Johnstonbaugh's Music Centers & the Farina Foundation

A generous individual donated their gently used 4/4 Deutsch cello outfit and asked that it be put to good use. With that goal in mind, Johnstonbaugh’s has partnered with the Farina Foundation to grant this cello to a deserving cello student in need of a good instrument and planning to major in music at an accredited college or university. If you are such a cello player and would like to apply, please complete the application and provide all materials by April 16th, 2021. The winner will be contacted by April 30th, 2021.

Fill out the application here. Two letters of recommendation from non-family members must also be submitted by the deadline.

Find the ideal teacher. If you want to be the most successful, you need to find a teacher that is the right fit for you. You need to find a teacher that is good at working with adults as well as one that will work with you on your goals. If you need help finding a teacher, reach out to your local music store for teacher suggestions.

Saxophonist, Woodwind Artist, Educator, Clinician and Adjudicator. Selmer Saxophone Endorsing Artist.

Music has always been Marino's passion, and he wanted to teach from a young age. He went to school with the goal of being a college professor and performer, and pursued that with a lot of energy. As a classical saxophonist, he also hoped to go to Paris to study. At age 22, the Paris Conservatory told him he was "too old," but he was accepted to study at the Bordeaux Conservatory, as well as a school in Belgium (both with full scholarships). He started studying French, but changed courses when he was offered a job in Toronto, Canada performing, recording, touring, and teaching.

While working full-time, Marino was also able to start teaching privately and found that he loved it! He enjoyed working one-on-one with students and coaching small groups. He eventually started teaching music in public schools and did so for over 25 years. And he never stopped practicing and performing – he has always continued to have burning desire to do so. He is a founding member of the Three Rivers Saxophone Quartet, which will be celebrating its 48th anniversary this May. He and his wife, Nancy, have a duo that has been active since 1990. He has also freelanced in the Pittsburgh area for many years, playing regularly with the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, and more.

Marino currently teaches at West Liberty University in West Virginia and maintains his own private studio, in addition to his position at Johnstonbaugh’s Music Centers. He has students of all levels, and really enjoys teaching to what their interests are. He does also provide a standard curriculum to make sure his students are learning important and varied repertoire. Marino especially enjoys working with students on the PMEA honors band pieces, such as the Sonatas by Paul Creston and G. F. Handel. A few of his other personal favorites in the saxophone repertoire are the Ingolf Dahl Concerto and the Fuzzy Bird Sonata by Takashi Yoshimatsu.

Throughout the past year, Marino and his students have been having good success with virtual lessons! He has noticed improvement in several students’ focus, consistency, and work ethic. Virtual lessons have also been a great opportunity for students to learn some technology skills, such as recording themselves and getting the best audio and video possible with the equipment they have available.

As always, Marino has several musical projects in the works. He’s learning new music, arranging music, and planning ahead for the 50th anniversary Three Rivers Saxophone Quartet album. He’s ready to return to performing live music!

Learn more about Marino and his work on his website. Marino is accepting new students – submit a referral here if you are interested in studying with him!

Want to nominate a JMC teacher to be featured in a future newsletter? Reply to this email or send a message to info@johnstonbaughs.com.