Bruce Theriault
Trombone
I am a “near founding” member of the Midcoast Chamber Orchestra, as it was first known, joining in 1990. The chamber orchestra programming had limited trombone parts, but I was just pleased to be part of the group.
I began playing trombone covertly at age eight. My older sister was blasting away at it and I knew I could do better, so I would wait for her absence and practice it in secrecy. She quit and I came out of the shadows!
In my first life I was the Rumford High School band director after graduating from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music. As a music student, I interned at the American School in London. One day while teaching I realized that my other compelling interest—electronics—would pass me by if I did not pursue it. I therefore attended the University of Maine Orono College of Engineering and began my current career as a professional controls and instrumentation engineer.
Over the years I have been fortunate to perform with and direct a wide range of instrumental and choral groups. I performed with orchestras in Fairfield, OH, London, England, and the Bangor Symphony under Werner Torkanowsky. I played for Big Band groups in Maine, Ohio, and London. I was the music director and conductor of the Lisbon Community Band for its brief existence. I played with pick-up gigs for many years. I have arranged and written music for many types of performing groups, including the orchestral arrangement for the Lewiston bicentennial show, “Lewiston in Me.” I am a regular member (45 years) of the Lewiston-Auburn Community Little Theater pit orchestra. My performing instruments include trombone, baritone horn, tuba, and upright and electric bass.
As I like to tell people, “Engineering is my profession, but music is my life.”
photo credit: Times Record
