He Forgot About the Trombone, But His Family Didn’t

Bob Francis played the trombone from 5th grade through high school and then with a US Army band. He hadn't touched a trombone in more than 25 years when he received a certain gift from his daughter and son-in-law. Painting: Trombone Player by Justine Linville.

In the 5th grade in San Jose, California, I got the chance to hear the band and was asked by the band instructor if I would like to play an instrument. I liked music and wanted to play the flute. I picked the flute not based on how it sounded but because it was small! (I didn’t want to have to lug a tuba to school!)

The band instructor said he had a lot of flute players. “Would you mind playing trombone instead?” he said. That is how I started playing an instrument.

I played 1st chair all through middle school and high school. While in high school I took private lessons and was told about playing in a military band. I didn’t want to go to college right away and thought that would be a good fit. I auditioned and was accepted into the US Army music program. I was stationed in Germany and toured and played all over Europe.

Even though I didn’t understand all the different languages, there was one thing everyone understood and that was music. The 40-piece military band was very resourceful. Besides a full band we had brass and woodwind quintets, rock, swing, and jazz groups. We even had a barbershop quartet (I was lead tenor).

After I returned from my obligation, I played for two years at San Jose City College before getting married and having children. Life sometimes gets in the way, and in 1984, we moved to Spokane, Washington. Due to real life situations, I gave up playing and sold my trombone to a local music college.

I had married a pianist so we always had a piano around and our kids (we had one boy and three girls) were encouraged to play music and sing. Funny how all the kids picked string instruments and sang in their school choirs.

My oldest daughter is a cellist and married a double bass player. While they were courting I was asked a lot of questions about my playing days. That brought out many fond memories, especially from my military days. They asked what brand and model of horn I had played, etc. I thought they were just being nice.

For my 50th birthday I was surprised and awestruck when I was presented with a trombone! And not just any trombone. It was they exact brand and model I had sold.

I was really excited but thought, “Can I do this? I haven’t touched a horn in over 25 years!” The first couple of weeks was terrible! I really didn’t think I could come close to playing the way I did when I gave up the horn.

Even though it had been a long time, I still remembered the slide positions and could still read music. There was no range nor tone but I was determined not to waste such a gift! I practiced at least an hour a day. My son-in-law also had a trombone and we would play duets regularly.

After 6 months, I got tired of just practicing and was invited to sit in with a local swing band. Boy, was I nervous! The group was really supportive and asked me back. I absolutely LOVED it!

I continued to practice and play. My tone and range has greatly improved as well as my flexibility. And so have my playing opportunities! I was asked to sit in at the Coeur d’Alene Symphony for their movie theme night concert. While on stage and hearing what great musicians they have I got major chills and knew I had come back to the love of playing music.

I now play in 8 different groups and play different styles of music. I auditioned this year at the CDA symphony and have a permanent spot! I am currently playing at the Spokane Civic Theatre’s production of “Curtains.”

I am like a kid in a candy store! I can’t get enough! I am so grateful for being re-introduced to music. I will never, ever give it up again!

Bob Francis
Spokane, Washington