James Beckel
Principal Trombone
James Beckel was born in Marion, Ohio, graduated from Indiana University where he studied with Lewis Van Haney and David Baker and joined the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in 1969. He is on the faculty of DePauw University and the University of Indianapolis and plays in Chamber Brass Choir and other local groups.
Equally adept at classical and jazz styles, Beckel has been soloist with the ISO on numerous occasions and is active in the Orchestra’s education efforts. In 1991 he was honored as the first recipient of the Patch Leadership Award. He is internationally respected as a composer, his works having been performed and recorded by most of America’s major orchestras and concert bands. He and his wife, a project manager, are the parents of a son and a daughter.
K. Blake Schlabach
Assistant Principal Trombone
Blake Schlabach joined the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in 1982. Born in Royal Oak, Michigan, he grew up in the Cleveland area and received his B.M. degree from DePauw University where he studied with the Orchestra’s principal trombone, James Beckel. He has also studied with Lewis Van Haney and Martin Fako. Participation in five summer programs at the National Music Camp at Interlochen helped direct his career.
Schlabach is orchestra personnel manager of the ISO after serving as the assistant for 10 years. He teaches privately, plays in Chamber Brass Choir and the Indianapolis Trombone Quartet, and leads Equinox, a jazz quintet featuring trombone and tenor sax. He is a respected recording studio artist and has served as section coach for the ISO’s Side by Side program. He and his wife, an educator/administrator, are the parents of a son and a daughter. In his spare time, Schlabach enjoys all things automotive.
John Bart
Trombone/Bass Trombone
The Dr. and Mrs. Charles E. Test Chair
John Bart was born in Fort Wayne and graduated from Indiana University and the University of Southern California. His major teachers have included Thomas Beversdorf, Lewis Van Haney, William Bell, Robert Marsteller, Byron Peebles and Arnold Jacobs. Prior to joining the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in 1967, he was principal trombone of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.
Bart has performed with the Indianapolis Brass Quintet and the Butler University Faculty Brass Quintet as well as numerous studio recording sessions. He and his wife are the parents of two sons. Away from music, Bart enjoys bicycling and photography.
