JoDee Davis holding a trombone
Special Awards

ITA Awards & Nominations

The International Trombone Association bestows seven awards on individuals, organizations, and orchestras. The individual awards are the ITA Award, the Neill Humfeld Excellence in Teaching Award, the Legacy Circle Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Kenneth Hanlon Award, and the President’s Award which is awarded at the discretion of the ITA President.

The Orchestra Recognition Award is given to an orchestra which has made a significant contribution to the artistic advancement of trombone performance and literature.

View the Awards 2025 Award Winners

A Call for Nominations

The International Trombone Association presents awards to individuals and organizations—including those involved in performance, teaching, composition, arranging, conducting, and research—that have made profound, outstanding, and lasting impacts in furthering the Association’s mission. Two awards are presented annually—the ITA Award and the Neill Humfeld Excellence in Teaching Award. Three other awards—the Legacy Circle Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Orchestra Recognition Award—are presented from time-to-time. Nominations for 2024 awards are requested from the ITA’s membership. A one-page letter of nomination that details why a member believes a nominee should be honored with one of the Association’s awards may be sent to the Chair of the ITA’s Standing Committee on Awards at awards@trombone.net.

All nominations are due by December 1 at which time the Standing Committee on Awards will prepare ballots to be voted on by the ITA Officers, Council of Past Presidents, and Board of Advisors. Winners shall be announced by January 15.

Awards and Honors

  • ITA Award
    Purpose

    The ITA Award recognizes an elite level of creative and artistic output in areas such as trombone performance, composition, arranging, teaching, conducting, research, and/or service. One award is given each year.

    Selection Criteria

    Candidates for the ITA Award shall:

    • Have made important and outstanding contributions to the trombone community
    • Have demonstrated an exceptional level of creative and artistic output
    • Have demonstrated outstanding dedication to his/her profession
    • Have demonstrated a high level of commitment or service to the ITA
    Selection Process
    • ITA members may submit nominations for the awards. Each nomination should include a short (under 250 words) biography for each nominee.
    • Nominations are closed by the end of the day on January 1 each year.
    •  Nominations remain active for three years after which time, a candidate may be renominated for consideration for an award.
    • Members of the Standing Committee on Awards may not submit nominations for awards.
    • If a member of the Committee on Awards is nominated for an award, that Committee member must either resign from the Committee, depart from the Committee for one year, or withdraw their nomination from consideration.
    • Once all nominations are received, the Standing Committee on Awards will convene either in person or virtually to discuss the nominations (new nominations as well as those that carry over from previous years) for each award.
    • The Committee will, after consideration of the nominees, arrive at consensus and prepare a ballot that lists three nominees for each award. If an award has received fewer than three nominations or if the Committee agrees that there are not three qualified candidates for an award, the Chair of the Committee on Awards shall consult with the Chair of the ITA Executive Board who, in consultation with the Executive Board, decide if additional nominees should be added to the ballot to bring the number of candidates up to three, or if the ballot shall be prepared with fewer than three candidates.
    • The ballot shall be prepared by the Chair of the Committee on Awards with (if technical assistance is required) the assistance of the Chair of the Committee on Governance and/or the ITA Executive Director. The ballot shall ask those voting to assign a ranking of 1st, 2nd, or 3rd to each nominee on the ballot.
    • The Committee on Awards is to include the submitted biography for each nominee who is on the ballot. These biographies will be included with the ballot.
    • On February 1 of each year, a ballot with the candidates for each award shall be sent to the ITA Officers (President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President,), members of the Council of Past Presidents, and members of the ITA Board of Advisors. If a person serves the ITA in more than one capacity, that person may cast only one vote.
    • Any ITA Officer, member of the Council of Past Presidents, and member of the ITA Board of Advisors who appears on the ballot for any award may not vote for that award.
    • A 1st place vote shall receive 3 points; a 2nd place vote shall receive 2 points; a 3rd place vote shall receive 1 point. Upon tabulation of all votes, the candidate receiving the most votes and who also more than 50% of the total number of points (determined by multiplying the number of people casting ballots by 3), shall be declared the winner of the Award. If no nominee receives more than 50% of the total number of points on the first ballot, the nominee who received the lowest number of points shall be dropped from the ballot and a second ballot shall be distributed with the names of the top two nominees. If the 2nd and 3rd place nominees are tied with the same number of points on the first ballot, the nominee with the most second place points shall advance to the second ballot along with the nominee with the most points. If after the second ballot no nominee receives more than 50% of the total number of points, the Award will not be given.
    • Voting shall be concluded by February 1 of each year. Those who vote for awards shall do so anonymously and the results of voting shall go directly to the Chair of the Committee on Awards. The Chair of the Committee on Awards shall collate the ballots and determine the winner of each award. Once winners for each award are determined, the Chair of the Committee on Awards shall inform the ITA Executive Board, members of the Council of Past Presidents, and the members of the Board of Advisors.

    Nominations may be sent to the Chair of the ITA’s Standing Committee on Awards at awards@trombone.net.

    Nominate Previous Recipients

  • Kenneth Hanlon Award
    Purpose

    The Kenneth Hanlon Award recognizes an individual that contributes greatly to the ITA and the trombone world with a spirit of generosity and modesty that inspires. The award is given in remembrance of Kenneth Hanlon (1941-2018), long-time trombone professor and administrator at University of Nevada Las Vegas, and past president of the ITA (2006-2008). One Award is given each year.

    Selection Criteria

    One Award is given each year.

    Selection Process

    The Kenneth Hanlon Award is awarded by a vote of the ITA Executive Board

    Nominate Previous Recipients

  • Legacy Circle Award
    Purpose

    The Legacy Circle Award recognizes individuals who have made a profound and lasting impact on the evolution of trombone playing or teaching. Membership to this elite group is reserved for those whose accomplishments have been exceptional in the trombone community. The Legacy Circle Award may recognize the accomplishments of those whose careers predate the founding of the ITA in 1972.

    Selection Criteria

    Candidates for the ITA Legacy Circle Award shall have demonstrated:

    • A lifelong commitment to the trombone and/or trombone related activities
    • A career that has reflected a commitment to an elite level of excellence and achievement
    • A level of excellence deemed to be exceptional in the trombone community
    Selection Process
    • ITA members may submit nominations for the awards. Each nomination should include a short (under 250 words) biography for each nominee.
    • Nominations are closed by the end of the day on January 1 each year.
    •  Nominations remain active for three years after which time, a candidate may be renominated for consideration for an award.
    • Members of the Standing Committee on Awards may not submit nominations for awards.
    • If a member of the Committee on Awards is nominated for an award, that Committee member must either resign from the Committee, depart from the Committee for one year, or withdraw their nomination from consideration.
    • Once all nominations are received, the Standing Committee on Awards will convene either in person or virtually to discuss the nominations (new nominations as well as those that carry over from previous years) for each award.
    • The Committee will, after consideration of the nominees, arrive at consensus and prepare a ballot.
    • A ballot shall be prepared by the Chair of the Committee on Awards with (if technical assistance is required) the assistance of the Chair of the Committee on Governance and/or the ITA Executive Director.
    • The Committee on Awards is to include the submitted biography for each nominee who is on the ballot. These biographies will be included with the ballot.
    • On February 1 of each year, a ballot with the candidates for each award shall be sent to the ITA Executive Board.
    • The ITA Executive Board will discuss the candidates and vote on the candidates. A winning candidate must receive 100% of the votes cast. More than one candidate may win the award in a given year. The awarding of the Legacy Circle Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and the ITA Orchestra Recognition Award will be made only as deemed appropriate, without regard to a prescribed number of annual nominations.
    • Award winners will be notified by the ITA President and award winners will be publicly announced after all winners have been notified and no later than by February 15 of each year.

    Nominations may be sent to the Chair of the ITA’s Standing Committee on Awards at awards@trombone.net.

    Nominate Previous Recipients

  • Lifetime Achievement Award
    Purpose

    The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes people—living or deceased—who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to the trombone profession over a long career. 5 Categories of lifetime achievement may include but are not limited to teaching, performance, research, composition, and service, and may recognize the accomplishments of those whose careers predate the founding of the ITA in 1972.

    Selection Criteria

    Candidates for the ITA Lifetime Achievement Award shall demonstrate or shall have demonstrated:

    • A lifelong commitment to the trombone and/or trombone-related activities.
    • A career that has reflected a commitment to excellence and achievement
    Selection Process
    • ITA members may submit nominations for the awards. Each nomination should include a short (under 250 words) biography for each nominee.
    • Nominations are closed by the end of the day on January 1 each year.
    •  Nominations remain active for three years after which time, a candidate may be renominated for consideration for an award.
    • Members of the Standing Committee on Awards may not submit nominations for awards.
    • If a member of the Committee on Awards is nominated for an award, that Committee member must either resign from the Committee, depart from the Committee for one year, or withdraw their nomination from consideration.
    • Once all nominations are received, the Standing Committee on Awards will convene either in person or virtually to discuss the nominations (new nominations as well as those that carry over from previous years) for each award.
    • The Committee will, after consideration of the nominees, arrive at consensus and prepare a ballot.
    • A ballot shall be prepared by the Chair of the Committee on Awards with (if technical assistance is required) the assistance of the Chair of the Committee on Governance and/or the ITA Executive Director.
    • The Committee on Awards is to include the submitted biography for each nominee who is on the ballot. These biographies will be included with the ballot.
    • On February 1 of each year, a ballot with the candidates for each award shall be sent to the ITA Executive Board.
    • The ITA Executive Board will discuss the candidates and vote on the candidates. A winning candidate must receive 100% of the votes cast. More than one candidate may win the award in a given year. The awarding of the Legacy Circle Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and the ITA Orchestra Recognition Award will be made only as deemed appropriate, without regard to a prescribed number of annual nominations.
    • Award winners will be notified by the ITA President and award winners will be publicly announced after all winners have been notified and no later than by February 15 of each year.

    Nominations may be sent to the Chair of the ITA’s Standing Committee on Awards at awards@trombone.net.

    Nominate Previous Recipients

  • Neill Humfeld Award for Excellence in Trombone Teaching
    Purpose

    The Neill Humfeld Award for Excellence in Trombone Teaching recognizes the trombone teaching contributions of Neill Humfeld (1928-1991), long-time trombone professor at East Texas State University, and past president of the ITA (1980-1982). The Award honors a living teacher who have demonstrated an exceptional level of excellence in their work. One Award is given each year.

    Selection Criteria

    Candidates for the Neill Humfeld Award for Excellence in Trombone Teaching shall:

    • Demonstrate a long-standing dedication to trombone teaching
    • Demonstrate effectiveness, innovation, and uniqueness in teaching
    • Demonstrate the ability to inspire and motivate
    • Have successful students
    • Share his/her teaching expertise with other trombone teachers
    Selection Process
    • ITA members may submit nominations for the awards. Each nomination should include a short (under 250 words) biography for each nominee.
    • Nominations are closed by the end of the day on January 1 each year.
    •  Nominations remain active for three years after which time, a candidate may be renominated for consideration for an award.
    • Members of the Standing Committee on Awards may not submit nominations for awards.
    • If a member of the Committee on Awards is nominated for an award, that Committee member must either resign from the Committee, depart from the Committee for one year, or withdraw their nomination from consideration.
    • Once all nominations are received, the Standing Committee on Awards will convene either in person or virtually to discuss the nominations (new nominations as well as those that carry over from previous years) for each award.
    • The Committee will, after consideration of the nominees, arrive at consensus and prepare a ballot that lists three nominees for each award. If an award has received fewer than three nominations or if the Committee agrees that there are not three qualified candidates for an award, the Chair of the Committee on Awards shall consult with the Chair of the ITA Executive Board who, in consultation with the Executive Board, decide if additional nominees should be added to the ballot to bring the number of candidates up to three, or if the ballot shall be prepared with fewer than three candidates.
    • The ballot shall be prepared by the Chair of the Committee on Awards with (if technical assistance is required) the assistance of the Chair of the Committee on Governance and/or the ITA Executive Director. The ballot shall ask those voting to assign a ranking of 1st, 2nd, or 3rd to each nominee on the ballot.
    • The Committee on Awards is to include the submitted biography for each nominee who is on the ballot. These biographies will be included with the ballot.
    • On February 1 of each year, a ballot with the candidates for each award shall be sent to the ITA Officers (President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President,), members of the Council of Past Presidents, and members of the ITA Board of Advisors. If a person serves the ITA in more than one capacity, that person may cast only one vote.
    • Any ITA Officer, member of the Council of Past Presidents, and member of the ITA Board of Advisors who appears on the ballot for any award may not vote for that award.
    • A 1st place vote shall receive 3 points; a 2nd place vote shall receive 2 points; a 3rd place vote shall receive 1 point. Upon tabulation of all votes, the candidate receiving the most votes and who also more than 50% of the total number of points (determined by multiplying the number of people casting ballots by 3), shall be declared the winner of the Award. If no nominee receives more than 50% of the total number of points on the first ballot, the nominee who received the lowest number of points shall be dropped from the ballot and a second ballot shall be distributed with the names of the top two nominees. If the 2nd and 3rd place nominees are tied with the same number of points on the first ballot, the nominee with the most second place points shall advance to the second ballot along with the nominee with the most points. If after the second ballot no nominee receives more than 50% of the total number of points, the Award will not be given.
    • Voting shall be concluded by February 1 of each year. Those who vote for awards shall do so anonymously and the results of voting shall go directly to the Chair of the Committee on Awards. The Chair of the Committee on Awards shall collate the ballots and determine the winner of each award. Once winners for each award are determined, the Chair of the Committee on Awards shall inform the ITA Executive Board, members of the Council of Past Presidents, and the members of the Board of Advisors.

    Nominations may be sent to the Chair of the ITA’s Standing Committee on Awards at awards@trombone.net.

    Nominate Previous Recipients

  • Orchestra Recognition Award
    Purpose
    Selection Criteria
    Selection Process
    • ITA members may submit nominations for the awards. Each nomination should include a short (under 250 words) biography for each nominee.
    • Nominations are closed by the end of the day on January 1 each year.
    •  Nominations remain active for three years after which time, a candidate may be renominated for consideration for an award.
    • Members of the Standing Committee on Awards may not submit nominations for awards.
    • If a member of the Committee on Awards is nominated for an award, that Committee member must either resign from the Committee, depart from the Committee for one year, or withdraw their nomination from consideration.
    • Once all nominations are received, the Standing Committee on Awards will convene either in person or virtually to discuss the nominations (new nominations as well as those that carry over from previous years) for each award.
    • The Committee will, after consideration of the nominees, arrive at consensus and prepare a ballot.
    • A ballot shall be prepared by the Chair of the Committee on Awards with (if technical assistance is required) the assistance of the Chair of the Committee on Governance and/or the ITA Executive Director.
    • The Committee on Awards is to include the submitted biography for each nominee who is on the ballot. These biographies will be included with the ballot.
    • On February 1 of each year, a ballot with the candidates for each award shall be sent to the ITA Executive Board.
    • The ITA Executive Board will discuss the candidates and vote on the candidates. A winning candidate must receive 100% of the votes cast. More than one candidate may win the award in a given year. The awarding of the Legacy Circle Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and the ITA Orchestra Recognition Award will be made only as deemed appropriate, without regard to a prescribed number of annual nominations.
    • Award winners will be notified by the ITA President and award winners will be publicly announced after all winners have been notified and no later than by February 15 of each year.

    Nominations may be sent to the Chair of the ITA’s Standing Committee on Awards at awards@trombone.net.

    Nominate Previous Recipients

  • President’s Award
    Purpose
    Selection Criteria

    The award is given wholly at the discretion of the ITA President made without nominations from the ITA Membership. One Award is given each year.

    Selection Process
    • The ITA President may, at his or her discretion, award the President’s Award.
    • The ITA President shall inform the Chair of the Committee on Awards of his/her selection for the President’s Award by January 1 of each year.
    • The Chair of the Committee on Awards will then inform the ITA Executive Board of the President’s selection.
    • The Award winner will be notified by the ITA President and the winner will be publicly announced and no later than by January 15 of each year.
    Nominate Previous Recipients