2008 Year in Review

Final Lenten Recital to Feature Aaron Johnson

The Morrison United Methodist Church presents guest soloist Aaron Johnson in its final recital of the Lenten season. Aaron is a noted instrumentalist in the area playing string bass, tuba and baritone. Mr. Johnson will solo on both the tuba and baritone playing a variety of music, including: “Just As I Am,” “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” “ Were You There,” “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder,” “Sonata IV,” and “A Touch of Tuba.” The concert will begin at noon on Friday, March 14 in the sanctuary followed by a soup luncheon. There is no charge for the concert; however, a free will offering will be accepted for the luncheon.

Growing up in Dixon, Illinois, Aaron’s musical career began in fourth grade playing the coronet. However, during seventh grade, the band needed a sousaphone, more commonly called a tuba, and he volunteered.

Aaron graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. While at the U of I, he played tuba in the Concert Band, the Marching Illini Band, and the University Jazz Band, plus sang in the Varsity Men’s Glee Club. After college, Aaron enlisted in the Army, and played in the 5th Army Band at Fort Sheridan and the 2nd Division Band in Korea. While in Korea, he ‘picked up” the string bass playing in a combo that toured various service clubs in the area.

Aaron returned to Prophetstown and taught instrumental music for the elementary and junior high schools for twenty years. He ended his teaching career as an elementary classroom teacher. Aaron now lives in Morrison with his wife Judy. Their blended family includes four children and ten grandchildren.

Beginning in the 1970’s with a piano/bass duo at the former Stan Hack’s Landmark Restaurant in Grand Detour, Aaron has played with area bands and combos throughout the area. His bluegrass band, the Arkansas Connection, performed on many occasions. Recently, keyboardist Diane Holtz and Aaron have merged their talents providing easy listening music for many civic groups. Aaron’s talents on tuba have been utilized in various area bands: Dixon City Band, Sauk Valley Community Concert Band, Rochelle City Band, and the Sterling Municipal Band.

The United Methodist Church welcomes the community for this final concert. These six concerts, featuring various community musicians, have been presented by New Visions: New Directions as a time to pause and reflect during the journey of Lent.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
March 11, 2008