Jason Byerlotzer, principal trombonist of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and Royal Hawaiian Band, discusses his life on an island, persevering through orchestra bankruptcies, realizing the big picture, and the unique aspects of the Royal Hawaiian Band. They also talk about the challenges faced by midsize orchestras and the upcoming Trombone Retreat.
Resilience and adaptability are essential in navigating a career as a trombonist.
The Royal Hawaiian Band plays a crucial role in preserving Hawaiian culture and history.
Having a diversified approach to a music career promotes stability and fulfillment in an uncertain field.
Deep dives
Career Path and Challenges
Jason Byer-Lotser shares his journey as a trombonist, including his experiences playing in multiple orchestras and dealing with bankruptcy. He highlights the importance of resilience and adapting to different career opportunities.
The Royal Hawaiian Band
Jason discusses his role in the Royal Hawaiian Band, a historic band that dates back to the 1800s. He describes the band's uniforms and their various performances, including concerts, parades, and community outreach events.
The Impact of Financial Crises
Jason reflects on the impact of financial crises, such as the 2008 recession, on orchestras and how it led to bankruptcies and downsizing. He emphasizes the need for long-term stability and investment in the arts.
Balancing Music and Personal Life
Throughout his career, Jason has faced challenges and uncertainties, but his personal life, including meeting his wife and starting a family, has brought joy and perspective. He emphasizes the importance of having a balanced life beyond playing the trombone.
The Unique Organization of the Royal Hawaiian Band
The Royal Hawaiian Band in Hawaii is a unique organization that plays a mix of traditional band music infused with Hawaiian themes and influences. The band has a rich history, tracing back to the late 1800s, when a Prussian band master named Henry Burger was brought in to elevate the band's musical standards. He not only introduced European band traditions but also wrote down many Hawaiian melodies and chants. The band plays a significant role in preserving a specific time period in Hawaiian culture and history, making it a cherished part of the city's fabric.
Adaptability and Resourcefulness in a Diversified Career
Jason, the guest speaker, shares insights from his diversified career in music. He highlights the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness, noting that musicians often have portfolio-like careers with various revenue streams. He discusses his experiences playing with the Royal Hawaiian Band as a substitute during a time when the orchestra he played for faced financial difficulties. Jason also values his teaching positions, recognizing that having multiple income sources provides a measure of security. He believes that being open to various opportunities and embracing a diversified approach to a career can lead to stability and fulfillment even in an uncertain field like music.
Nick and Sebastian talk to Jason Byerlotzer, principal trombonist of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and Royal Hawaiian Band about his life on an island, persevering through FIVE different orchestra bankruptcies and realizing the big picture in life.
Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta)
Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera
Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz
