News

Upcoming Memorials in NYC for Trombonists Knepper and Andre »
St. Peter's Lutheran Church, located at 619 Lexington Avenue at 54th Street in New York City, will host upcoming memorials for trombonists Jimmy Knepper and Wayne Andre, who both died this summer.

Jimmy Knepper will be honored with a memorial service on November 9, 2003, and Wayne Andre will be honored on November 17, 2003. Both services are part of the Jazz Ministry at St. Peter's Church.

The Jazz Ministry at St. Peter's Church was founded in 1965 by the late Reverend John Garcia Gensel who developed its most important form of worship: Jazz Vespers. Jazz Vespers is a religious service featuring a wide range of jazz styles and musicians and is held each Sunday at 5:00 PM.

For more information about the Jazz Ministry at St. Peter's or about these two memorial services, please visit www.saintpeters.org.

[POSTED: 09/15/03]

The Hong Kong Slides Travel to Macau »
The trombone ensemble known as the Hong Kong Slides travelled to the Macau for a weekend residency sponsored by the Macau Band Director Association. Comprised of two islands, Macau is a former Portuguese colony, but is now politically a part of China; Macau has a very active student and amateur band community. The residency was organized by Leung, Kin Hang. Leung is a trombonist who also happens to be the Macau Chief of Police!

The activities included a master class and concert by the Hong Kong Slides. A student trombone ensemble comprised of young Macau trombonists was featured on two pieces at the concert. The concert took place at the Church of St. Dominic (17th century) and included arrangements of works by Vivaldi, Mozart, Marini, and Debussy, as well as original works by Hornoff and Dubois.

The Hong Kong Slides (wearing black outfits) left to right: Ben Pelletier, Maciek Walicki, Jason Kong, and D. Paul Pollard with event organizer Leung, Kin Hang (back row on the left). The members of the Macau Student Trombone Ensemble are all wearing white shirts.

[POSTED: 09/15/03]

Two New Recordings Feature Watrous »
Trombonist, band leader, and producer Rob Stoneback has recently released two new CDs that both feature trombonist Bill Watrous in different settings.

The first CD, Live in Living Comfort, features Bill Watrous playing with an organ trio. The second CD, Mad to the Bone, features Watrous with the Rob Stoneback Big Band.

Both CDs are available from www.robstoneback.com.

[POSTED: 09/15/03]

NYC Trombonist Roseman Releases New CD »
Trombonist Josh Roseman's second CD on Enja Records, Treats for the Nightwalker, will be released worldwide on October 21.

Josh Roseman is a trombonist, composer, bandleader and producer in the New York City area. He has been recognized by Down Beat Magazine in their 2000, 2001 and 2002 International Critics’ Poll as a talent deserving of wider recognition and has appeared on over fifty albums as a sideman.

Roseman has been featured regularly with improvisors such as Steve Coleman, Dave Douglas, Don Byron, Steve Turre, Lester Bowie, John Zorn, David Murray among many others. Roseman was also co-founder of the Groove Collective and the Brooklyn Funk Essentials. He has frequently been heard live and on record with artists like Soulive, Charlie Hunter, Me'Shell Ndegeocello, MMW, Cibo Matto and the Skatalites.

Roseman's group is the Josh Roseman Unit or JRU. The band includes Peter Apfelbaum on sax, flute and organ; French-Carribean bass virtuoso Patrice; Groove Collective keyboardist Barney McAll as well as celebrated guitarist/composer Ben Monder.

For more information, visit www.joshroseman.com.

[POSTED: 09/15/03]

Scottsdale Composer’s Work Selected for Fanfare Performances »
The Dallas Wind Symphony – America’s Premier Windband™ – has chosen a composition by Frank T. Darmiento of Scottsdale, Arizona, as one of seven fanfares it will perform during this season’s concert series. Darmiento’s composition, The Guardian, was chosen from among 140 fanfares -- brief and loud flourishes for brass instruments -- that were submitted for consideration for the Dallas Wind Symphony’s 2003-2004 season.

Darmiento is an active musician, composer, and conductor. He is principal trombonist for the San Marcos Symphony in Chandler, Arizona; lead trombonist for the Glendale College big band jazz ensemble; co-leader of the brass quintet Optima Brass; and euphonium player and resident composer for the Scottsdale Concert Band. His credits include music director and conductor for the Miss Arizona Pageant and Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards shows, as well as a guest conductor for the San Marcos and Scottsdale symphonies and the Scottsdale College Orchestra and Scottsdale Concert Band. Darmiento’s fanfare will be performed prior to the November 11, 2003 concert.

[POSTED: 09/15/03]

Lenthe Releases New CD

Indiana University trombone professor Carl Lenthe has recently released a new CD entitled The Audition Window/Timeless Trombone Tales. The CD contains standard trombone solos often used in audition and competition settings and includes works by David, Rimsky-Korsakov, Barat, Guilmant, Pryor, Gabrieli, Galliard, and Victor Herbert. The new CD is available from Summit Records.

Instructional Webpages are in progress for select repertoire from the CD. For further info please visit www.indiana.edu/~StudioLenthe.htm.

[POSTED: 09/15/03]

Edwards Launches UK Site »
The Edwards Instrument Co. has recently launched a new website dedicated to providing a resource for brass players throughout the world. The brass packages on Edwards UK better reflect the needs of the European brass musician. The new website was built with input from Christan Griego and Joshua Brown of Edwards and David Holt, John Hutchinson and Chris Fower of theValve.

Please visit www.edwards-instruments.co.uk.

[POSTED: 09/15/03]

Sorensen Wins Position with Danish Orchestra »
Jesper Busk Sorensen is is now the new assistant principal trombone with the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra in Denmark.

[POSTED: 09/15/03]

Niess Accepts Position With West Chester University »
Matt Niess is the new Instructor of Trombone and Jazz Ensemble Director at West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

[POSTED: 09/15/03]

Kimball Wins Cedar Rapids Position »
Will Kimball has won the Principal Trombone position with the Cedar Rapids Symphony. Kimball was previously Principal Trombone with the Arkansas Symphony and is Assistant Professor of Trombone at the University of Northern Iowa.

[POSTED: 09/15/03]

STUDIO for New Music (NY) Announces 2nd Annual Composers Competition »
STUDIO for New Music (NY) has recently announced its second annual composers competition. Four works will be selected for a performance in the Spring 2004 Winers Concert at Lincoln Center in New York City. Winners receive professional-quality CD recordings of the concert as well as a cash prize. STUDIO engages a panel of five prominent musicians to jury the selection process.

For more information, including application details, please visit
www.STUDIOforNewMusic.com/competition.htm.

[POSTED: 09/15/03]

A Residency with Slide Hampton at The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater »
On May 4-6, 2003, a residency with jazz trombone great Slide Hampton took place at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Steve Wiest, director of jazz studies and trombone at the university, hosted the workshop.

Sponsored in part by a grant from the UW-Whitewater Administration and Edwards Instruments, the workshop was held in honor of Hampton's contribution as a trombonist, composer/arranger, and mentor. As part of the event, five university jazz trombonists were chosen from around the country to work with Hampton and to perform in the final concert: Chris Dempsey and Chris Gagne from the Berklee School of Music, Clarence Hines and Mike Williams from The Eastman School of Music, and David Winslow from The University of North Texas. Two of the invited participants were winners of the Eastern Trombone Workshop National Jazz Trombone Competition [David Winslow in 2001 and Chris Dempsey in 2003].

After the master classes, Hampton gave a mini-concert for the participants, the audience in attendance, and other trombonists who were arriving for the final concert. Following a brief break, a 15-piece trombone ensemble was assembled to rehearse some of Hampton's music for the final concert. The group was made up of the five invited students, Steve Wiest, bass trombonist Josh Brown, as well as some of the top players in the area including Joel Adams, Mike Allsen, Don Deal, Christan Griego, Rob Hyatt, Thomas Matta, Jack Plovanich, and Barry Oosterwaal.

The first half of the show featured the university students performing their master class pieces. After a brief intermission, the large trombone ensemble performed some of Hampton's "World of The Trombone" works. The first arrangement, "Cherokee" featured Hampton and Wiest on an up-tempo chart full of stop-time and exciting backgrounds. This was then followed by a fantastic treatment of J.J. Johnson's "Lament" giving a number of trombonists in the ensemble a chance to play some lead. After another performance by Hampton and rhythm section of "Quiet Nights," he surprised everyone by adding the Victor Feldman/Miles Davis classic "Seven Steps to Heaven" at an unbelievably fast tempo. The evening finished up with Hampton's most recent reworking of Lester Young's "Lester Leaps In" from his "Spirit of The Horn" CD. Virtually everyone got a chance to blow on this one and the audience responded warmly, giving Slide a lengthy and well-deserved ovation.

On Tuesday, the residency ended with numerous instances of Hampton sharing his vast knowledge with participants. The day ended with a warm and insightful panel discussion entitled "Diversity Issues in the Arts" that featured Slide Hampton and Thomas White, president of the Wisconsin state conference of NAACP branches; the discussion was moderated by Steve Wiest.

For more information on this event, please visit www.edwards-instruments.com/news/inclusion.shtml.

[POSTED: 09/02/03]

Wayne Andre, Veteran Jazz Trombonist, Dies in New York City »
Wayne Andre, veteran jazz trombonist, successful free-lance recording artist, performer, composer/arranger and clinician, died at his home in New York City on August 26, 2003. He was 71. Ande began his long career performing with and writing for Charlie Spivak, Sauter-Finnegan, and Woody Herman. He composed his "Nutcracker” and arranged “The Preacher” for the Kai Winding septet in the mid-1950s. Many of his arrangements, such as “Sentimental Over You,” are still performed in music schools and by bands around the country. In the 1960s, he performed with Gerry Mulligan's first Concert Jazz Band, the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis orchestra, and Clark Terry’s big band. He also joined Benny Goodman’s “Mission to Russia” in 1962.

After settling in New York City, Andre became a sought-after studio sideman and soloist, recording with top artists in many genres. His solos may be heard on such varied albums as Liza Minelli’s “More Than You Know” on Liza with a Z, and Alice Cooper’s “Blue Turk” on School’s Out. The New York Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the association that presents the annual Grammy Awards, presented Andre with the Most Valuable Player Award in 1982 and 1986. During this time he also played with Lynn Welshman’s Tentet, The Mingus Big Band and Epitaph Band, Jaco Pastorius’ “Word of Mouth” band and many others. He also performed with his own quintet and septet.

A graduate of Manhattan School of Music, Wayne Andre dedicated his life to the furtherance of music and music education, giving encouragement and inspiration to many young musicians and composers. In May, 1995 the NY Brass Conference honored him for his life-long dedication to music. At that event Berklee College presented him with a plaque in recognition of his “life long service to and contributions in the music industry.”

Wayne Andre continued to write music throughout his life. He premiered his composition for trombone and symphony orchestra, “The Rise and Fall of Love,” with the Oslo Big Band Orchestra in Norway. Andre enjoyed writing for and performing with his own big band. Recently he had been performing with Mike Longo’s New York State of the Art Jazz Ensemble.

Wayne is survived by his wife Lourdes, his sons Matthew and Keith, his daughter-in-law Cynthia, his grand daughter Emily, his sisters Claire and Gail, his brother-in-law Kenneth, and countless others who loved him.

A private family service will take place after cremation. A musical memorial service will be planned for later in the fall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to VH1 Save the Music in honor of his great love and support for music and young musicians. Information can be obtained at www.vh1.com.

Sam Burtis, a fellow NYC trombonist, knew and played with Wayne Andre for over 35 years. He recalls, "during his career in NYC, he was the ultimate studio musician and sideman. He played everything, with everybody. He was a fine soloist, a superb lead player, wonderful in the section, and was also a VERY good arranger and composer as well. During the height of the studio scene in NYC...say late '50s through the '80s...he was consistently the busiest trombonist in New York City. At the same time, he was always available for rehearsal bands or the typical good music/low paying nightclub gigs that have kept large ensemble jazz alive in New York for over 50 years. I learned an incredible amount from playing with him, and yet as far as I can recall he never said one word to me about how to play. He just played, and if you listened, you learned."

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Andre family.

[UPDATED: 08/28/03]

Michel Becquet and Antoine Ganaye Recovering After Car Accident in France »
Trombonist Michel Becquet is in the hospital recovering from a serious car accident in France that occured approximately a week ago.

While details are still coming in, his condition is apparently very serious, although he is stable. He has several broken bones (legs and hips) but is out of danger. He has already had one major operation to repair the broken bones, and will need additional surgery in the coming days. However, at this time, the prognosis is good, and doctors expect him to recover.

Antoine Ganaye, recently appointed solo trombonist with the French National Philharmonic Orchestra, was in the car with Becquet when the accident occured. Ganaye is in good condition, but undergoing treatment for shock.

If you would like to send emails to Michel Becquet or Antoine Ganaye, please send them in care of the ITA website (news@trombone.net) and we will ensure they are forwarded appropriately.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Michel and Antoine and their families during this difficult time.

[POSTED: 08/26/03]

Shires Website Updated »
The S. E. Shires Company has recently completed an update and expansion of their website.

Visit the new and improved site at www.seshires.com.

[POSTED: 08/25/03]

Lindberg Premieres New Work Helikon Wasp for Conducting Trombonist and Orchestra in Helsinki »

Trombonist and composer Christian Lindberg premiered his new work entitled Helikon Wasp for Conducting Trombonist and Orchestra with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra in Finlandia Hall on August 9, 2003.

Guest conductor Mikko Frank, who conducted the rest of the program, said "You must come and do this with my orchestra in Belgium. They would learn a lot under your direction."

From Annmari Salmela's review for the Helsingin Sanomat: "...Wearing tight black jeans and a black and white shirt Christian Lindberg enters the stage with dramatic grace. He takes his place right in the middle of the orchestra . . . Christian has the orchestra sitting closely around him in a circle, he faces the audience and shows with his trombone that it is time to start. Lindberg starts with a quiet introduction, followed by unusual sounds made by different brass players on their mouthpieces. It is only after the fourth strange mouthpiece sound that the audience dares to laugh. Bit by bit the sound of wasps creeping out of their nests grows into music, and creates the opening of "Helikon Wasp," Lindberg's new concerto for trombone and orchestra."

[POSTED: 08/24/03]

Alessi to Perform Rouse Concerto in Virginia »
Joe Alessi, principal trombonist with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, will perform the Trombone Concerto by Christopher Rouse in early 2004 with the Virginia Symphony.

Performances are scheduled for January 9 at 8 p.m., January 10 at 8 p.m. and January 11 at 2:30 p.m. The performance on January 9 will be held at Regent University in Virginia Beach. The other two performances are scheduled for Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, Virginia. Tickets are priced from $15-$75

Members of the International Trombone Association, who present their membership card, will be given a 20 percent discount off the price of their ticket.

For more information call 757-892-6366 or visit www.virginiasymphony.org.

[POSTED: 08/24/03]

Jaime Morales Matos to Solo with Central Ohio Symphony »
Trombonist Jaime Morales Matos will perform as guest soloist with the Central Ohio Symphony on Saturday, October 25, 2003. He will perform both the Lars-Erik Larsson Concertino Op.45 as well as Pierre Gabaye's Special.

The concert begins at 8 p.m. at Gray Chapel in Delaware, Ohio. For more information, visit www.COSO-Orchestra.org.

[POSTED: 08/24/03]

Bowyer Releases New CD »
Trombonist and composer Don Bowyer has released a new CD of big band jazz compositions entitled Itchin' In The Kitchen.

The recording received a very favorable review from AllAboutJazz.com in July. The review is available online by visiting www.allaboutjazz.com/reviews/r0703_080.htm.

In addition to trombonist Bowyer, the recording features trumpeter Ken Watters. For more information, visit
www.dolphindon.com.

[POSTED: 08/24/03]

New Resource for Gigs at Sea »
Trombone players who would like to secure employment as part of a cruise ship music ensemble have a new resource. To see a list of available positions with various organizations, please visit www.proship.com/jobboard.html.

Interested trombonists might also contact Leo Arsenault, Director of Recruitment for ProShip Entertainment at
larsenault@proship.com.

[POSTED: 08/24/03]

16th Annual Trombone Day in Northern Iowa »
Trombonist, conductor, and music educator Bill Shepherd hosted the 16th Annual Trombone Day last month on the University of Northern Iowa's campus. After a day of rehearsals, the group of 32 trombonists joined the Waterloo (Iowa) Municipal Band, also under the baton of Shepherd, for a concert performance.

For more information about either ensemble, visit billshepherdmusic.com.

[POSTED: 08/24/03]

Washington Symphonic Brass Will Release New CD in 2004 »
The Washington Symphonic Brass has just completed recording a new CD for Summitt Records entitled Dances With Brass. The new CD will be available for purchase in early 2004.

Trombonist Milton Stevens serves as conductor while tubist Sam Pilafian serves as producer on the recording.
Trumpeter Phil Snedecor arranged all of the selections, including Salome's Dance of the Seven Veils by Richard Strauss, Estancia by Ginastera, La Vide Breve by Manuel de Falla, Dancer in the Dark by Bjork, Irish Wedding Dance by John Williams, On the Town by Bernstein, Sing, Sing, Sing by Louis Prima, and some selections by Shostakovich.

For more information about the Washington Symphonic Brass, visit www.wsbrass.com.

[POSTED: 08/24/03]

Third Annual Weatherbone Fest in Connecticut »
Weatherbone Fest No. 3 took place Sunday, August 3, at the home of trombonist Ed Chansky in Westport, Connecticut. About fifty CT/NY area trombonists were in attendance. The sounds of trombones filled the air in the pretty village community of Westport. Good music, good food, and great conversation made for a very enjoyable day. Visit www.DID-MUSIC-PUBLISHING.com for photos of the day's events.

[POSTED: 08/24/03]

Trombonanza 2003 Scheduled for Santa Fe, Argentina »
Trombonanza 2003 will be held this year from September 1-6, 2003 in Santa Fe, Argentina.

Instructors at the workshop will include trombonists Eckhard Treichel (University of Düsseldorf, Germany), Eduardo Keser (Dortmund, Germany), Gaspar Licciardone (Orquesta Filarmónica, Teatro Colón), Carlos Ovejero (Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional), Ignacio del Campo (Teatro Argentino de La Plata), Enrique Schneebeli (Orquesta Estable, Teatro Colón), as well as tubist Vasile Babusceac (Tuba, Orquesta Sinfónica de Bahía Blanca).

The workshop will include sessions on group warm-ups, solo repertoire, orchestral excerpts, jazz improvisation, big band jazz, recitals, preparing for auditions/competitions, etc.

For details, please contact Rubén Félix Carughi at
rubencarughi@infovia.com.ar.

[POSTED: 08/24/03]

2002 ITA Annual Report »
ITA's 2002 Annual Report, approved by the ITA Board and presented to the membership at its recent meetings during International Trombone Festival 2003 in Helsinki, Finland, is now available online. The report reflects ITA's achievements during 2002 and information about the organization's activities including our accountant's review statement.

If you have any questions, please contact ITA Executive Director Steven Greenall.

Downoad the report (PDF)

[POSTED: 08/11/03]

Basie Orchestra Leader and Trombonist Grover Mitchell Dies at 73 »
Grover Mitchell, known professionally for the time he spent with the Count Basie Orchestra as both trombonist and then bandleader, passed away Wednesday in Manhattan. He had been suffering from cancer.

Mitchell was born in Alabama, but raised in Pittsburgh. He began his career as a trombonist in the public school bands there, and continued in the Marine bands of the 50s and King Kolax's Chicago-based jump-blues band. Following his time in the military, he played with Lionel Hampton and Duke Ellington's bands before joining Count Basie's band in 1962.

He performed with the Basie band throughout the 60s. He left Basie in 1970 to pursue film and television work (The Flip Wilson Show, Lady Sings the Blues). He later rejoined Basie in 1980 and performed with the trombone section until Basie's death in 1984. He eventually became bandleader of the Count Basie Orchestra in 1995.

Mitchell is survived by a daughter, two sisters, and two grandchildren.

See the complete New York Times obituary.

[POSTED: 08/08/03]

Lieksa Brass Week Photos Posted »
Lieksa Brass Week just completed their week of events -- and already photos are available on-line for viewing. Visit the gallery of photos at www.lieksabrass.com/gallery.

International Guest trombonists appearing at the festival included Alain Trudel (Canada), Jean Raffard (France), Jörgen van Rijen & New Trombone Collective (the Netherlands).

[POSTED: 08/04/03]

Danish Trombonist Releases New CD »
Danish Trombonist Jesper Juul Sørensen has recently released a new CD of works for tenor trombone and wind band. Sørensen is a member of the Danish Radio Orchestra. The recording is entitled T-Bone Music. Sørensen is accompanied by the Danish Concert Band, under the direction of Jørgen Misser Jensen.

Repertoire on the CD includes the following:
T-Bone Concerto - Johan de Meij
Cantilena - Thorstein Aagaard-Nilsen
Rapsodia Borealis - Søren Hyldgaard
Concerto for Trombone and Band - Launy Grøndal
Bagatelle - Søren Hyldgaard

The CD is available by visiting:
www.concertband.dk/index-uk.htm

[POSTED: 08/04/03]

Summit Brass hosts Rafael Mendez Brass Institute in Colorado »
Summit Brass hosted the recent Rafael Mendez Brass Institute from June 8-14, 2003, at the Institute's new home at the University of Colorado - Boulder. Named for the legendary Mexican-born trumpeter/composer/educator, the Rafael Mendez Brass Institute was founded in 1986 as an annual performance and career development seminar for brass musicians. The week-long seminar provides brass players with opportunities to interact with the members of Summit Brass in daily coachings, master classes, seminars, and concerts.

The featured trombone clinicians included Carl Lenthe, Bill Stanley, John Lofton, Milt Stevens, and Larry Zalkind. Students were also given the opportunity to play for the clinicians who offered advice on specific performance issues.

The Institute offered five career seminars; panelists offered advice to participants on a variety of subjects including: the business of music, selling CDs, auditions, artist management and writing, commissioning, arranging, and publishing music.

For many, the high point of the Institute was the nightly performances. Brass ensembles performing during the week-long event included Boulder Brass, with Danielle Collet, Bill Stanley and Michael Millar on trombone; and Denver Brass, with trombonists Jeff Craig, Joseph Martin and Andrew Wolfe.

Additionally, Larry Zalkind performed his own transcription of Seven Variations from the Magic Flute for cello and piano by Ludwig Van Beethoven. Milt Stevens was joined by Martin Hackleman on horn for a performance of Snowflakes by Scott Vaillancourt, and Carl Lenthe presented the rarely performed Concerto No. 2 by Eugen Reicha. Milt Stevens also appeared with Allan Dean to perform An Elizabethan Songbook by Eric Ewazen, who served as composer-in-residence during the institute. Concerts also showcased institute participants in various groups -- from trumpet trios to brass octets.

Summit Brass wrapped up the week with a performance in Macky Auditorium that will be released as a live recording on Summit Records. The concert featured works by composer-in-residence Eric Ewazen, Richard Strauss, J. S. Bach, Dmitri Shostakovich, and the world premiere performance of Prism-Shards of Color for Brass and Percussion by Allen Vizzutti. The five-movement work featured composer Vizzutti on trumpet along with trombonist Larry Zalkind, Gail Williams on horn, tubist Daniel Perantoni, and Brian Bowman on euphonium.

The complete artist roster for the 2003 Rafael Mendez Institute includes Allan Dean, David Hickman, Jens Lindemann, John Marchiando, Terry Sawchuk, and Allen Vizzutti, trumpet; Thomas Bacon, Martin Hackleman, David Krehbiel, David Pinkow, and Gail Williams, horn; Carl Lenthe, John Lofton, John Neurohr, Matthew Plummer, Bill Stanley, Milton Stevens, and Larry Zalkind, trombone; Brian Bowman, euphonium; and Michael Allen, Daniel Perantoni, and J. Samuel Pilafian, tuba.

[POSTED: 07/28/03]

Trombonist/Contractor Morton "Morty" Bullman Passes Away »
Miami/NYC trombonist and contractor Morty Bullman passed away at the end of June 2003. For many years a major contractor for Broadway shows and other musical events, Bullman was also a trombonist who performed with many popular performers including Frank Sinatra. Recently, he worked regularly with the Palm Beach Pops Orchestra in Florida.

[POSTED: 07/28/03]

Hetzler Releases Two New CDs »
Mark Hetzler, trombonist with the Empire Brass Quintet, has recently released two solo CD recordings.

American Voices showcases works by American composers. The CD includes Hetzler's arrangements of pieces by Ives, Cowell, Gershwin, and Barber in addition to original compositions by Leonard Bernstein and Ornette Coleman. American Voices also includes a jazz trio by Seattle composer David Jones.

Serious Songs, Sad Faces explores the themes of sorrow, loss, and consolation with Hetzler's arrangements of music by composers spanning 1,000 years, including von Bingen, Bach, Mozart, Puccini, Mahler, Shostakovich, Meredith Monk, and others. Hetzler is accompanied by Lisa Leonard on piano and performs all parts on four quartets included on the recording.

Both CDs are on the Summit Records label and are available at www.trombonesongs.com.

[POSTED: 07/28/03]

Winkle Promoted to Vice President with Milwaukee Symphony »
Jonathan Winkle has been promoted to Vice President, Education & Community Engagement of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra has been a leader in orchestra-led education initiatives for many years, especially the nationally-acclaimed Arts in Community Education (ACE) Partnership. Winkle most recently held the position of Individual Gifts & Donor Relations Manager for the MSO.

Winkle was the Sales Manager of the Edwards Instrument Co. from 1995-1998 and served on the executive committee of the International Trombone Association from 1993-1998. An active performer and educator, Winkle teaches privately and coaches students in the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra program and performs with the Skylight Opera Theatre, Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, Bel Canto Chamber Orchestra, and the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra. Winkle's teachers include Vern Kagarice, John Kitzman, Frank Crisafulli, Gary Greenhoe, and Kenneth Winkle.

[POSTED: 07/28/03]

Trombone World loses Brazilian Leader »
Paulo Roberto Lacerda, former president of the Brazilian Trombone Association died in early July at his home. He was a victim of a heart atack. Lacerda was 45 years old and served as Trombone Professor at Minas Gerais Federal University School of Music. He was the first trombone professor at the school, and founded the Bachelor of Music program in Trombone Performance.

Lacerda was born in Rio de Janeiro where he first studied trombone and played in several orchestras and big bands before moving to Belo Horizonte to accept the position of Trombone Professor in the University. He was also principal trombone of the Orquestra Filarmônica Nova de Minas Gerais and Orquestra Sinfônica de Minas Gerais. Lacerda was founder and director of "Gerais Big Band."

Lacerda was a performer at the 2002 International Trombone Festival in Denton, Texas.

[POSTED: 07/17/03]

Van Dijk Releases New Recording -- "First Song" »
Bass Trombonist Ben van Dijk has recently released a new recording of tradition bass trombone repertoire entitled "First Song." The CD will be available beginning 22 July 2003. Orders may be placed at http://www.thein-brass.de/index_en.php.

Repertoire includes pieces by Bach, Lebedev, Woud, Bozza, Hidas, Hartley, Sachse, and Wagner (as arranged by van Dijk).

[POSTED: 07/17/03]

Dickey accepts low brass position at Concordia College »
Nathaniel H. Dickey has accepted the newly created position of Instructor of Low Brass and Director of the Cobber Band at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota starting in August, 2003. Mr. Dickey has been Assistant Director of Bands at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, since the position was created in August 2001.

While at Harvard, Mr. Dickey has pursued an active freelance career in the Boston area, including frequent appearances with the Boston Ballet, Boston Lyric Opera, and Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. He can be heard on the Paramount Brass recording "Shepherd's Hey" (Centaur Records, 2002), as well as recent solo recordings by Boston Symphony Orchestra principal trombonist Ronald Barron (Boston Brass Series).

In his new position, Mr. Dickey will be responsible for the low brass studio at Concordia, teaching all trombone, euphonium, and tuba lessons. He will also be in charge of the Cobber Band, a 100+ member ensemble that performs in concert, at athletic events, and around the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area.

[POSTED: 07/17/03]

NPR Features Trombone Choir Segment »
On 5 July 2003, National Public Radio offered a profile on Trombone Choirs as part of their Fourth of July Weekend Edition programming. The program was hosted by Scott Simon, and the piece on trombone choirs was produced by Jon Kalish.

Kalish interviewed Don Klemmerer, leader of the Moravian Trombone Choir in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, as the group climbed the tower to the belfry of the Central Church in Bethlehem where they performed a chorale to announce the death of a parishoner.

Kalish also included Billy Robinson, Leader of San Francisco's Bay Bones, in the report. Steve Turre commented on his most recent recording, which featured a trombone choir paying tribute to the late J.J. Johnson's work. Turre is well-known for his work with the Saturday Night Live band and other New York City jazz groups.

The late Emory Remington was included from a recording made in 1971, and University of Oklahoma professor Irv Wagner was also interviewed.

The segment concluded with the McCollough Sons of Thunder, a trombone choir in New York's Harlem, that is organized through the United House of Prayer for All People, an African-American denomination. The Sons of Thunder is led by Edward Babb and has been in existence since 1962. The group rarely performs outside of the church, but visitors are welcome each Sunday.

A complete transcript is available from:
discover.npr.org/

[POSTED: 07/17/03]

2004 Prague Spring International Music Competition Includes Trombone »
The 56th Prague Spring International Music Competition, a member of the Geneva-based World Federation of International Music Competitions, will be held from 6 May until 15 May 2004 in Prague and will include a trombone category of competition.

Specific details including entry requirements, application deadlines, schedule, prizes, and details on repertoire are available on-line in English, German, French, and Czech at http://www.festival.cz/soutez/2004/imc2004.htm.

The competition is open to musicians of all nationalities who are under the age of 30 (i.e. born on or after 6 May, 1974). Entrants must not have previously won first prize in the trombone category at a previous Prague Spring International Music Competition.

Applications are due no later than 15 December 2003 and must include a high-quality non-edited recording of the specified repertoire. Applications must also include the candidate's birth certificate, photograph, and administration fee. Applications should be sent to:

Prague Spring International Music Competition
Hellichova 18
118 00 Praha 1
Czech Republic

The candidates will be notified by 15 February 2004 whether their application has been accepted. Those accepted will be required to send an entry fee.

Trombone schedule:

Opening of the Competition and the ballot 6 May, 2004
1st round 7 and 8 May, 2004
2nd round 10 May, 2004
3rd round (as part of the Festival) 13 May, 2004

Prizes include generous cash awards and a series of concert engagements. Please visit the website to get complete information.

[POSTED: 07/17/03]

Cleveland Orchestra Still Without Principal Trombone »
For the second time, no winner was selected for the Cleveland Orchestra principal trombone position.

[POSTED: 07/17/03]

Trombonist Barney Liddell Passes Away at 81 in Los Angeles »
Trombonist Barney Liddell, known professionally for the 35 years he spent with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra, died May 5, 2003, in Los Angeles. He was 81.

Born in Gary, Indiana, Liddell began his career as a tenor trombonist and in fact played lead trombone for the Welk Orchestra initially. A few years later, he switched to bass trombone and continued to play with the Orchestra even after Welk's own retirement. He also served as road manager when the group toured.

He is survived by his wife Elaine Liddell; five children; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

[POSTED: 07/07/03]

New Circle Five CD Release - Dreaming Wide Awake »
Spanning three generations, New Circle Five is an acoustic improvising contemporary music ensemble. Diverse musical backgrounds result in unique twists as the five musicians explore the sonic environment of collective improvisations.

Members of the group include: Monique Buzzarté, trombone; Rosi Hertlein, violin/voice; Susie Ibarra, percussion; Kristin Norderval, voice; and Pauline Oliveros, accordion.

The New Circle Five gave its premiere performance at the Tonic in New York City on April 3, 1999. Dreaming Wide Awake is their debut recording, and the CD is available from Deep Listening.

[POSTED: 07/07/03]

Larry Zalkind Releases Two New CDs »
Larry Zalkind, principal trombonist with the Utah Symphony, has recently released two new recordings on CD.

On Encore!, Zalkind is accompanied by Karlyn Bond on piano. The recording is a collection of different types of encores suitable for the trombone. The disc includes works by Bloch, Kreisler, Dorsey, Pryor, Villa Lobos, and others.

The second CD, entitled Larry Zalkind Plays Baroque Music, includes works by Vivaldi, Bach, Couperin, and others. It utilizes string quartet, harpsichord, and organ. Both recordings are on the Summit Records label and are available at www.zalkindmusic.com.

[UPDATED: 07/07/03]

BonesWest Loses Two »
Ralph Bigelow, director of the trombone choir BonesWest, passed away June 26 from complications following a broken hip injury. He was 75.

A graduate of Eastman (BM 1951, MM 1953) in trombone and theory, his professional career evolved into university administration. At the time of his death, he was serving as Emeritus Dean of Admissions and Records at California State University-Fullerton.

He started playing the trombone again in late 1979, after marriage, children, further graduate study (PhD USC 1971), and divorce. He met George Roberts in the spring of 1980 and learned about the formation of BonesWest. He is a charter member of the choir, and he played regularly in the fourth section.

When Roberts announced that his responsibilities were changing and he could no longer be with the choir, Bigelow, Charles LaRue, and Harry Betts met with George to explore keeping the choir together. George graciously transferred the library and the name to the choir, and the idea was that Ralph would lead the group in the warmups, and Harry would lead in the rehearsals of the charts. After a few months, Harry said "Ralph, I'd rather play...I need the chop time." So Bigelow became director.

Ralph was a patron member of ITA and involved in the Weekend Warriors Trombone Choir.

Also this past week, BonesWest lost another member, Dan Seager, Sr. He had a massive heart attack/kidney failure on Thursday morning and passed away at 7:55 am. Dan was 66.

[POSTED: 07/01/03]