John R. Fogg
John R. Fogg, baritone saxophone, is the founding member of the Trinity Jazz Orchestra and is also the President of the Board of Directors of the Trinity Music Group, Inc., the musical group’s parent organization. He is a native of Beaver, Pennsylvania, but currently calls New Brighton home with his beautiful wife Debbie.
John’s day job is working as the Director of Information Technology for the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. He has earned an undergraduate degree from Geneva College and a Master of Science in Information Systems from Robert Morris University.
John has performed with the BopCats Big Band, Shades of Blue, Ego Trip, San Rocco Festa Band, Sewickley Symphony, Directors Big Band, Hopewell Alumni Big Band, Gibbons Big Band as well as many musical theatre productions throughout the region.
Along with miniature schnauzer Tia, he enjoys time with son Jason (26), and daughter Allison (21). He says his hobbies include the Trinity Music Group, The Trinity Jazz Orchestra, the Trinity Little Big Band and the Trinity Saxtet. Someday, he would like to get back to enjoying fishing and boating.
ON BEING BLESSED: “I have been blessed with a wonderful family, a great career, and the most extraordinary musical organization in the region. With lots of hard work, and a little luck, I hope to be a part of all three for many years to come.”
John performs on a Yamaha baritone sax, a Selmer clarinet and a Deford flute.
ON FORMING THE BAND: “I am often asked about why I conceived of the idea to start an organization like the Trinity Music Group. I thought that I would try to briefly touch upon that subject in place of a humorous anecdote.
The Trinity Jazz Orchestra and subsequently, the Trinity Music Group, Inc. was born as the result of identifying several needs. I’ll not pretend to prioritize the needs, for their order of importance changes with my mood at any given moment. The needs that I observed were:
- The need to acknowledge God as an important part of my life, and to thank Him for His gift of music.
- The need for a high quality repertory jazz orchestra in the Western Pennsylvania area.
- The need for jazz education to be provided to under-served school districts.
- The need to provide places for the better musicians in the region to play.
- The need to offer a reliable resource for people to find high quality musicians and instrumental musical groups of various types.
- My personal need to perpetuate the legacy and memory of William K. “Coach” Schwartz who was one of the most important men in my life. “Coach” was a teacher, a mentor, and a friend who taught me the value of discipline, hard work, a love for big band jazz, and the drive for excellence.
Evidence of God’s presence in the formation and growth of the organization abounds. In my opinion, there can be no other explanation for the success that we’ve enjoyed. From the way that charts “magically” appear for our use, to the extraordinarily talented musicians with whom we’ve been blessed, to the camaraderie and fellowship we enjoy, to the fact that we always seem to have nearly perfect weather when we perform outdoors; I am continually humbled by God’s gifts.
Many, many folks have contributed in some significant way and were I to begin naming them, two things would happen. First, this text would become more like an encyclopedia, and second, I would forget and offend someone(s). I will however, take this opportunity to thank my lovely wife, Debbie, for her patience, understanding, and facilitation of this passion. I owe her debts that I can never repay.
In closing, thank you for visiting our home on the web; and thank you for being interested in our musical passion. I hope that you will enjoy and regularly attend our shows and other forms of the entertainment arts. Please consider financially supporting your favorite arts organizations. Without your support, they will not exist for very long. Also, please remember to support music in our schools. Thank you.”
