Bob Weller - bass trombone
Bob attended Coronado High School in Scottsdale, Arizona during the late ‘60s. He played tenor trombone through out high school. In addition to high school instrumental groups, Bob was also a three year All State band and orchestra member.
Bob attended college at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona as a music education major. He studied tenor and bass trombone with John Shipp, David Walters and Gail Wilson. While at A.S.U., Bob was a member the Sun Devil marching band, wind ensemble, brass choir, orchestra and jazz band. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education.
While in college Bob joined the local musicians union and played professionally for fifteen years in the Phoenix area. During that time he had the opportunity to play in show bands behind artists such as Sammy Davis Jr., Barbara Eden, Liberace, Eddie Arnold, The Pointer Sisters, Glen Campbell, Mitzi Gaynor, Bill Cosby and Henry Mancini. His playing also included The Ringling Brothers Circus, Ice Follies and Ice Capades.
Bob was also a member of the 108th Army Band stationed in Phoenix. The trombones were put away when the family activities and the day time teaching job became more important. Bob taught band in the Phoenix area for 34 years. His teaching included high school, middle school and elementary bands.
On retirement from teaching the trombones came out of the closet. The trombone choir and other groups such as local big bands and orchestras have given Bob the chance to play again. Bob is a founding member and the leader of Bones Southwest. His many duties include: anchoring the bass trombone parts, maintaining the music folders, and organizing rehearsals and performances.
Bob is featured here on bass trombone performing Tom Kubis’ arrangement of Jingle Bells with the Puma Jazz Ensemble during their Winter Concert set at Paradise Valley Community College.