Jonathan Reycraft, trombone

Originally from the tri-state area in New York, Jonathan Reycraft grew up drawing comparisons between the sounds of the city and the sounds of the orchestra – with shipping crates as string basses and water towers as snare drums.

From that upbringing, he began with the Suzuki method on violin, picking up trombone in high school after studying euphonium. He ultimately was named to the Utility Trombone position with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra prior to the 2006/2007 season.

Before joining the SLSO, Reycraft served eight years as trombonist for the United States Naval Academy Band in Annapolis, Maryland. As an integral member of the concert band, trombone quartet, and ceremonial units, significantly contributed musical efforts to 600 engagements of audiences totaling more than 2 million people.

He has also performed with the Baltimore and National Symphony Orchestras with solo opportunities with the SLSO and Atlantic Wind Symphony and Washington University

Committed to furthering the enjoyment of low brass music throughout the region, Reycraft has contributed to the St. Louis Low Brass Collective and is an active chamber musician. Parallel to his duties as orchestral trombonist, he is a member of the Trombones of the St. Louis Symphony now STL Trombones, a trombone quartet that has recorded, performed, and given master classes throughout the United States including appearances at the International Trombone Festival. He also serves as adjunct faculty at Washington University and St. Louis University.

Reycraft completed his Bachelor of Music degree in trombone at the Indiana University School of Music and received his Master of Music degree from the University of Maryland in 2005. His former teachers include Don Sherman, Michael Canipe, M. Dee Stewart, Scott Hartman, the late Dr. Milton Stevens, and John Huling. He has also played in the Sun Valley and Colorado Music Festivals.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Lin