Richard Watson, a native of northwestern Ohio, has been instructor of low brass instruments at Valparaiso since 1994. Prior to coming to VU he was principal tubist of the Honolulu Symphony for twelve years, and during that time was a guest performer with the orchestras of Philadelphia, Houston, St. Louis, and Utah. He holds degrees in Tuba Performance from the University of Michigan and Northwestern University. His teachers have included Abe Torchinsky, Arnold Jacobs, Roger Bobo, Tommy Johnson, and Roger Rocco. He is a long-time associate of Gene Pokorny, principal tubist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his duties at VU, he teaches private students in the schools systems of Valparaiso and LaPorte, and is a member of the LaPorte (IN) Symphony and the Michigan City (IN) Municipal Band. He also performs regularly in the region with the Whiting (IN) Pops Orchestra and the Tom Milo Big Band. Mr. Watson's love of teaching goes beyond music: he is an avid motorcyclist and a nationally certified instructor for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. He holds the position of site co-ordinator and administrator for the ABATE of Indiana's South Bend Motorcycle Safety Program.

Office: VUCA B529
Tel: (219) 464-6790
E-mail: loblo@netnitco.net

Return to Music Faculty Index Page | Department of Music Home Page