We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Wharton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my own band fairly late in the game. I was 39 and didn’t think anyone would be interested in 1) playing with me or 2) hearing what I wanted to do.

My thought was that I hadn’t challenged myself in a long time and if I was going to do it, I would have to do it my way. So I formed a band with four trombones and rhythm section. I commissioned over 30+ pieces from amazing composers and I named it the only name I could think of to really shove it down people’s throats: Bonegasm.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am primarily a bass trombone player. For quite some time, there were not a ton of female trombonists, even less on bass trombone. For all of the crap I had to deal with for my gender, it actually helped me stick out as a freelancer. But I wouldn’t have been able to succeed without the kindness and generosity of people like Douglas Purviance and George Flynn. These two men are playing long running shows on Broadway and were the first people to give me a shot at being a substitute. It was because of them that I got my first show in 2007.

I have learned some hard lessons. I thought I had to be “one of the guys” to get by and stay safe in my male-dominated career. When #metoo happened, I wondered who I might have been if I hadn’t had to wear that suit of armor.

I have learned that there are people that hate me, no matter how hard I try to be likeable. I am not for everybody.

I have learned that too often we musicians try to market music to other musicians but they should not be your target audience.

And finally, I learned that the best compliment I can receive is that when people hear my band, they forget that it is all trombone. The music is that good!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In LA? Or in NYC? I live in NYC.

Central Park for a bike ride.

Hit a street fair in the spring for a sausage and peppers sandwich and roasted corn.

Frisson Espresso on 47th btwn 8/9

The Last Word cocktail bar in Astoria

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My high school band director, Orrin Cross III, changed my life. He was the first adult in my life to believe that I could be a professional musician. Many other music teachers along the way help me down this path but Orrin Cross was the first!

Website: www.jenniferwharton.com

Instagram: @jenniferwharton

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-wharton-3a6a01209/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bonegasm

Youtube: www.youtube.com/jenniferwharton

Image Credits
John Abbott Photography

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