Competitions

Kai Winding Jazz Trombone Ensemble Competition

For ensembles of 2 or more trombonists (with rhythm section)

First Prize: Featured performance at the 2025 International Trombone Festival.

Competition Rules

  • The competition repertoire should be uploaded as single audio file, without any edits within each selection (single performance from start to end of each piece.) Accepted file formats include: MP3, OGG, M4A, WMA, WAV, AAC, FLAC, AIFF, AIF.
  • Additionally,  the group must upload a video of their submission as well. This will only be viewable by the Competitions Coordinator. Accepted file formats include: MP4, MPEG, MPG, MOV, AVI, WMV, M4V, FLV, WEBM, M2V.
  • The audio from the audio submission and video submission must be the same or the applicant risks disqualification.
  • Individual selections may be recorded separately and then assembled into the single audio upload.
  • Any audible count-offs will violate the spoken dialogue rule and are grounds for disqualification. Caution members of the ensemble to avoid talking until the take has been completed. A good rule of thumb would be to hold silence for 5 seconds after any take, allowing for a clean submission.
  • The submitted file must not contain any identifying information. The audio file should be named: “WindingEntry.mp3” (.wav, etc.)
  • All improvised solos must be performed by regular members of the ensemble – no guest soloists are allowed.
  • No age requirement or school affiliation required.
  • The winning ensemble must utilize only the players who made the sound file recording in their ITF performance (including rhythm section) – no additional players or substitutions are allowed without the written approval of the Competitions Committee.
  • Winning conductor has total control over the content of their ITF program (within time constraints.)
  • 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Winding Competition winners are not eligible for the 2025 Kai Winding Jazz Trombone Ensemble Competition.

Repertoire Requirements

Free choice of program, not to exceed 20 minutes

Submission Instructions

Completed applications must be submitted prior to the deadline and meet ITA membership and other requirements outlined on this page. Application fees (see below) will be charged at the time of application (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club are accepted.)

Past Winners

Year
Winner
School
  • 1988

    Paul Brewer’s Jazz Bones

    University of Central Oklahoma

  • 1989

    no competition

  • 1990

    University of North Florida Jazz Trombones

    University of North Florida

  • 1991

    Capitol Bones

    Washington, D.C.

  • 1992

    no competition

  • 1993

    no winner

  • 1994

    New York Trombone Conspiracy

    New York City

  • 1995

    Slide FX

    Los Angeles

  • 1996

    no winner

  • 1997

    Eastman-Winding Trombone Septet

    Eastman School of Music

  • 1998

    no winner

  • 1999

    State of the Trombone

    New York City

  • 2000

    University of North Texas Jazz Trombone Ensemble

    University of North Texas

  • 2001

    University of Texas at Austin Jazz Bones

    University of Texas

  • 2002

    Eastman Bionic Bones

    Eastman School of Music

  • 2003

    Tennessee Trombonery

    University of Tennessee

  • 2004

    Piedmont Trombone Society

    Atlanta, GA

  • 2005

    Against the Grain

    Berklee College of Music

  • 2006

    Dease Bones

    Juilliard School of Music

  • 2007

    University of Texas Jazz Bones

    University of Texas

  • 2008

    U-Tubes

    University of North Texas

  • 2009

    Guildhall Jazz Trombone Ensemble

    Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London

  • 2010

    Phoenix Jazz Trombones

    Matt Lennex, leader

  • 2011

    Scarlet Knights Jazz Trombones

    Rutgers University Conrad Herwig and Andy Hunter, leaders

  • 2012

    University of Illinois Jazz Trombone Ensemble

    Jim Pugh, leader

  • 2013

    The University of Akron Trombone Group

    John A. Schantz, leader

  • 2014

    MSU Jazz Trombones

    Michael Dease, leader

  • 2015

    The U-Tubes (University of North Texas)

    Julie Gray, leader

  • 2016

    The Waffle Stompers (The Juilliard School)

    James Burton, III, teacher

  • 2017

    The University of Illinois Jazz Trombone Ensemble

    Jim Pugh, director

  • 2018

    Rutgers Scarlet Knights Jazz Trombones

    Conrad Herwig and Ed Neumeister, directors

  • 2019

    MSU Jazz Trombone Ensemble

    Michael Dease, director

  • 2020

    Frost Jazz Trombone Ensemble (University of Miami)

    Dante Luciani, director

  • 2021

    The U-Tubes (University of North Texas)

    Nick Finzer (teacher) and Jack Courtright (director)

  • 2022

    Oklahoma State University Jazz Trombones

    Paul Compton, teacher

  • 2023

    Sokołowski Trombone Project (University of South Florida)

    Tom Brantley, teacher

  • 2024

    Michigan State University Jazz Trombones

    Michael Dease, teacher