Joseph Lovecchio, Music Director/Conductor of Warminster Symphony Orchestra, remembers his first real exposure to an instrument.

He was a boy. And it was a humble harmonica.

But what he recalls isn’t that he played it like a typical kid, blowing and sucking air to make it wheeze shrilly.

He actually played it.

His upbringing in Berwick, Pa., may have helped. The family wasn’t note-clef-staff savvy. But “…there was music in our house,” he said. “Good music. Lots of good music.”

His father, seeking to upgrade the harmonica, tried to interest Lovecchio in the clarinet. It was as much a financial recommendation as an artistic one.

“My dad had a good friend who was a great clarinet player who would have given me lessons for free,” he said. “I just didn’t care for the clarinet.”

Trumpet became the instrument of choice.

A talented teacher not only drilled technique, he opened doors for the budding horn player. Through his instructors connections, the teenage Lovecchio played several high-profile gigs.

Formal education followed. He eventually ascended to the podium of the Warminster Symphony, filling a slot vacated by the retirement of the former maestro. That was 25 years ago.

He’s eager for this week’s Warminster Symphony Orchestra performance.

“The nice thing about this concert in Ivyland is that they draw a very involved crowd, and they’re very appreciative,” he said. “The orchestra enjoys that. So, a tip of the hat to [the Ivyland Heritage Association] for sponsoring.”

More information on the orchestra’s June 25 performance, under the baton of Joseph Lovecchio, is online.