John Sens

John Sens plays many instruments, with his principal instrument being the Bass Trombone. During his time in Des Moines, John has performed with a number of ensembles, including the Des Moines Big Band, Des Moines Community Orchestra, CJC Big Band, the Windsor Brass, and the Metro Brass Quintet. John started the Metro Brass Quintet in April 2014 and has been encouraged by the community response at the Des Moines Farmers market and other venues in town. You can learn more about the Metro Brass Quintet here.   John also performs as a busker in downtown Des Moines on his diatonic accordion.

John completed his Master’s degree in Trombone Performance at the University of Minnesota in May 2013. While in Minneapolis, he played with the Adam Meckler Big band, the Compass Rose Brass Ensemble, and subbed in the Red Rock Swing Band, Roseville Big Band, and Jazz on the Prairie.   John ran a private lesson studio based in Eden Prairie and he still enjoys teaching whenever he has the opportunity to do so.

During his time at the University of Minnesota he studied under Professor Thomas Ashworth and played in many ensembles, including the Symphony Orchestra, Jazz I, Wind Ensemble, and the graduate trombone quartet. John graduated from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln where he earned a BA in Music Performance and a BS in Environmental Studies. While in Lincoln, he performed the Plymouth Brass, Monday Night Band Band, Pinewood Bowl, Lincoln Municipal Band, and more. John was the band leader of a polka band entitled, “Less Talk More Polka,” which performed at a number of ethnic events including Czech festivals, and at many charitable events and venues in town.   Less Talk More Polka continues to thrive under the direction of new leadership.

John Sens

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