– Trombone –
Barry Harrington grew up in Mineral Wells, Texas with parents who were active church musicians. He started learning piano from his Dad when he was in the first grade, and took lessons for ten years. He played trombone in his junior high school band, where he was first inspired by his band director Mr. Martinez. His talent continued to flourish under the mentorship of his high school band director Mr. Deisher.
His first paying gig was at the Mineral Wells Rodeo with guys from his high school stage band. As UIL amateurs they couldn’t get paid directly, so they donated the money to the high school band program. In turn, the band director took them all out for steaks. This set the tone for his future in music.
“I've loved the music since the first time I heard those horns,” said Harrington. I never thought I'd be playing all the hits. It's just a lot of fun to play, especially when you can tell the crowd is really enjoying the music. It's especially great that we’re all good friends,” said Harrington.
After attending the University of Texas in the late 70s, he left to tour full time with a Christian band called Eternity. Harrington’s first time to hear Chicago was on the radio in his mid 20s.He has played with the UT Jazz band, in church orchestras, worship bands, swing bands, and cover bands all over the Dallas Metroplex.
He was playing with a cover band called Neon Lights when he heard Chicago Tribute Authority Texas was looking for a full-time horn section. They were referred to the band leader by a mutual friend and were hired after the second audition, almost a decade ago.