John Pellegrino Steps into a Rare Bass Spotlight
By Alexandra Fox, public relations manager for Sunday at Central
Rhode Island native John Pellegrino is the assistant principal bass of the Columbus Symphony, where he has performed for 36 years. He also serves as principal bass of ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, artistic director of Music on the Hill (RI) and performs with the Grand Teton (WY) and Peninsula (WI) music festivals. A faculty member at The Ohio State University, he has also taught at Capital, Denison and Ohio Wesleyan universities. Known jokingly as “America’s Bass Sub,” he has performed with an impressive 17 symphony orchestras nationwide. On Jan. 18, he’ll step into a rare spotlight in Highs and Lows at Ohio History Connection, presented by Sunday at Central.
Alex: Why did you choose the bass? Do you play other instruments?
John: I chose the bass because I wanted to play jazz and rock in addition to classical music. My first instrument was the trumpet, then I played the cello from second through eighth grade in school and youth orchestras. I started bass lessons and youth orchestra in 10th grade, joined a college orchestra in 11th grade, played principal bass in All State, and was principal bass in All Eastern. By 12th grade, I joined another ensemble and was awarded an apprenticeship with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. At that point, I was all in. I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life.
Alex: What’s something most people don’t know about playing the bass?
John: Most folks don’t realize that we have a super wide range on the bass. Yes, we’re known for playing in the low zone, but most composers love to loft us up into our upper register, often having us employ the use of our harmonics. When we play harmonics, we can be in the viola and violin range but sound more like a flute or clarinet in color. It’s an amazing sound transformation. On the other end of the spectrum, I have an extension on my lowest string that allows me to drop, in half steps, down to a low C — an octave below the lowest open string on the cello.
Alex: The Highs and Lows program pays special attention to the bass. How does that feel?
John: The Arensky Quartet, the Rossini Duo and the Rossini Quartet all feature the bass as a solo instrument as well as an ensemble one. Switching roles from the supporter to the supported doesn’t happen very often in orchestra, so it’s really a special treat to play this program.
Alex: How have you cracked the code on transporting your instrument?
John: Playing and transporting the bass is a physical act, so strength training helps with playing it for extended periods of time. Many bass players roll their instruments with the help of an attachable wheel. I’m still old school and carry the thing on my shoulder… but I catch myself trying to park closer to stage door entrances than I have in the past. A few times, I flew to auditions and bought a bulkhead seat to bring my bass on board. But as safe as it feels to have it next to me in a seat and not in the cargo zone, the boarding process has many challenges. And there are rental car challenges. In the end, it’s easier to drive my own car to summer music festivals, other orchestras and auditions.
Alex: What advice would you give young bass students looking to pursue a career in music?
John: Make sure that you “have” to become a musician. If your love for the instrument and orchestral playing isn’t the most important thing to you as a musician (bordering on obsession), go into a different career and study or play music for fun. Like golf, there are lots of places to play as an amateur that are fun and fulfilling. This career is challenging in so many different ways. Most professional musicians are riddled with doubt and frustration and have had many disappointments along their individual journeys. If there’s financial security in your future orchestral position, this career can be very spiritually, socially and musically fulfilling. It can even be glorious.
Alex: What do you do to relax or unwind?
John: Golf! I’m a member of Hickory Hills Golf Club, and I also enjoy playing the Scarlet Course at Ohio State and Donald Ross’s design at Denison Golf Club. When I’m in the mountains, I love to hike. I also enjoy spending time on Block Island, Rhode Island.
Alex: What are a couple of your favorite things about Columbus?
John: I’ve really enjoyed the growing number of ethnic eateries in the Columbus food scene. There are so many great chef- and family-owned spots to choose from now. I love strolling through Grandview for food and drinks. Bangkok Restaurant & Grocery on Refugee Road has the best tom kha gai soup anywhere, Starliner Diner in Hilliard rocks, the gyro salad at Jimmy V’s always pleases, the smoked wings at the Knotty Pine stand alone, and the Ethiopian food at Nile Vegan is delicious and worth returning to again and again.
See John take center stage at Highs and Lows on Sunday, Jan. 18 at Ohio History Connection, presented by Sunday at Central. Admission is free.
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database, artist-curated public art tours and stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.