Alumni Spotlight: Joshua Johnson

As a way to honor the 65th year of ETYO and TYO, we are featuring our alumni who have been part of our long, and rich history. Our alumni are a vital part of their communities and we'd like to honor that.

First up is Joshua Johnson, an ETYO board member and an owner of multiple Chick-fil-A's in the Tyler area. He is also planning to open a new restaurant in Lindale, due to open in January!

In what ways to do incorporate music into your life?
"Thankfully I have the opportunity to still play my trumpet - both in church ensembles/orchestras and jazz groups as well as the occasional gig during my free time."

Share one of your favorite memories from Tyler Youth Orchestra/ East Texas Youth Orchestra.
"In the late 1990’s when I was part of Tyler Youth Orchestra the strings were the focus and the brass was pretty much left to manage ourselves. This means we assigned out parts as we wished and I remember many a time where we would see which brass member could ad lib their parts the most without the director noticing / getting upset."

What did you gain from your experiences with ETYO that speaks to your life today?
"It may sound cliche but I believe ETYO helped me to learn that any group that I serve in - whether an orchestra, ensemble, board, or business - only works well when you listen and work together with others. Whether this is listening across the room to what the strings are playing to see how us brass players can help compliment (instead of overpowering) or listening to others on a board or leadership team to what their ideas are and understanding that the way I may want to do things isn’t always the best way - is the best way to gain the trust of others and ultimately produce the best music or work - which will always be better than what I could ever do on my own."