Hopatcong Alum, Boston Bass Trombonist Connects With Students

HOPATCONG, NJ - The Hopatcong Bands hosted their second Distinguished Guest Speaker, James Markey, Bass Trombonist for the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Hopatcong graduate.

Markey served a 15-year tenure in the New York Philharmonic as Associate Principal (1997-2007) and Bass Trombone (2007-2012), and a two-year tenure as Principal Trombone of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Markey spoke about life as a classical musician and the typical and current atypical schedules as a member of one of the nation's finest orchestras. He also spoke about the importance of goal setting, hard work and perseverance. Additionally, James spoke about his school days in Hopatcong, the blessing of having a "family" consisting of strong friendships and teachers during his school days, and the influence of his Hopatcong music teachers, including Lucien Costanza and Barbara Fersch, who surprised James by participating in the Meet.

Markey has had numerous solo appearances with symphonic ensembles and he currently serves as bass trombone faculty, as well as Chair of Brass and Percussion, at the New England Conservatory in Boston, and serves as the Trombone Choir Director of the New England Conservatory’s Preparatory School, officials said.

Additionally, he has served on the faculty of the Juilliard School, Mannes College: the New School for Music, New York University, Purchase College (SUNY), Longy School of Music, Montclair State University, Sarah Lawrence College, and the Juilliard School’s Pre-College Division. Markey studied with Joseph Alessi at the Juilliard School, where he received his Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees in 2005 and 2006.

As a final treat, James performed the Arthur Pryor trombone classic "Blue Bells of Scotland."

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