IMPROMPTU by Cyrina Yarbrough
Jeremy Buckler
TROMBONE
Since joining the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in September 2022 , Jeremy Buckler ’ s schedule has been quite busy throughout the concert season which means family time is treasured . Fortunately for the BSO trombonist , baseball , soccer , and other outdoor activities are fitting opportunities to engage in quality time for the sports-loving family .
When recalling how Jeremy came to his shared love of both music and sports , he noted “ I grew up in Dallas , Texas … there ’ s band and there ’ s sports !” Starting at a very young age , he took full advantage of both opportunities . The now trombone player played the piano before making the transition to brass instrument family . His correlation between team sports and orchestra made it an easy choice .
“ When I was in school , you couldn ’ t play the piano in the band … An orchestra is like a giant team . Just like sports , you ’ re working together for one common goal . The whole essence of performance is executing at a high level .”
That upbringing has helped to formulate much of the Buckler family dynamic in staying active together . Team sports like football and hockey are also staples in Jeremy ’ s household . Additionally , with his wife , a former volleyball state-champion and two boys , three and seven-years old — both of which play baseball , the family spends much of their time attending countless professional Major League Baseball games . Complete with memorabilia , like signed jerseys and caught foul balls , and from memories , including a batting cage session between Jeremy and Ryan Zimmerman , baseball is not only America ’ s favorite pastime , but the Buckler family ’ s as well .
Jeremy finds sports as an opportunity to not only connect with his family but also a time to reconnect with himself . Running and training for marathons put him in a head space that allows him to thrive on stage .
“ Preparing for a marathon and spending a lot of time on these long runs gave me time to think about how training for these running events are very similar to being int the orchestra . The time , the concentration , the energy . Even working with a coach . There ’ s a lot of crossover !”
MITRO HOOD
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