Brian Johnston is an alumnus of The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York (Suffolk Principal Orchestra, 2010-2011). On November 12, 2018, Brian took the audition for 2nd trombone of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, where he competed with nearly 40 other trombonists for that position. Brian was the first one to play that day, and was successful in both the preliminary round and the finals. After being successful, Brian was offered a trial period with the Orchestra where he had to play a few masterworks cycles with the orchestra to see if he was a good fit for the job. Three months after the audition, and after multiple concerts with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Brian was awarded the 2nd trombone position. He is thrilled to have this position, since they are a very high level group, and they’re very busy performing three or more cycles each month!

Brian has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Elgin Symphony, Quad City Symphony, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Rockford Symphony, West Michigan Symphony, and Illinois Symphony Orchestra. His teaching positions include teaching at Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, Chicago high school for the Arts, Logos School of Music, and Minooka Music Studios. He studied with: Jay Friedman, John Rojak, John Faieta, and Reed Capshaw, and had many additional lessons with: Andy Malloy, and Mathew Russo. Brian is thankful for his time in MYO, and definitely attributes it to his success thus far.

“Working under the baton of Maestro Phil Preddice, while performing among friends who have the same passionate drive as me, was one of the most most fulfilling opportunities I’ve ever had. i’m forever grateful to have had that experience.”

Brian Johnston, Trombone
MYO Class of 2011