John Manning stands out as a distinguished figure in the world of brass music, recognized for his exceptional talent as a tuba player and his dedication to music education. As an associate professor of tuba at the esteemed University of Iowa and a founding member of the award-winning Atlantic Brass Quintet, Manning has cultivated a career marked by performance excellence and a passion for sharing his expertise.
Hailing from Raynham, Massachusetts, John Manning’s journey in music began with a solid academic foundation. He earned his undergraduate degree from Boston University, a renowned institution for music studies, before pursuing and completing his graduate degree at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. These formative years honed his skills and prepared him for a multifaceted career in music. His early professional experiences include a notable service as the solo tubist with the Air Force Band of the Golden West from 1986 to 1989. During his time as Staff Sergeant Manning, he contributed to numerous recordings and performed extensively across the Western United States, gaining invaluable performance experience and reaching diverse audiences.
The Atlantic Brass Quintet, a cornerstone of John Manning’s career, has garnered international acclaim. As a founding member, Manning has toured extensively with the ensemble, bringing their captivating performances to audiences across the U.S. and around the globe. Their international tours have spanned diverse locations, including Korea, Japan, Costa Rica, France, Kuwait, India, Pakistan, England, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, showcasing their global appeal and musical versatility. The Atlantic Brass Quintet’s achievements are underscored by their impressive record of winning six international chamber music competitions. Their prestige is further highlighted by performances at significant venues and events such as the White House, Tanglewood, Sante Fe Chamber Music Festival, and the International Trumpet Guild Conference. In 2003, the quintet’s commitment to education was evident through master classes conducted at leading institutions like Rice University, the San Francisco Conservatory, and the Juilliard School, influencing the next generation of musicians.
Parallel to his performance career, John Manning has established a significant presence in music education. Beyond his current role at the University of Iowa, he has held faculty positions at The Boston Conservatory, Boston University’s School for the Arts, and the Tanglewood Institute, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to nurturing musical talent. His teaching experience extends to Brandeis University, Mount Holyoke College, and Amherst College, and he has shared his expertise through tuba master classes at institutions such as Louisiana State University and the New England Conservatory. Internationally, John Manning has extended his educational outreach, working with brass students in Tokyo, Japan; San Jose, Costa Rica; Panama City, Panama; the Cairo Opera House in Egypt; and the Royal Omani National Orchestra School in Muscat, Oman. His dedication to music education is further exemplified by his appearance on NPR’s “The Connection,” where he championed the tuba and discussed his participation in the 1997 World Euphonium and Tuba Competition in France, bringing the instrument to a wider public audience.
John Manning’s versatility as a musician is evident in his active freelance career. He has performed with prestigious orchestras such as the Boston Symphony and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, and with ensembles like the Empire Brass. He has also served as principal tubist with the Vermont Symphony and Albany (NY) Symphony, showcasing his orchestral prowess. Beyond classical music, John Manning embraces a wide array of musical genres, including klezmer, world music, rock, and jazz. He has collaborated with groups like the Shirim Klezmer Orchestra, Naftule’s Dream, Brass Planet, and the Jazz Composers Alliance Orchestra, and performed with artists such as Arlo Guthrie and John Lithgow, reflecting his diverse musical interests and capabilities.
As a Yamaha solo artist, John Manning has been featured at prominent events, including Louisiana State University Octubafest and the International Tuba Euphonium Conferences. His performances at Music Educators Conferences in Connecticut and Massachusetts further underscore his role as a leading figure in music education and performance. In March 2003, he hosted the Northeastern Regional Tuba Euphonium Conference at the University of Massachusetts, contributing to the advancement of tuba and euphonium performance and education. Adding to his international engagements, Mr. Manning served as an adjudicator for the 2004 Tuba and Euphonium Competitions in Jeju, Korea, highlighting his respected position in the global music community.
John Manning’s career is a testament to his exceptional talent, dedication to music education, and versatile musical interests. From his foundational roles in prestigious ensembles to his commitment to teaching and diverse musical explorations, John Manning continues to inspire and influence the world of music.
