J ohnson began performing about three years ago for clubs and at other events. He performed at this year's Mt. Vernon's Veteran's Day celebration at Times Square Mall. In 1995 he placed first in the state History Day competition and in conjunction with National History Day he played at the Smithsonian Institute's American History Building. T hat was probably the most memorable place I've played. I was playing the 'Star Spangled Banner' and right there was the original Stars and Strips flag.
H is costume is an integral part of the performance.
When he and his family were visiting Civl War battlefields in Mississippi, they found a suit in a Corinth shop which specializes in recreating Civil War uniforms. After that we began purchasing me a uniform piece by piece. By using a photo of my grandfather in his uniform, I now own a full uniform close to ones worn by the Tenth Infantry of Illinois. T he talented teen doesn't have much time to spare. In addition to hours and hours of practice and study, violin lessons, he also plays the flute in the band, performs two to five times a month and homework, he's been asked to join the Southern Illinois University Symphony.