We are always thrilled to share the non-musical talents of our musicians. This month’s musing is written by SO Principal Trombonist John Metcalfe. Read on to learn more about John’s other artistic pursuit, and then visit the link at the bottom of the page to bid on the lamp (auction will be open April 24-28, 2022).

I joined the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra in the fall of 1985 as principal trombonist, a position I have held since then.  In that time I have played for some very talented conductors, played with some incredibly gifted colleagues, and performed some of the world’s greatest music.  I even had the opportunity to solo with the orchestra – twice – playing the Gordon Jacob “Concerto” and the Launy Grondahl “Concerto.”  As a non-professional, playing in this wonderful orchestra has allowed me to pursue this avocation at a high level well into my retirement years.

In addition to playing in the orchestra, I have also served on the Board of Directors and have contributed to various orchestra fundraisers.  This includes a stained glass lamp that I contributed to this year’s event.  And that brings me to my other avocation, stained glass work.

I had long admired the stained glass work that I saw at various art shows, such as the Renaissance Festival.  Then one day, about 15 years ago, I was running some errands and happened to walk past a stained glass supply shop.  I stopped in and asked the proprietor if stained glass was an expensive hobby.  He replied, “It’s cheaper than golf.”  I liked his attitude right from the start.  He said they had a beginner’s class coming up in a month.  I signed up, took the class, set up a studio in my garage, bought the necessary tools, and jumped in.

The pieces that I make are either panel lamps (lamps consisting of 4, 6, or 8 flat panels), windows or hanging panels, or small suncatchers.

I have sold a few pieces that were commissioned, given a few as gifts, and we have a number of pieces in our home.  But many of the pieces I have made have been donated to causes that are meaningful to me.  When the Bloomington Symphony participated in Taste of Chocolate, I donated lamps to the silent auction.  And for the past ten years I have donated to a similar fundraiser at my former school, Community of Peace Academy.  A few years ago, I created three large windows for the Prayer Room at my church, Augustana Lutheran in West St Paul. 

And I have donated many pieces in support of the Lutheran Church in Guatemala, with which my church has a partnership.  Most of those projects have been in conjunction with our annual gala fundraiser.  But one project consisted of four large windows which are installed in the Lutheran Center in Guatemala City.  (The glass pieces were cut and packed here and then assembled and finished in Guatemala.)  When I told the proprietor at the glass shop that I was working on this, he remarked, “Cool!  You’ll be hung in a foreign capital.”  To which I replied, “I guess that’s better than being hanged in a foreign capital.”

This has been a great hobby for me.  I have a CD player in my studio.  And since most of the glass work is quiet, I can listen to great music while doing the work.  I may lose track of time, but I know that if I get to the end of a Mahler symphony, it’s time to take a break.

You can help the BSO make it’s end of year fundraising goal by bidding on this lamp or one of the other fabulous items and experiences on our virtual auction. Click here to see all of the items on this year’s auction. Thank you for supporting the BSO!