Bones West was founded in 1980 by George Roberts ("Mr. Bass Trombone").
George had the dream of a trombone choir playing music in the big band style, and open to all who love and play the Trombone. That is still the mission of Bones West today.
George asked his composer/arranger friends from the studios to write for the group. Frank Comstock wrote many great charts for the group, as did Harry Betts.
With George’s enthusiasm, his great playing, and the support of his many friends, Bones West quickly became a big success.
Bones West was directed by charter member Ralph Bigelow Until mid-2003, when Peter Fournier took over the conducting duties. The Bones West extensive library features the arrangements of many Bones West members, as well as the studio arrangers.
The library also contains a large traditional trombone choir repertoire, which we play during the first set of each rehearsal. Sponsored by Local 7, AFM, Bones West is a chapter of the International Trombone Association.
BonesWest was originated in 1980 by George Roberts ("Mr. Bass Trombone"). From 1983 until mid-2003, the choir was directed by charter member Ralph Bigelow. Peter Fournier has assumed directing duties since then. The group rehearses on almost every Saturday throughout the year (unless there is a performance on a Saturday).
The library features the custom arrangements of Harry Betts and Bob Olson, both Kenton alumni, Tommy Dorsey alumnus Charles LaRue, Les Brown's chief arranger Frank Comstock, James Christensen of Disneyland and Disney World, choir members Frank Cheever, Paul Edwards, and John Campanella, and former members Adrian Drover, David Borkenhagen, John Ward, and Ron Dickinson. Over the years the group has also been introduced to some of the liturgical and concert literature for low brass.
On any Saturday, anywhere from 25 to 40 trombonists show up for rehearsal. They divide themselves into six groups of music (leads, seconds, thirds, etc.), depending on the players' instrument and range, and the group's sound balance. The trombones are joined by a rhythm section consisting of bass, piano, and percussion. A singer is often present to help with vocal compositions.All of the players are volunteers united in their love for the trombone and for playing good music in the ensemble of the trombone choir. Sponsored by Local 7, AFM, BonesWest is a chapter of the International Trombone Association.
Bones West welcomes invitations to perform at community events as a public service. All members donate their services for these events, though the choir does usually receive an honorarium.