How Columbus Symphony Principal Trumpet Justin Kohan Prepares for Nationwide Picnic with the Pops
When legendary musician and producer Alan Parsons (who helped create albums for the Beatles and Pink Floyd, alongside his own hit songs) takes the stage at the Columbus Commons on July 25, as part of the Alan Parsons Live Project’s appearance with the Columbus Symphony, the clear, powerful brass lines backing up the band will come from Columbus Symphony Principal Trumpet Justin Kohan. We asked Justin how he gets ready to perform iconic hits like Parsons’ “Eye in the Sky” and “Games People Play.”
David: How did you get started in music?
Justin: I come from a musical family! My mom recently retired from being a middle school band director, and my dad ran the family polka band all through my upbringing in Buffalo. My uncle was even my first trumpet teacher!
I’ve always known that I would be a trumpet player. Something about the sound has always captivated me. Plus, it only having three valves made me think it might be easier to learn… I was wrong.
David: Tell me about your creative process when rehearsing and performing.
Justin: Foremost I try to be a good colleague, followed by a good musician, and the actual trumpet playing comes after that. I think it’s extremely important that I always bring a degree of flexibility to work, and that means incorporating that into my practice sessions. I usually spend 1-2 hours a day on fundamentals like sound, articulation, range – the actual nuts and bolts of playing the instrument. I also spend as long as it takes to learn my repertoire for whatever show is on the horizon. That might be an additional 1-6 hours a day. When I first learn a new work, I try to listen to it once alone, again with the score, another time with the trumpet parts, and a final time with a different instrument’s part. Usually by then I have the hang of it. Learning parts is like studying for a test; the sooner you can start to cover the material, the better. If you wait until the last minute to try and cram, you might not be happy with your final grade.
David: What’s the biggest difference between playing an indoor classical concert and an outdoor pops concert?
Justin: For those who may be accustomed to the classical concerts we normally play in the Ohio Theatre, the outdoor pops concerts have an entirely different vibe. Most notably, you’re outside. But in all seriousness, the outdoor shows have a special levity to them that really makes a summer evening with us feel well spent! I’m bummed they don’t let us picnic onstage, but it’s wonderful to see so many people bringing their family and friends to picnic at our shows.
David: What’s on your current playlist?
Justin: Usually I listen to classics. I really enjoy the bands America, ABBA, Steely Dan, but lately I’ve been fascinated by the Canadian experimental rock duo Angine de Poitrine.
David: What do you do outside of work to relax?
Justin: I really enjoy going to art museums and reading about history. My current project is reading a biography of every U.S. president.
David: What are your favorite things around Columbus?
Justin: I’ve been super fortunate to have our second trumpet, Jeff Korak, introduce me to the city over this past year. Jeff is the best! I noticed this is a great city for food; some of my favorite bites have been from The Top, Katzinger’s and Club 185. I think German Village is my favorite area to wander around. The Book Loft is a treasure!
Photo by Schlagheck Photography
Hear Justin’s trumpet playing featured when the Columbus Symphony partners with The Alan Parsons Live Project, known for their cinematic sound, rich and atmospheric musical experience, and progressive rock legacy, on Saturday, July 25, at Nationwide Picnic with the Pops on the Columbus Commons.
About the author
David Hoyt is marketing and communications manager for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.
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.