General Business

Bill Gates Refused to Be a Trombonist in the Microsoft Orchestra

Because his playing was rusty

By Marius Oiaga, Technology News Editor

16th of October 2007, 12:29 GMT

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Microsoft Orchestra in December, 2005 at the Redmond Senior Center

If you are eying the trombonist position in the Microsoft inhouse orchestra, then you might be in luck� as it could be free - given that Bill Gates turned it down. And the fact of the matter is that the Microsoft orchestra is currently accepting applicants, and among the various musical instruments enumerated, there is also trombone and bass trombone. Microsoft Co-founder and Chairman Bill Gates was invited to join the orchestra by none other than Conductor James Truher. But Gates turned the offer down. In a short email dialog between the two, Gates responded negatively to Truher's offer to join the orchestra, revealing that his playing was rusty, according

to Portfolio.

"The Microsoft Orchestra is an all volunteer classical symphony orchestra which plays around Microsoft and at other locations in the Eastside community approximately three times a year. New members are always welcome, although at times certain instruments may not be needed. The Orchestra is open to all Microsoft Employees, Spouses, Contractors and friends and family. In other words - anyone may play, whether or not you have a direct association with Microsoft," reveals a message posted on the Orchestra's official website.

From Bach to Tchaikovsky, and from Berlioz to Strauss, the Microsoft orchestra will play Violin Concerto in E, Carol of the Bells, Fugue in G minor and even On the Beautiful Blue Danube, but of course their repertoire is much more varied. And with Truher at the lead, as conductor, the Microsoft orchestra is no longer just a few employees bonded by the love for classical-music. These days, the orchestra is over 60 strong, even if Gates is not the trombonist. But of course that there is always room for more, provided you meet the criteria and you know your way around a tuba.

"James joined Microsoft in 1999, where he is currently a senior program manager in the incubation group of Microsoft Research. James has been a professional musician since 1982. In 1983 Jim made his conducting debut with the Pasadena Chorale and Orchestra with his orchestration of 'Rejoice in the Lamb' by Benjamin Britten. Jim has studied conducting with Roger Wagner, William Hatcher and Sergio Siminovich and specializes in music from the Medieval to Baroque periods", reads a fragment of the profile of James Truher - Conductor.

TAGS:

Microsoft | orchestra | Bill Gates

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