Juan Wright - Music Educator, Conductor & Trombonist

Biography

Juan was born and educated on the Isle of Man before studying at University of Salford, where he graduated in 2000 with a BA (Hons) in Band Musicianship. During his time there, he toured with the university’s leading ensembles, recorded for the BBC, premiered new works, and took part in masterclasses with Denis Wick and Chris Houlding. His studies also included arranging with Peter Graham, performance with Andrew Berryman and David King, and arts administration with Duncan Winfield.

Since returning home in 2001, Juan has dedicated much of his time to the Island’s musical life. As a trombonist, he performs regularly in productions at the Gaiety Theatre and with ensembles including Manx Concert Brass, Brassified, and the Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra. Highlights include performing the Tuba Mirum solo in Requiem at the Alan Pickard Memorial Concert, and giving the Island premiere of Johann Georg Albrechtsberger’s Alto Trombone Concerto in 2012. A three-time winner of the Open Brass Solo Class at the Manx Music Festival, he continues to perform widely as both a soloist and conductor. He has also led ensembles such as Onchan Silver Band, the Isle of Man Wind Orchestra, and Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band to a range of successful performances and competitive achievements.

Alongside performing, Juan is a dedicated music educator. He gained his Certificate of Instrumental Teaching (ABRSM) in 2009, a Certificate in Education in 2015, and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in 2016. He is currently Head of Brass & Percussion for the DESC Music Service, directs the Manx Youth Wind Orchestra, and continues to mentor and inspire young brass players and music students across the Island. In recent years, he has also served as a guest adjudicator for the DESC Manx Folk Awards, judging a variety of solo and ensemble classes.

He has also contributed to arts administration, including a year as Manager of the Erin Arts Centre, where he founded a brass quintet that inspired new works by Gordon Higginbottom, Howard Snell, and Raymond Leppard.