I don't know how I missed this but I'm just seeing that John Vance of the Baltimore Symphony died at the beginning of February, shortly after retiring in August.

I never knew John Vance but I'm sure he was one of those who carried the trombone torch for the rest of us. On many occasions I have listened to a broadcast [WBJC] and heard the announcer pronounce that it was The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, not realizing that he was a member of the lower brass section of the BSO. Their recordings, especially those with Maestro David Zinman on the podium were superb and comparable to recordings of far more "illustrious" orchestras. Bravo, John ! Well done ! RIP