Music department honors former trombonist

The department will hold a memorial similar to Sears’ on May 12 at noon in room 218 of the Davidson Music Center.

Main taught trombone and acted as trombone choir director for Cal Poly following his retirement from freelance work in Los Angeles. During his career, Main performed with Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Bob Hope, Nelson Riddle, Michel Legrand, Bill Conti, Les Brown and Tony Bennett, according to a Cal Poly press release.

“Roy was the great trombonist for 20 or 30 years,” Spiller said. “We lucked out that he decided to retire to Cambria a few years ago but couldn’t stand retirement for more than a minute.”

Main’s former student Mark Miller remembers Main’s Cambria house fondly for all the time the two spent there practicing.

“His house was so unique,” Miller said. “There was a really cool garden that he built years ago, and his studio was full of old books and CDs. I felt like I got a much better understanding of Roy as a person when I was at his place.”

Part of the understanding Miller gained under Main’s guidance was how to be professional.

“Roy was old-school,” Miller said. “He was a hard worker that didn’t complain when things weren’t going his way. He passed that attitude on to his students. I remember him telling me ‘Be early, play your trombone and don’t say anything other than hello and thank you.’ It was his way of reminding me to let my playing do the talking and not have my ego get me in trouble.”

Miller is one of the main organizers of the memorial and has been gathering Main’s former students, as well as friends to perform at the celebration.

“I really look forward to honoring the memory of such a great teacher and a wonderful person,” Miller said. “Roy’s wisdom and principles still guide me in music and in life to this day.”