Burns High School graduate Jon Caponetto is returning for a guest performance with the Central Oregon Symphony presenting the World Premiere of the Malheur Symphony! The concert will be held Sunday, May 5, at Burns High School.

Caponetto is originally from Burns and is a member of the Burns Paiute Tribal community. He attended local schools and began his musical career in the local fifth-grade beginning band class. Caponetto quickly excelled in music on both trombone and clarinet. By the time he was completing Burns High School, Caponetto placed first in the OSAA State Solo Competitions, won scholarships from the Sunriver Youth Artists Competition, and was awarded positions in many honors groups:  All Northwest, All State,  Music in May, and Oregon Ambassadors to Europe.

He was accepted to the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance to continue his studies on the trombone under the teaching of Henry Henniger. Since his first year at college, Caponetto has performed in many ensembles such as the Oregon Wind Ensemble, University of Oregon Symphony Orchestra, and the Oregon Marching Band. Caponetto also performed with the Tracktown Trombone choir in 2017 as the featured soloist with the group. He also performs with professional ensembles, including the Oregon Coast Music Festival Association Symphony Orchestra, the Eugene Symphony, and Orchestra Next. Caponetto enjoys collaborating with other musicians and is heard on two albums published by singer-songwriter Stephan Nance.

Caponetto is currently a senior at the University of Oregon and will be graduating with a bachelor of music in trombone performance in June. He was accepted into the Teach for America program where he and many other recent grads from throughout the country will be placed into teaching positions in high-need areas. The goal of the program is to ensure that every child in America will one day receive a quality education. Caponetto was placed in South Dakota and has agreed to a two-year commitment to teach Native American students social studies. He plans to be highly involved with the music program and provide music lessons to students seeking further musical instruction. Following his teaching commitment, Caponetto plans to resume his education and attain his master’s degree and eventually a doctoral degree.

In addition to hearing Caponetto perform, you’ll have an opportunity to greet him at the reception following the concert on May 5, at 3 p.m. at Burns High School. The event is free, but you will need a ticket to attend. Tickets are available at Gourmet & Gadgets and the Harney County Chamber of Commerce. For more information, please call 541-573-2427 or 541-573-1725.