Richard Johnston

Richard Johnston was involved with clarinet ensembles since the beginning of his musical career. It constituted the basis of his early training as an orchestral musician. His professional debut at sixteen years old as a clarinetist with the Hollywood Bowl Symphony under the direction of Dr. Bruno Walter. The same year he soloed with the Blue Network Orchestra for a nationwide radio audience.

A veteran of World War II and the Korean campaign, his military service was as solo clarinetist with the Army Field Band in Washington, D.C. And as assistant director and solo clarinet with the 7th Armored Division Band. In Hollywood (CA), he was a member of the motion picture studios of M.G.M., Fox, Walt Disney and RCA Victor.

Mr. Johnston taught secondary school music for 20 years, was an instrument repairman who gained a national reputation as a master craftsman in repairing and restoring woodwind instruments. He devoted a great number of years to transcribing music for the clarinet quartet.