A life in brass

It was 1934 when George McLoughlin and his parents moved into a new home. George did what any average 14-year-old would do — he poked around.

And there, in a closet, was something that would help shape the rest of his life. It didn't look like much of a treasure, or sound like one at first, but 76 years later, the brass trombone he found in a closet is still making an impact on the 90-year-old's life.

"It's something I enjoy, and keeps you out of trouble," George said. "I don't know what I might've been without music."

Since that day, the Maitland resident of more than 40 years dreamed of combining his two passions — teaching and music. He eventually became a humanities teacher at Valencia Community College when he moved to Florida, but music never left his life.

All during college and after, George lead choirs, or built them from the ground up when they didn't exist where he was. He was a band director for churches, public schools and colleges. He was a conductor for orchestras, and lead "Music Man" in tails and all. And he plays piano.

"He was just born musical," said Vi McLoughlin, George's wife of 57 years.

And while he said he loves whatever he's doing when it comes to music, composing is something he loves seeing through to the end.

"There's a certain satisfaction in hearing your music performed," he said.

But there's also something about the trombone. The one he has now he's owned since 1941. And Vi said when they say goodbye for the day George jokes that if anything happens to him, she can have his prized trombone.

It's no surprise he's still playing at 90 for those who know him well.

"I don't see anything else that he would do — it's his passion," said Tim Ellorin, who George calls his godson.

George's daughter Priscilla McLoughlin agreed.

"He's unique in that he doesn't let what other people think of as barriers, be barriers for him," Priscilla said. "Sometimes I think, 'has anybody told him he's 90?'"

Now George dedicates his talents to the Maitland Symphony Orchestra, and is its oldest member ever, said Margaret Patten, conductor and artistic director of the Orchestra.

Patten said she watches with amazement as he climbs the stairs to the top with ease, where the trombone players practice. And though he's been retired from teaching for 25 years, Patten said that George hasn't let his other passion drift away either.

"He always helps those around him," she said. "He's a mentor for the younger trombone players."

That's something George has always been — a teacher. When Ellorin came to live with the McLoughlins at 16, George was retired, but jumped at the chance to teach him trombone. Now Ellorin is an accomplished player.

"I enjoy playing so much, and that's basically because of George," Ellorin said.

He's always been there to share music with whoever would listen, and doesn't have any plans on stopping. Vi loves that about him.

"There's a gap in life that music fills," she said.

George in action

To see him play in the Maitland Symphony Orchestra, check out their practices, every Thursday starting on Aug. 26. For upcoming shows, visit www.pamaitland.org.