WHEN MUSIC FALLS INTO YOUR ARMS

Photo by: Fletcher Wold

Do you happen to be tall? Well the trombone may be the right fit for you!

Freshman Mt. Hood band program member Gabe BellaFennell started playing the trombone in fifth grade. Not because of a love for the instrument or a famous trombonist idol, but because his elementary music teacher said his long arms meant the instrument would be perfect for him.

“I didn’t choose trombone for any particular reason… My music teacher wanted me to play because of my arms,” said BellaFennell.

Eight years later, he found himself joining MHCC’s symphonic and jazz bands.

High School Experience

Gabe attended David Douglas High School and was a member of its wind ensemble, jazz band, pit orchestra, and symphony.

He has been taking lessons since seventh grade with trombonist Mike Oft (who is a listed private lesson teacher here at MHCC).

Playing as a second-chair trombone player his senior year, BellaFennell helped the David Douglas wind ensemble take fourth place in the OSAA 6A State Band Contest and second in the Full Orchestra division. That same year, he decided to branch out with his music experience, learning how to play the euphonium (a brass instrument similar to the trombone) and percussion in the school’s lower-level band classes.

When he’s not practicing, performing, or in rehearsal, Gabe likes all kinds of outdoors activity, such as rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking, and reading or playing video games, he said.

Advocate Staff