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On February 21st through 24th, 2017 Michael Davis visited Minneapolis-St. Paul and the surrounding region for a number of performances and masterclasses.  Sponsored by the Trombone Shop at Schmitt Music and S.E. Shires, Mr. Davis started his trip at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire on Feb. 21st, working with Professor Robert Baca and the UWEC Jazz Ensemble 1 and the UWEC Trombone Choir, directed by Dr. Phil Ostrander, finishing with a performance at top Twin Cities jazz venue Crooners with both groups as well as the Minnesota Youth Jazz Band 1.
On Feb. 22nd Mr. Davis was hosted by Professors Dean Sorenson and Tom Ashworth at the University of Minnesota, providing a well-received masterclass for the U of M trombone studio.  Mr. Davis and the S.E. Shires team then traveled south to St. Olaf College where he worked with Professor Dave Hagedorn’s  three jazz ensembles.

On Feb. 23rd Mr. Davis’s trip culminated in a performance at Schmitt Music in Brooklyn Center, MN.  Mr. Davis collaborated with top trombonists from the Twin Cities in performing a number of his compositions for trombones and rhythm section.  The event also featured a performance of “76 Trombones” by 76 trombonists (68 actually, but close enough) and a give-away of a S.E. Shires Q series tenor trombone.

 

 

The Fourteenth Annual Big 12 Area Trombone Conference was held January 20th – 22nd at Texas Tech University. The Conference’s Featured Guest Artist was Joseph Alessi, Principal Trombonist of the New York Philharmonic.

Mr. Alessi’s guest artist recital and master class were both inspiring. His playing was beautiful, sensitive and virtuosic. With every selection, Mr. Alessi kept raising the musical bar to a higher and higher level. The enthusiastic audience encouraged him to play two encores, both received with standing ovations! The teaching involved work with both a tenor and bass trombonist. Many profound, practical and effective comments were shared with both students and the large audience.

Additional highlights included the Yamaha/Xeno Tenor Trombone Solo Competition, the Bach Bass Trombone Solo Competition, an exciting faculty showcase recital, great choir performances and many inspiring clinics and presentations.

The Solo Competitions finals featured fine student musicians from all over the country, including Baylor University, the State University of New York at Potsdam, The University of Texas – Austin, University of Houston, Texas State University and the University of New Mexico. After prolonged deliberations from our adjudication panel, the winners were: Bach Bass Trombone Solo Competition: Carter Jackson, University of New Mexico; Yamaha/Xeno Tenor Trombone Solo Competition: Steven Vogel, University of Texas-Austin. Congratulations to all finalists and their Professors.

Featured performers and clinicians included Dr. Christopher Buckholz of the University of New Mexico, Jimmy Clark of Texas A&M University-Commerce, Dr. Oscar Diaz of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Dr. William Haugeberg of the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, David Jackson of the University of Michigan, Dr. Samantha Keehn of Augustana College, Dr. Li Kuang of Southwestern University, Nathaniel Lee of the University of Virginia, Dr. William Mann of Georgia State University, Dr. Jeremy Marks of the University of Louisiana-Monroe, Dr. Pedro Martinez of the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley, Dr. Andrew Mitchell of Ball State University, Scott Nguyen of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Brent Phillips of Baylor University, Dr. Donny Pinson of Del Mar College, Dr. Brian Plitnik of West Virginia University, Dr. Jemmie Robertson of Eastern Illinois University, John Romero of the Fort Worth Symphony, Dr. Aric Schneller of Sam Houston State University, Dr. Deb Scott of Stephen F. Austin State University and Dr. Zsolt Szabo of Western Carolina University. Attendees were enthused by the performances and presentations by these well renowned educators.

Great choir performances took place during the conference. Congratulations to the Baylor University Trombone Choir, led by Brent Phillips, The Round Rock Trombone Choir, led by Zach Shoepe, the UT-Rio Grande Valley Trombone Choir, directed by Dr. Pedro Martinez, the Texas State University Trombone Octet, coached by

Dr. Martin McCain, and the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Trombone Choir, under the direction of Dr. Oscar Diaz, Jr., for their exciting performances.

Other great ensembles performed at the conference as well. Audiences were treated to the fine performances of the Texas Select Trombone Quartet, the American Trombone Quartet, the Somos Trombone Quartet, and the Truman State Trombone Quartet.

Overall, the conference was a stirring assembly of fine students, performers and educators. Many thanks to all who attended, presented and performed so well, and our principal sponsors: Yamaha International Corporation, Conn-Selmer Corporation the Music of Ken Friedrich, Edwards Instrument Company, Tarpley Music Company, and Iota Tau Alpha, the Trombone Service Fraternity of Texas Tech University.

Next year’s conference is scheduled for January 12th – 14th, 2018 and feature Charles Vernon, Bass Trombonist of the Chicago Symphony. More details will be forthcoming. Please visit our website, www.big12tromboneconference.com, for updates.

Jim Decker, Associate Professor of Trombone, Texas Tech University.

 

 

The Israel Philharmonic is holding an audition for Assistant Principal Trombone in July 2017. More information can be found here.

The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of trombonist Denson Paul Pollard as professor of music (trombone), effective Aug. 1, pending approval of the Trustees of Indiana University.

“We in the Brass Department—and the trombone area in particular—are very excited by the appointment of Dr. Denson Paul Pollard,” said Peter Ellefson, trombonist and chair of the Brass Department. “Paul brings vast top-level performance experience in opera, symphonic, solo and chamber music and has taught extensively worldwide. We welcome him and his family to Bloomington.”

“The Jacobs School of Music is a unique musical environment, respected and beloved.—a haven for creative people,” said Pollard. “I feel honored to be joining the faculty and continuing the legacy of guiding young artists into a life of music.”

Pollard began as bass/tenor trombonist/bass trumpet player with the New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in September 2007. He was bass trombonist with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra from 2014 to 2015 and the Hong Kong Philharmonic from 2001 to 2007. He has performed with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Houston Symphony and Los Angeles Philharmonic. His teachers have included Jim Roberts, David Gier, George Krem, Charles Vernon and Joseph Alessi.

Pollard earned a Master of Musical Arts degree and a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in performance and pedagogy from the University of Iowa, where he served as a teaching assistant in musicology, jazz and applied trombone. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in music education from Jacksonville State University, Alabama. He is currently a member of the faculty at Mannes School of Music, Bard College, The Juilliard School and the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan.

A passionate champion of the bass trombone as a solo instrument, Pollard has performed concertos and played solo recitals throughout the world. He has recorded three solo CDs, “Up From Below,” “Point in Time” and “Listening.” He can also be heard on three MET Opera Brass recordings and a recent CD with James Markey, bass trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, “The Bass Trombonist’s Guide to Orchestral Excerpts.”

Pollard’s recordings are available at CD Baby and Hickey’s Music Center. He is a Buffet Group artist, performing exclusively on Courtois trombones.

A Graduate Assistantship in Tenor Trombone is available at the University of New Mexico beginning Fall 2017. Duties include performing in the graduate brass quintet, the UNM Wind Symphony and Orchestra, and Jazz I, teaching in the studio and administrative duties. The stipend is approximately $6300/year, plus full tuition and health insurance. For more information, contact Chris Buckholz.

The USAF Heritage of America Band announces an immediate opening for trombone. Please see the attached flyer for preliminary tape requirements. Preliminary tapes are due April 3, 2017 and the live audition will be on May 12, 2017.

Trombone-Audition-Requirements-2017

Assistant Professor of Low Brass/Assistant Director of Bands, full-time, tenure track appointment, begins Fall 2017. Teach undergraduate low brass studio. Direct Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Bulldog Brass (basketball band). Additional responsibilities may include teaching low brass methods class, marching band techniques course and/or assisting with Jazz Studies program depending on qualifications. Success as an active and visible recruiter; demonstrated commitment to and record of successful teaching at the University level; an active performer at regional and national levels; demonstrated commitment to professional growth; ability to forge strong community ties. Doctorate or ABD required. Salary competitive.

Submit letter of application addressing qualifications, current curriculum vitae and three recent letters of recommendation and upload recordings of recent solo/chamber performances, a band rehearsal video (marching band/symphonic band), representative programs, and transcripts to https://drake.HireTouch.com. Questions can be directed to Robert Meunier at robert.meunier@drake.edu.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. Screening of applications begins March 1, 2017 and the Committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.  Drake University is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks applicants who reflect the diversity of the nation.

Arkansas State University (A-State) is recruiting applicants for the position Artist/Assistant Professor of Trombone (Tenure Track) beginning August 15, 2017. The Artist/Assistant Professor of Trombone (Tenure Track) will teach undergraduate and graduate applied trombone.  This person will also be responsible for recruiting, retaining and advising music majors in the trombone studio.  The applicant will pursue an active creative/scholarly agenda, perform in the A-State Faculty Brass Quintet, and participate fully in the responsibilities of faculty membership (student advisement, curriculum development, service activities). Additional duties will be assigned based on the strengths of the selected applicant and needs of the department.

 
Application deadline: February 10, 2017. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

 
Applications for this position must be received online at http://www.astate.edu/jobs. Select employment opportunities and choose the Artist/Assistant Professor of Trombone (Tenure Track) (F00118) position to apply.

 
Applicants should upload a cover letter addressing qualifications, curriculum vitae, and names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of five professional references. Upon receiving the above materials, you will receive an email with instructions on how to upload audio/video recordings of recent performance(s). For additional background information contact Dr. Chris Wilson, Associate Professor of Trumpet, Trombone Search Committee, Chair, A-State Department of Music, P.O. Box 779, State University, AR 72467. Phone: 870-972-3772. Email: cwilson@astate.edu

 
Minimum Qualifications: A master’s degree in Trombone is required, a doctorate or commensurate experience is preferred; a strong commitment to recruiting, developing, and retaining outstanding trombone students; evidence of ongoing creative, performing, or research activities; demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups associated with a major university music program including students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and community members.

 
Located in Jonesboro, AR, a progressive city of 70,000 residents, A-State maintains a reputation for high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs as well as a strong commitment to the community and region. The university has a growing enrollment of over 13,000. A-State is committed to creating a productive workplace in which both persons and property are secure. To achieve that goal, background investigations are conducted on all final applicants recommended for employment.

 
A-State is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff. Arkansas State University does not discriminate on the basis of color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, national origin, religion, marital status, veteran status, genetic information or disability in any of its practices, policies or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, employment, admissions, educational services, programs or activities which it operates or financial aid.

 
A-State is committed to creating a productive workplace in which both persons and property are secure. To achieve that goal, background investigations are conducted on all final applicants recommended for employment.

Two Graduate Assistantships in trombone at the University of Northern Colorado are offered beginning in Fall 2017.

 
One is a new position for a Master of Music student who will be assigned to the Graduate Brass Quintet. This assistantship includes a full tuition waiver plus a substantial stipend and is renewable for a second year. The assistant will work closely with Dr. Nat Wickham in all aspects of the trombone studio and will rehearse and perform with the graduate brass quintet.

 
Second is a Teaching/Graduate Assistantship available for a trombone or bass trombone student beginning a Master of Music or Doctor of Arts degree next year (2017-2018 and renewable). The exact award may vary depending on experience and teaching assignments, but may be a 1/2 tuition or full tuition waiver plus a stipend. The assistant will work closely with Dr. Nat Wickham in all aspects of the trombone studio and trombone choir.

 
Additional scholarship funding may be awarded based on audition quality.

 
Interested trombonists should go here: http://arts.unco.edu/music/apply/
Applicants may contact Dr. Nat Wickham for additional information: nat.wickham@unco.edu.

The 2017 Yamaha Young Performing Artists (YYPA) Competition is now accepting applications.

The Yamaha Young Performing Artists Program (YYPA) was designed in 1988 to recognize outstanding young musicians from the world of classical, jazz and contemporary music. Applicants between the ages of 18 AND 22 undergo a rigorous, taped audition process for a panel of internationally acclaimed musicians. Winners are invited to attend an all-expense paid weekend as part of the Music for All™ Summer Symposium, and receive an incredible performance opportunity with a
weekend of personal and professional growth.

The 2017 YYPA APPLICATION can be found here.
More information and  rules, can be found at here.