Long time tubist with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Michael Sherline passed away at the age of 75 in Na’alehu, Hawaii on August 22, 2019 where he had lived in retirement with his wife of 16 years, Samantha Sherline, since 2013. Born on June 25, 2944, Mike graduated from Maryland High School in 1962, enlisted as a Navy Band tubist in 1967, and served four years receiving the National Defense Service Award. He received the Bachelor of Music degree in 1971 from Catholic University studying with David Bragunier of the National Symphony and a Master of Music degree from Michigan State University in 1975 where he studied with Abe Torchinsky, formerly of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Robert Whaley (Western Michigan University). Prior to moving to Tucson, he was the principal tubist of the Lansing (MI) Symphony. His music career included thirty years as Principal Tubist of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra (1980-2010), many years as the bass trombone player with the Tucson based Big Band Express, as well as working as a freelance musician in the greater Tucson area. Coinciding with his work with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Mike was a dispatcher for the Pima County Sheriff’s office for twenty-three years. In Hawaii, Mike played in the Hawai’i County Band of West Kamuela, Cook Chamber Orchestra, and the Ka’u Concert band. He also conducted the music for the LDS Ka’u Ward and the Ka’u Ward Choir. He is survived by his wife Samantha, stepson James Long, sister Marge Meredith, brother Donald Sherline, uncle Lee Stanley Sherline, several nieces, and a nephew.
