J. Bryan Heath, a native of Slaughters, KY, is the Bass Trombonist of the Louisville Orchestra. He has previously held positions with the Owensboro Symphony, the Illinois Symphony, and Orchestra Kentucky of Bowling Green. He completed his Doctorate in Trombone Performance at Indiana University. Bryan’s principal teachers include Raymond L. Conklin, M. Dee Stewart, and Arnold Jacobs. An active teacher, he served as Adjunct Trombone Faculty at Indiana State University from 2006-2009, and has been a guest lecturer for the Indiana University CAP program. As a freelance artist Bryan has performed with the Chicago, Nashville, Alabama, New Mexico, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati Symphonies. Having grown up on a horse farm in rural Kentucky, Bryan enjoys reaching back to his roots by serving as the lead singer, guitarist, and yodeler in the traditional Cowboy Band Suede Saddle.
What do you enjoy most about performing with the Louisville Orchestra?
Making music is my favorite thing to do. In the Low brass section of the Louisville Orchestra I get to make music with world class players who happen to be some of the best folks around.
In what ways do you think the Louisville Orchestra can make the greatest impact on our community?
Music can be very soul soothing, and uplifting. It is a really great way for people from all communities and cultures to come together, and when we are able to introduce young people to music, I think we can get them interested and perhaps participating. That can be very enriching in a person’s life even if they don’t do it professionally.
What is your favorite type of orchestral music to perform, and why?
I tend to really lean towards large romantic works for Orchestra, but recently I have really enjoyed playing live soundtracks to movies. John Williams scores in particular may be one of the primary reasons that I’m in Music today..
Who is your favorite composer or musician?
It is quite challenging to narrow down my favorite composer to just one individual, much in the same way as my taste for food changes from day today, so does my desire for composers.
Do you have a Louisville Orchestra or event that is especially meaningful or memorable?
One of the highlights of my 10 year with The Louisville Orchestra was singing and yodeling on the Fourth of July as a soloist on the riverfront.
What are some things that inspire you as a musician?
Even after decades of playing, I still enjoy practicing and strive to get just a little better each day.
What do you love most about being part of the Louisville community?
I am extremely blessed to have landed an orchestra job in my home state where most of my family still resides.
What’s something unique, surprising, fun, or interesting about you?
I loved to perform classic cowboy music with my band suede saddle. I also really enjoy large scale stand sculpting.
What are some of your hobbies outside the LO?
I love expressing my creative side through various art projects like sand, sculpting, or building large and intricate costumes.
How do you stay connected with the community outside of your performances?
Most of my outside connections would be through my Church community.
Favorite orchestral work?
Mahler’s fifth Symphony
What's on your playlist (what song are you currently into)?
I only have eyes for you by the Flamingos, Can’t help falling in love with you, Elvis Presley and other classics from the 1950s, and cowboy music by Riders in the Sky.