Music Man: Jonathan Forsander

Madelyn ShaughnessyStaff WriterJunior Jonathan Forsander says that it was love at first sight.“I would marvel at the size of the tubas. I knew that one day I would be playing one,” Forsander said.Now a member of the Samo Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra, the tuba has been his instrument of choice for the past five and a half years.With his rigorous practice schedule of at least five nights a week for about an hour, Forsander’s dedicates himself to his unique instrument. Although he admits to occasionally struggling with tricky rhythms, Forsander’s musical expertese has transcended a single instrument.He also plays the bass trombone in Jazz Band and the tuba in the Orchestra Da Camera at the Colburn School of Performing Arts. Additionally, the bass guitar and euphonium (a half size tuba) have worked their way into his playing, though mainly as a source of enjoyment.  His passion for music was discovered through a trial period of experimenting with the trumpet, French horn and trombone until he found what he was looking for.“For some reason, the euphonium just felt right in my hands,” Forsander said.After transitioning from euphonium to tuba, Forsander played in the Elementary Honor Orchestra in fifth grade at Stairway, continuing to be first chair tuba in All-State Junior High School Honor Band in seventh grade and second chair tuba in eighth grade.He received the only tuba spot in CODA Symphony Orchestra in ninth and tenth grade and the only tuba spot in All-State High School Honor Orchestra in tenth grade.However, his greatest gig is still to come. Just this fall Forsander was the only tuba player accepted into the National High School Honor Orchestra. On March 23, 2012, he’ll be peforming in Atlanta, Georiga continuing his longstanding affair with the tuba.mshaughnessy@thesamohi.com