Introducing the band

On Tuba: John Prokop

John’s first instrument, at age 6, was the xylophone with the encouragement of his father who was a professional drummer. He played percussion in school bands until the 10th grade when he was offered the opportunity to take up the tuba in his high school band. John played tuba in marching and concert bands at the University of Arizona and is still active in the UA Alumni Band, having recently served as that organization’s President. John also plays the Euphonium.

After graduating from the University of Arizona with a BS in Geology and an MBA degree he used his education in a 32 year career with the U. S. Forest Service, retiring to Tucson in 1995. John has his own band, the “Bouncing Czechs” and currently also plays in many other bands including the Tucson Concert Band (where he served as President), the Old Arizona Brass Band (where he is President), the Rhythm Gang, Shrine Band, Shrine Drum and Bugle Corps, a couple of German Bands, and the Sonoran Brass Quintet. (Editors note: in his spare time he works on his collection of classic cars.)