amazing how quickly one misses the ability to listen to others and play with them. For good ensemble playing to happen, you need to play with other people, which forces you to listen.” His advice to young musicians is to sight read music every day, because you never know when that may be needed in an audition and move you to the next playing level.
All photos ©Jimmy ienner, Jr. / Norwalk Symphony Orchestra and may not be used in anyway without written permission and clearance from both parties that hold ownership and copyright. Images may not be copied, reproduced or altered in anyway.
