George Goehner - Trumpet

Born & raised in Los Gatos, California, George started playing the horn in the 5^th grade.

From 1941 to 1945, the War years, had his own small dance band in high school, but won’t tell us what clever name he used for it. He also played in Buddy King’s band at hospitals and bond rallies, and dance gigs at the famous Coconut Grove in Santa Cruz. From 1945 to 1946, he played steadily with a dance band at Camp Beale. Upon his discharge from the service in late ‘46, he got away from playing, and didn’t start up again for over 30 years.

In the 1980's George got busy with the horn again in a big way, playing with the San Jose Metropolitan concert Band, the San Jose City College Concert Band, and two dance bands (the Expandos and the Nomads).

In the late 80's George became a regular at the Villages in San Jose, playing lead trumpet in their orchestra and concert band, as well as featured soloist, and 2^nd trumpet in their dance band. Some of the events he remembers most fondly are playing in musicals such as "Show Boat," "My Fair Lady," "Some Like It Hot," "Camelot," and "The Sound of Music."

George & his wife, Barbara, moved to Redding in 1992, and George once again became quite involved in the local music scene. He has played in the Shasta College Community Concert Band, Shasta College Community Jazz Band, Rapture Brass, and, of course, the Straight Ahead Big Band. George says he feels fortunate to still be a member of Straight Ahead, saying, "It is my favorite." With that 30-year rest his chops got in those middle years, it’s no wonder the band is glad to have him and his sweet tone in their trumpet section.