Roger Bobo, Part 1: The World's Innovative Tubist

Roger Bobo is a brass legend and is recognized as an orchestral tubist, soloist, and teacher. He was first a member of the Rochester Philharmonic, then the Concertgebouw Orchestra, and finally the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. As a soloist he has performed around the world and was a member of the famed Los Angeles Brass Quintet. At a time when tuba was not considered a solo instrument, he raised the level and standard to new heights.In Part 1 of our conversation, Roger talks about his friendship with fellow tubist Tommy Johnson, playing with the Rochester, Concertgebouw, and Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestras. We also talk about when he played with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Brass Quintet and why he turned down George Szell when Szell asked him to join the Cleveland Orchestra.