We love hearing from our alums about what they’ve been up to since their time in TRYPO! Today we feature tuba player, Russ Pedersen! We’re so proud of his accomplishments!! Read all about Russ’ time in TRYPO and what he is doing now:
Russ joined TRYPO in 1980 and played in TRYPO until the 1982-83 season. Russ received his undergraduate degree at Duquesne University and his master’s at Carnegie Mellon University. Both a musician and educator, Russ has performed around the country and in Scotland and Canada with such ensembles as the American Wind Symphony Orchestra, the River City Brass Band, the Edgewood Symphony, the Westmoreland Symphony, the McKeesport Symphony, and the Big Easy Jazz Band.
Russ has been involved in music education since 1982 when as a high school student, he worked as a marching band staff music instructor. Russ’s experience as an educator includes several years in the Pittsburgh City Schools. Since 1996 he has worked in the Carlynton School District, originally hired as the High School Marching Band Director. He now serves as the elementary band and assistant Fine Arts Department Head. Russ also works with the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra where he serves as the Prelude Band conductor, the brass coordinator for all ensembles, and as the librarian.
His most influential teachers include Matty Shiner, Sumner Erickson, Edward Kleinhammer, and Arnold Jacobs. Russ makes his home in the South Hills of Pittsburgh with his family of musicians. His wife Diane and his two sons Luke and Liam.
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