Chris Troiano is a Doctoral candidate at George Mason University’s School of Music and a new member of the Academy’s low brass faculty! Our Faculty Coordinator Claire Allen recently sat down with him to learn more about his music and his teaching.
CAllen: What excites you most about joining the faculty at the Academy?
CTroiano: Since joining the Academy, I have been blown away by the students genuine interest and excitement to learn music. The children who attend the Academy are sincere and dedicated, and I am excited to be a part of a faculty who gets to work with these types of students.
CAllen: How did you first fall in love with music?
CTroiano: My father is a retired middle school band director from Long Island and a tuba player. I grew up attending his concerts and hearing his rehearsals. It was an environment that I found fun, exciting, and proud to be a part of. My older sister plays French horn, and my older brother plays tuba like my father. My parents did give me a choice to do music or not in elementary school, but for me it was a no-brainer. I wanted to be in music because I already felt like I was a part of it, and I loved it. I began playing the euphonium in 3rd grade, and I haven’t looked back since! When I was in 10th grade, I saw a concert by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band on Long Island. This was such a powerful and inspirational concert that it solidified my decision to pursue music as my career. I began practicing at least 3 hours a day, and I am now studying with the euphonium player I heard on that concert so many years ago, Dr. Mark Jenkins!
CAllen: Tell me about a teaching experience you’ve had that was particularly memorable.
CTroiano: This year has been my first year teaching a full season of high school marching band. I marched for 6 years in middle school/high school and 3 years at my alma mater, the University of North Texas. It was fun to finally apply what I learned in 9 years of marching to another band. It has been a great season and I am extremely proud of all the hard work the students put into the show this year!
CAllen: What are some unique things you do when you teach?
CTroiano: When I teach, I sometimes get a little carried away with singing the way I want to hear it played. I’m sure anybody walking by the room is thoroughly entertained by my falsetto (high voice)! [laughs]
CAllen: Do you have any pets?
CTroiano: I don’t have any pets…yet. I will say that allowing dogs was factor when I was looking into new apartments a few months ago. Hopefully there will be a husky or husky-mix running around my place soon! #TeamDog
CAllen: What else would you like our community to know about you?
CTroiano: I play euphonium in multiple GMU ensembles, the Capital Wind Symphony, my own tuba-euphonium quartet “NOVATEQ”, and the City of Fairfax German Band, Alte Kameraden. I also play trombone in a local New Orleans style brass band. Any upcoming performances will be updated on my website www.cteuph.com if you want to hear some euphonium or trombone!