It’s been a few years since BMB took a hiatus, and now sitting down with Doug Dicharry feels like catching up with someone in a fascinating new chapter. We’re not just reminiscing about stage antics; the conversation flows into the relatable territory of parenting middle-schoolers and the strategic avoidance of late-afternoon coffee. Yet, even without caffeine overdrive, Doug’s energy is palpable. He’s as engaging and talkative as ever, still possessing that stageworthy charisma, but now seasoned with years of experience and a refreshing humility. What truly shines through is his passion – not solely for the band’s legacy, but for his marriage, his children, and his ongoing pursuit of crafting music and lyrics that offer more than just fleeting entertainment. This passion seems to ignite most brightly when he discusses sharing his musical knowledge with the next generation as an educator.
Life has taken a fulfilling turn for Doug. Family life took center stage unexpectedly, and now as a husband and father, he effortlessly traded dad stories while admiring the family chore chart during our interview. However, settling down hasn’t meant slowing down musically. Instead, Doug has doubled down on his commitment to music, returning to academia to master the trombone. He recounts with a laugh the humbling experience of re-enrolling in the class he’d dropped out of two decades prior, telling his former instructor, “Okay, I’m ready to learn now.”
This resonates as a powerful lesson: reinvention is always within reach. It’s never too late to revisit paths once dismissed in youth, to shed ego while maintaining self-respect. Many might assume Doug, with his touring, performing, and recording history, had little left to learn. Returning to school? Seriously?
“Chill out and trust your instructors,” is the advice Doug would give his younger self and emerging musicians. He also emphasizes the importance of experiencing the world and exploring opportunities before life’s responsibilities accumulate. Doug reflects on his lessons: whether you’re leading the orchestra or playing bluegrass for a crowd, the achievement you chase is often less significant than the journey itself. “It’s the experience that means something,” he states, recalling discarding boxes of dusty trophies from his past. Discovering this shift in perspective unlocks a deeper, more meaningful pursuit in music.
“One thing I recently learned from my instructor,” he shares thoughtfully, “is that the goal isn’t to impress, but to express. And I’m actively internalizing that. So now, when I play a trombone solo or present music, the aim isn’t rapid-fire notes for impressiveness. It’s about what I communicate through those notes.”
Doug’s musical pursuits have diversified. Touring is no longer the primary focus. Instead, he’s channeling his energy into his upcoming senior recital (April 25th), experimenting with loop stations, teaching private brass lessons, conducting the MSSU concert band, and leading sectional rehearsals for college and local middle and high schools.
Having dedicated years to classical trombone training, while simultaneously building his reputation as a music educator, Doug is eager to impart his musical passion from a fresh vantage point. He possesses a rich reservoir of knowledge, drawing from his early band experiences and his classical training, and he’s driven to bridge these worlds for his students. With graduation approaching, he’s also excited to gather fellow artists to record a new Dance Monkey Dance! album this summer.
The Band’s Next Chapter
The prospect of Doug’s new creations is genuinely exciting. His inherent energy is captivating, but now his music is enriched with deeper lyrical and sonic dimensions, delivered with a broadened instrumental skillset. The evolution of Doug Dicharry and the anticipated return of Dance Monkey Dance! marks an exciting moment for both longtime fans and new listeners eager to experience music with depth and passion.
