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Name
Javid Labenski
Instrument
Trombone
Current Teacher
Rob Fox
High School
Cherokee High School
College / Major
Temple University / Music performance
How long have you been a member of the PYO Music Institute and in which ensembles did you participate?
I have been a member of PYOMI for four years. I have been in Bravo Brass since 2019, and in PYO since 2022. I was also in PYAO from 2019-2020.
Do you have any plans or activities planned for over the summer?
For once, I’m planning to take a relaxed summer break. I’ll be sure to practice though!
What is one of your favorite PYOMI memories?
Some of my favorite memories include the PYO masterclasses, and the Bravo Brass picnic last year.
What are your most recent musical and/or academic achievements?
During this school year, I have participated in the NJMEA All State Orchestra and the NAFME All National Concert Band. I am also about to be featured in my school’s “Prepared to Succeed” video featuring students academically prepared for college.
What are some of your favorite pieces of music that you have performed with the PYO Music Institute?
In Bravo Brass, my favorite pieces were the two premieres written by Ehren Valmé (“O Thou Who Camest From Above” and “Legacy Rising”) and Herbert Haufrecht’s “Symphony for Brass and Timpani”. In PYO, my favorite pieces were Hindemith’s “Symphonic Metamorphosis” and Shostakovich’s 5th Symphony.
When you are not in rehearsal or practicing your instrument, what other activities or hobbies do you enjoy?
I have a long-held passion for reading classic detective fiction – my favorite authors include Agatha Christie and John Dickson Carr. I also love watching movies – some of my favorites are “Phantom Thread”, “The Artist”, and “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”.
What is one unique attribute about you that people find surprising?
People always seem surprised to learn that I can also play viola (relatively) well, although whenever I tell another trombone player about it they comment that my alto clef reading skills must be great!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What do you see yourself doing?
Hopefully I’ll already have won a job as a trombonist in an orchestra, but if not then I guess that ten years from now I’ll be taking a lot of auditions!
