John Heard

John Reed Heard, a highly accomplished concert bassoonist, passed away on March 26 at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marthann. He is also survived by his brother Ross, son Jonathan and daughter Hilary (George)Gurley, and grandson Georgie. John left behind an exceptional legacy of musicianship and dedication to his craft. Born on November 3, 1942, in Wareham, Massachusetts, John began playing the bassoon at a young age. He studied with renowned teachers, including James Dickie (NBC Symphony Orchestra) and William Polisi (New York Philharmonic), while earning degrees at the University of Texas at Austin and the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

John quickly established himself as one of the most promising young bassoonists of his generation and was recruited into the United States Marine Band through a national auditioning process, where he served with distinction for seven years. As a member of the “President’s Own” band, he performed for Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon, international dignitaries, and heads of state, both at home and abroad. His skill on the bassoon was matched only by his dedication to the Marine Corps and his commitment to representing his country with honor and pride.

He served as principal bassoonist with orchestras including the Austin Symphony, “the Presidents’ Own” United States Marine Band, and the American Wind Symphony. He founded and performed for 22 years as a bassoonist in the internationally recognized Miami Wind Quintet. He was a guest bassoonist / soloist with chamber ensembles and orchestras in Argentina, Greece, Luxembourg, Korea, Ukraine, and Venezuela, as well as across the U.S. His musical achievements extended beyond his performances. He presented master classes and solo recitals at universities all over America, as well as at leading music schools in Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Luxembourg, South Korea, Taiwan, and Venezuela. He co-founded the Echternach Festival Orchestra of Luxembourg and served for several years as Artistic Director of the Festival Internacionales de Música de Camara in Venezuela.

And his contributions to the world of music were not limited to his performances and teaching. He also recorded on multiple music labels, among them Helicon featuring bassoon concerto performances with the National Chamber Orchestra of Ukraine (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2006/jan06/Danzi_Bassoon_KL5136.htm). A review of one of those recordings states, “John Heard hails from the faculty of Miami University in Ohio, but judging from this recording, he should be hailing from the Vienna Philharmonic. This is quality bassoon playing by any standard: lustrous tone, unfaltering technique, and intense communicative skill.”

In addition to his musical achievements, John was a beloved teacher and mentor to many young musicians. His dedication to educating the next generation of artists was remarkable and will be remembered for years to come. His impact extended beyond the world of music, as he was also a devoted family man who cherished his loved ones above all else. He was known for his keen wit, generosity, unwavering love, and his remarkable intelligence.

Overall, John’s contributions to the world of music and to the lives of those around him were significant and will be remembered. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew him.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Interlochen Center for the Arts at: Interlochen Center for the Arts, John Heard Memorial Gifts, P.O. Box 199, Interlochen, MI 49643, by calling 231.276.7623, or online at www.interlochen.org/memorial. For online gifts, please check the dedication box and enter John Heard as the Honoree's name. All gifts made in John's honor will support scholarships for talented young musicians, prioritizing bassoonists. (see link below)