Morehead State University's Department of Music, Theatre and Dance will host John Romero, principal trombonist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, as an artist-in-residence at MSU.
Romero's residency is from March 31 through April 1. During his visit, he will lecture on diversity, equity and inclusion for music education students and teach a masterclass to MSU brass students. His residency concludes with a recital at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 1, at the Duncan Recital Hall in Baird Music Hall. The performance is free and open to the public.
Romero has served in his role with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra since 2018. Before that, he held the same position in the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra from 2016 to 2018. He currently teaches at Rutgers University, the Bard College Conservatory of Music, and the Mannes School of Music. He has performed solo recitals and led masterclasses at the Juilliard School of Music, The Manhattan School of Music, and the 2019 International Trombone Festival. Romero also competed in the first-ever brass division of the 2019 XVI Tchaikovsky Competition in St. Petersburg, Russia. Romero's recordings of Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Etudes for trombone and trumpet have become widely viewed on YouTube.
Dr. Russ Zokaites, visiting assistant professor of music - trombone, organized the event and believes MSU students can gain helpful knowledge from this world-class musician.
"As a member of the Metropolitan Opera, he is one of the best trombonists in the world. John is also active on social media and has a large following. This combination of skills is a great opportunity for our students," he said. "They will get to listen and work with a great musician and a young entrepreneur who is skilled in 21st-century technology."
For more information about programs in the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/mtd, email mtd@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2473.