George Johnston, Trombone

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, George Johnston lived all over the United States as a child. His family moved to Sacramento in 1962 where he attended Cal State Sacramento. In 1969, he transferred to Cal State Northridge where he performed frequent free-lance opportunities with community orchestras, the American Youth Symphony, Debut Orchestra and several large churches.

George Johnston joined the San Diego Symphony in 1971, and also was principal trombone of the San Diego Opera from 1971 until 2005.

Mr. Johnston has served on the executive board of the Musician’s Union, Local 325, and on negotiating committees for both the San Diego Opera and the San Diego Symphony. He is an inactive elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church where he produced a concert series called “Music At Dusk” during the months of July and August. George also teaches, sings in his church choir (tenor), and also as a vocal soloist.

George Johnston has been married for over 30 years to Peggy Johnston, a free-lance bassist and staff Opera musician, and they have two grown children and 2 grandsons.