Alistair Taaffe ’25 is a four-year Senior from West Cornwall, Connecticut. He plays trombone in the orchestra and is enrolled in Honors Senior Music Performance.

Outside of music, he is co-head of the Medical Society and Hillel; communications director for Twinkling Little Stars; a regional director of Solis and Luna Arts, a non-profit promoting mental health awareness and art therapy; and a proctor in Flinn.

Taaffe will attend  Washington University in St. Louis, where he plans on majoring in public health and policy.

How did you discover your passion for the trombone?

In fourth grade, I was required to choose an instrument. I was a small, shy kid, so I thought the trombone would be perfect for me, because it would allow me to present my voice in a loud and proud tone. I also found the slide on the trombone to be marvelous. I give a lot of thanks to Mr. Fabio Witkowksi, head of the arts department and director of the music program, and Mrs. Jamie Marci, instructor in brass. When I came to Hotchkiss from my local public school, I had never taken music seriously. Mr. Witkowski and the music department have inspired me to take the trombone seriously and treat it more like an academic class.

What do you like about the trombone?

I like how dynamic it is. In some pieces, I’ll have more fortes than I have ever seen, but in some other pieces, such as the Dvorák Cello Concerto, I have triple pianississimo with the cellos. Sometimes the trombone can be a soft and beautiful instrument, which people often don’t realize.

What are some of your favorite memories of playing the trombone here?

During my first instrumental recital at Hotchkiss, I remember finishing my performance and going to grab my music. The top part of the music stand was loose, and when I grabbed it, the top part fell and clattered onto the stage. The entirety of Elfers went quiet. As I walked off the stage, there was scattered applause. Even though it was embarrassing, I found it funny, and it reminds me that silly things happen sometimes.

What is the biggest difference between performing solo and with an ensemble?

The trombone isn’t usually viewed as a solo instrument, and there aren’t many solo pieces for it. In the orchestra and the Philharmonic, it often plays a supporting role. Sometimes, I will have fun lines, but most of the time, I’ll back up other sections. Playing solo allows me to see everything that the trombone can do. Recently, I’ve been learning the Rimsky-Korsakov Trombone Concerto, and there are cadenzas [showy passages] in both the second and third movement. It completely stretches the dynamic range of a trombone.

How has the music program at the school helped you develop as a musician?

The  two  most  transformative experiences for me have been playing for the musical Chicago and performing in the Philharmonic. Playing alongside great trombonists is the best way to learn. They recognize every mistake, teach me what I did wrong, and give me notes on how I can make my performance better.

What advice would you give to young musicians?

Start thinking right now about what you want to achieve.

In hindsight, I wish I had devoted more  time  to  putting  together recordings  and  seizing  every opportunity to perform.

Take advantage of all concerts that you can perform in, such as the solo recitals, Carnegie Hall, the Philharmonic, and local concerts with groups such as Songs for Smiles.

While it may seem scary, the more you perform, the more comfortable you will become with it.