Here is a clip of Tylar Bullion, WMU, MM '18 and Adjunct instructor of trombone and jazz at the University of Central Arkansas, conducting the UCA Natural Slides. They sound great, Tylar!
Last night was a very special night for Omar Elmusa (BM '19). Omar was married to Katie Mahoney, his girlfriend and partner of 11 years. As a gift to his bride, Omar wrote an arrangement of Nat King Cole's "The Very Thought of You," for trombone quartet and vocal. The quartet was comprised of former WMU trombone colleagues/graduates Joseph Stoltz, Tim Wight, Justin Hamann, Vicente Hernandez and, of course, Omar. And the vocals were expertly sung by Tim's wife, Tereska Wight. This is a must watch for everyone! Congratulations Omar and Katie, two wonderful people. And bravo to the trombone ensemble and Tereska. Just fantastic!
Senior trombonist Sydney Grenier is enjoying her final few days in her Spain travel abroad program as a double major in music education and Spanish. She was visiting Madrid when she started a conversation with the trombonist of a cumbia group. He decided to loan her his trombone so she could perform a selection with them. The group is Los Justicieros, and the video was taken in the Parque de El Retiro. How neat!
While today's weather was far from ideal, the WMU Trombone Choir had a wonderful time performing the National Anthem at the Bronco football game this afternoon. The day started at 7:20 am with a rehearsal under the lights on a cold, rainy and windy day. By 3:30 pm the rain had let up significantly and our two minute performance was over. There were a number of complications with performing in such a large venue. But thanks to Associate Director of Bands Trey Harris and Director of Bands Scott Boerma for all of their guidance and helpful advice along the way. It was interesting seeing the inner workings of the Bronco Marching Band, and it was fun hanging with the students as they prepared for their performance.
Here is a very brief video of the Carolina Trombone Project from earlier today.
Looking forward to a fantastic 2022 International Trombone Festival!
Jeremy Marks (MM, '12) is featured in this video of "Longhorn" by Michael Davis with the trombones of the North Carolina Brass Band. Jeremy, who is the Assistant Professor of Trombone at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, is the second from the left. The other members are Drew Leslie, Seth Frack, and Sean Devlin on bass.Sounds fantastic, Jeremy!
With so many of us locked in our homes over the past month, several of my former students have been making videos as a musical outlet. This video of Thomas Morley's "Now Is The Month Of Maying" was sent to me last night, with all parts performed by 2012 graduate Erik Dancy. Erik is working in the Raytown, Missouri school district, as well as freelancing around the Kansas City area. Thanks for sending it, Erik. Great job!
Sydney Grenier performing McCarty's Sonata for Bass Trombone and Piano
Online lessons via Skype have worked our pretty well over the past month. In addition to live lessons via the internet, many students are emailing me audio clips of specific passages or orchestral excerpts in advance for evaluation. Here is freshman (now sophomore) Sydney Grenier performing an excerpt from the McCarty, Sonata for Bass Trombone and Piano.
New Orleans-style brass band (Joseph Stoltz tuba!)
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