Conversations with Chacko Finn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chacko Finn.

Hi Chacko, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My parents have always been big believers in the arts. As a young kid, they asked that my sister and I learn to play an instrument of our choice. Naturally, I chose guitar because what else would a 5-year-old with big dreams of being a rockstar choose. By 5th grade, I decided to join the band. My teacher recommended either the clarinet or trombone; I picked the trombone because it looked super fun, and no one else in the class wanted to play it. It turned out, and I enjoyed it. By high school, I loved playing the trombone and knew it was something I would want to pursue long-term, but I wasn’t sure to what capacity. I was fortunate to have the incredible Stephanie Bryan as an instructor and mentor throughout high school; she was a big reason I was inspired to continue pursuing trombone and study music. By my senior year, I joined the Kansas City Youth Symphony, was a 2-time All-State Musician, and was a Kansas City Youth Jazz member.

In 2014, I attended the University of Missouri – Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance, where I studied Music Education. I taught at several area high schools and camps throughout my college career. I also began working with Musical Theatre Kansas City (MTKC), playing in over a dozen musicals, which spearheaded my professional music career. After graduating college in 2018, I had the opportunity to record on the Marcus Lewis Big Band “Brass and Boujee” hip-hop jazz album, which hit #5 on the iTunes Jazz Charts that summer. I was invited to play with the Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra as the lead trombonist shortly after.

Currently, I perform with Back Alley Brass Band, Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra, and GEKKO. Recent exciting opportunities included a guest solo appearance at the Kauffman Center of Performing Arts with the Mason High School (OH) Wind Symphony, recorded with composer Nick Maluf and local band Vela.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges was learning balance. Working full-time and pursuing a music career doesn’t come easy; you must learn how to balance life with work and music so you don’t burn yourself out! As a new player in the music scene, it is effortless to say “yes” to everything.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have played across many genres throughout my career and strive to be a strong, adaptable musician in any setting. One of the things I am most proud of is having the opportunity to play trombone on some iconic Kansas City stages, including CrossroadsKC, Boulevardia, and KC Live! Block, Kauffman Center, New Theatre Restaurant, and more.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-Taking is important. You never know where it will lead, who you may get to perform with, or who is in the audience. You can’t grow as a musician without being vulnerable and taking some risks!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chackofinn.wixsite.com/website
• Instagram: @chackofinn_music
• Facebook: @chackofinnmusic

Image Credits
@shotsbyed @cynthiaammerman