About Greenhoe Inc.
Evolution
Greenhoe Inc. was born out of Gary Greenhoe’s love of the trombone and his curiosity about what makes a trombone “tick”. In his youth, individual instruments had a “mystique” which eventually developed into a fear of what would happen if that particular instrument were lost.
He grew up in a household where his father, chief metallurgist for a Detroit automobile manufacturer, encouraged Gary’s interest in design as well as hands-on tinkering with machines and engines. Eventually he became interested specifically in racing engines which require venturis designed to maximize horsepower and efficiency. In other words, optimized air flow equals horsepower and finesse in a racing engine. Maximum performance enhanced by materials, weight distribution and quality of manufacture are thus very critical elements. An understanding of the variables that affect performance and efficiency relative to specific racing environments is also of utmost importance.
Eventually he used that same enthusiasm and analytical ability to evaluate the synthesis of venturi design, fluid dynamics issues, materials, metallurgy and craftsmanship of existing brass instruments relative to their response and timbral characteristics.
Nearly forty years of his time as an orchestral trombonist in the Milwaukee Symphony have provided the perfect platform to test his hypotheses about instrument design. He has been able to play test his designs and explorations on the “race track” of the concert hall.
Gary Greenhoe
Gary Greenhoe began playing the trombone when he was five years old. Early mentors included Glenn P. Smith of the University of Michigan and Sigurd Swanson. In ten seasons at Interlochen National Music Camp, he was a four-time concerto winner.
From 1966 to 1969, Gary was a member of the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band, playing for various dignitaries at the White House and throughout the country.
At The Eastman School of Music, Gary studied with the great Emory B. Remington, and earned his Bachelor of Music Degree in 1970. He performed with the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra during the 1970-71 season. In 1971, Gary became Assistant Principal and Second Trombonist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. In his long MSO career, he performed on many recordings, national radio broadcasts and tours. He retired from the MSO in March, 2010, to dedicate more time to research and development of future Greenhoe trombones.
The field of trombone design came quite naturally to Gary. His father was Senior Metallurgical Engineer at General Motors and he encouraged him to pursue the technical aspects of musical instrument design.
After assisting other major instrument companies with trombone design projects, Gary established his own company, Greenhoe Inc, in 2001. Initially using his newly patented rotary valve as the centerpiece of the business, he is now providing the trombone world with the highest quality trombones and trombone components.
Glenda Greenhoe
Glenda Greenhoe adds the “southern hospitality” factor to Greenhoe Inc. She is responsible for all of the financial and procurement aspects of the business. She works personally with players from the time of their initial order until it is safely delivered.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, she received her Bachelor of Music Degree in Flute Performance from the College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati. She was Assistant Principal and Second Flutist in the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for over forty-one years before retiring in December, 2010.