Neither fate, nor Providence; but Matt

Matt was the first person I met when I came to Brown as a graduate student in 1985. I had literally nothing, and I believe Matt’s advice to me was, and I quote, “You should have something to fall back on when your career as a rocket scientist doesn’t work out. So, here, take my finest trombone, and have at it.”

During the next few months, I befriended Professor William Findley (retired, Brown Engineering) who summered on his yacht in Camden Harbor. Prof. Findley encouraged me to visit him in Camden, so I suggested to Matt that we take our trombones to Camden and share a recital with Prof. Findley. That August of 1986 started a 35-year-old tradition of camping and playing trombones in Maine with Matt, enjoyed and endured by dozens of campers from all over the world. I’m cautiously optimistic that this tradition will continue for at least another 35 years.

Thank you, Matt, for sharing your passion for music, education, and the trombone with me for 35 years. Don’t stop now. Where would I be without you?

Alan Johnson