Music teacher by day, bassoonist by night. 

John Grove keeps a busy schedule. At Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, he is a new Lower School music teacher and assistant band director. Outside of school, his calendar stays full with orchestra gigs for a wide variety of groups, from the Atlanta Symphony to the Atlanta Ballet. Now, he can add The Who to his resume. On Wednesday, Sept. 18, both Mr. Grove and his wife Debby were tapped to play bassoon with the longtime rockers for their show at State Farm Arena.

Mr. Grove is a member of the Columbus Symphony and the Johns Creek Symphony but also performs “freelance” where needed. As part of the American Federation of Musicians, he often gets called for special performances around town. He plays both the bassoon and the contrabassoon. 

This gig was unique. 

On their current concert tour “Moving On,” The Who’s music conductor assembles an orchestra from the professional music community in each city. The musicians, including Mr. Grove, received documents for the concert music a few weeks in advance. He also listened to a lot of their music to familiarize himself. The orchestra reported for rehearsal on the afternoon of the concert and practiced for about two hours. The Who joined them for a short rehearsal and soundcheck and then the orchestra enjoyed a catered dinner. Partway through the show, the musician’s union requires a break for the players; during that time, The Who played about five songs without the orchestral backup. 

Unfortunately, Mr. Grove and the other musicians were not allowed to meet or chat with the band but he still calls it a great night. 

“It’s fun to get out and play professionally but it’s double the fun to play with my wife,” he said. “I appreciate that they hire a local orchestra and support local musicians. It was a special, one-time opportunity for that particular group of musicians to play together with the band. And it was one of the best seats in the house for the concert.”

— Christina Mimms