John Upchurch, known as "The Slide Doctor," has followed a distinguised career as both a trombone teacher and an administrator. Following a bachelor's degree at Stetson University, where he studied with Donald Yaxley, he completed two degrees at Indiana University under the tutelege of Thomas Beversdorf.
During his tenure as trombone professor at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY, he developed the ability to repair trombone slides because of a lack of slide technicians in northern New York. A "trial and error" method of training has created one of the best slide technicians in the U.S.
In 1990, Upchurch became Dean of Admissions at Brenau University, and in 2000, assumed the position of Assistant Vice President for Enrichment Programs. As the Slide Doctor nears retirement, he intends to move full-time into serving the needs of trombone players with his slide repair skills.
