Today we’d like to introduce you to Chacko Finn.
Hi Chacko, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
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. Since then I have performed with over a dozen theaters and played 30+ different musicals.
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. In 2022, I was a guest solo appearance at the Kauffman Center of Performing Arts with the Mason High School (OH) Wind Symphony. I’ve been honored to have recording credits on many local KC albums and offering reference tracks for composers across the region. I have been lucky to have performed internationally and across 10 different states.
Currently, I perform with Back Alley Brass Band, GEKKO, Crossroads Sound, Twice on Sunday, and started a new project called The Slide SyndiKCate. Now as I turned 30 in October 2025, I like to think I have become the rockstar I thought I would be when I started music at 5. Being recognized across the city for music was something I didnt think I would be at and Im forever grateful for those who put their trust in me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There was a time where I almost quit music. Before the COVID-19 Pandemic, I was performing and rehearsing 5-6 nights a week, on top of a full time job. It was to the point where I just couldn’t keep up and burnout was coming fast. The Pandemic gave me the break I didn’t know how to take and truthfully didnt know I needed. When time came, I took it upon myself to put my instruments in their cases and into the closet. I took nearly 5 months off my instruments and questioned if I wanted to keep going in music.
When I was able to take gigs again, I changed my approach. Instead of taking every single gig and being a “yes man” I started prioritizing me and who I wanted to be as a musician. I had the thought of “If youre always playing, you arent always growing.” Even then, in the last few years that approach has changed. Going to live shows, sitting in jam sessions, conversing in all aspects also brings growth in you. Its how we become better people to be better musicians.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Being a trombonist in Kansas City, it is a competitive yet supportive market. I wanted to be a classical trombonist playing in symphonies, being a featured soloist, and hopefully teach in the college level. Over time, my style changed and I started just playing whatever genres I could get hired to play.
I now perform in a way that is musical to what the group wants but knowing they will let me be myself in the way I play. When I started playing with the Back Alley Brass Band, I found myself listening to phat brassy music and I wanted to be that. While my playing is not up to their level yet, people now know me for bringing that edge that can also be nimble. Being able to sit in a jazz band one day, to a brass band, then to a salsa band, they all bring different energy. Being one of the players that can do it all makes me proud of the work Ive put in and what I can still achieve.
What were you like growing up?
I was a goofball. Always happy go lucky and goofing around. Growing up in a bakery with my parents, they taught me the importance of working hard and being creative. I got to explore on bikes with friends, get dirty, play football in the front yard and dreaming I caught the game winning catch, etc. I was a boy scout (got my eagle scout in 2016) and got to explore nature which I loved doing as a kid. I learned the bass and guitar growing up which sparked my love of music.
It was a great time of fun. We got to be kids and most of us now are working creative jobs.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chackofinn_music/
