Leader of the pack | Bassoonist in charge of woodwinds

November 16, 2008 12:51 pm

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BY RUTH RICE
RRICE@TRIBDEM.COM
As principal bassoonist for Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Michael F. Kokus is in the spotlight at every concert.
“I’m expected to play all the solo lines. At every concert, I play things no one else plays, by myself,” he said.
A relatively new member of the symphony, Kokus has been principal bassoonist since 2007.
“I became a sub in 2004, then went from sub to second bassoon,” Kokus said. “I became principal in 2007.”
Being a lead player in the woodwind section means that Kokus has to be in control.
“All the principal winds communicate with each other as a whole in the woodwind section,” Kokus said. “I make the artistic decisions on a playing level, the minor articulations and the technical decisions.”
Kokus explained that music is typically written for two bassoons, and there are two bassoons in the symphony most of the time.
“For larger works, we might need three or four bassoons,” Kokus said. “We hire them as needed.”
The symphony also might need a contrabassoon, which plays an octave lower.
“It’s an oversized bassoon,” Kokus said. “Bigger instruments always make a lower sound.”
In an area such as Johnstown, Kokus knows it is rare to have a musical outlet like the Johnstown Symphony.
“It’s a nice way to make music professionally with professional musicians,” Kokus said. “I can continue to do something I love to do and use the skills I worked hard to learn. It’s a privilege to be a part of the symphony and a privilege to have music of this caliber in Johnstown.”
Growing up in Ebensburg, Kokus was drawn to music, but not necessarily the bassoon.
“I couldn’t wait to play in the fourth grade,” Kokus said. “The saxophone was my first instrument.”
When he was in seventh grade at Central Cambria Middle School, Kokus’ music teacher, Paul Seymour, who played bassoon for Johnstown Symphony, noticed that Kokus had the exacting nature to take on the tedious work of the bassoon.
“He said it was hard to find a student with meticulous qualities,” Kokus said. “I received private instruction from him in middle school.”
Kokus has served as music director for Cambria Heights Middle School, Patton, and assistant marching band director for the school district since 2005.
In these positions, he must possess a basic proficiency in most instruments.
“It’s a multifaceted job, but I like it very much,” Kokus said.
As assistant band director, Kokus works with director Ryan Skiles to coordinate activities.
His wife, Michelle, is director of the marching band and teaches instrumental music to middle school and high school students at Central Cambria.
Kokus received a bachelor’s degree in 2004 from the University of Rochester and is studying toward a master’s degree at Penn State.
In addition to playing principal bassoon for Johnstown Symphony, Kokus served as principal bassoonist for Penn State’s wind ensemble and orchestra in 2004 and 2005.
He also participated in an honors wind ensemble that took a European tour in 2005.
Kokus also has served as choir director at SS. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, Windber, since 2004.
Even though music consumes an enormous part of his life, Kokus still finds time for swimming, golfing and vacationing with his wife.
Kokus’ music takes a different turn when he plays rock ‘n’ roll on keyboard, guitar and saxophone with the oldies classic and contemporary rock group Echoes.
He has been a member of the seven-piece band since 2004.
He also plays sax with the Ebensburg Jazz Ensemble.

Michael F. Kokus
Position: Principal bassoonist for Johnstown Symphony Orchestra.
Age: 26.
Residence: Ebensburg.
Education: Received bachelor’s degree in 2004 from University of Rochester. Currently working on master’s degree at Penn State.
Employment: Music director at Cambria Heights Middle School, Patton, and assistant marching band director for the school district.

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