The Continental Trombone Quartet (CTQ) is dedicated to the performance of original works composed for trombone quartet, both by members within the ensemble and composers commissioned by the quartet.  The CTQ embraces a wide range of styles, performing music influenced by classical, avant-garde, Latin, jazz, and popular music.  Spontaneous, improvisatory, and known to bring a rock band on tour, the CTQ maintains a busy schedule that has included recitals and clinics in Pennsylvania, Nebraska,  Missouri, Georgia, Florida, the 2005 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, the 2005 International Association for Jazz Education Conference in Long Beach California, the 2005 College Music Society International Conference in Madrid, Spain, the 2005 International Vernacular Congress in Puebla, Mexico, the 2005 College Music Society National Conference in Quebec City, Canada, the 2005 College Music Society Great Plains Regional Conference in Kansas City, the 2004 College Music Society Northeastern Regional Conference in Easton, Pennsylvania, and the 2004 Eastern Trombone Workshop in Washington D.C. 

The CTQ is comprised of Dr. Doug Farwell, Getzen Artist/clinician and trombone professor at Valdosta State University in Georgia;  Dr. Pete Madsen, trombone professor and jazz program chair at the University of Nebraska at Omaha;  Dr. Mark Sheridan-Rabideau, trombone professor at Millersville University in Pennsylvania;  and bass trombonist Dr. Steve Wilson, Getzen Artist/clinician and trombone professor at the University of Texas at El Paso.

Lloyd Bone is currently in his second year as Visiting Assistant Professor of Tuba/Euphonium at Glenville State College in Glenville, West Virginia. Prior college teaching experience includes a doctoral teaching assistantship at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), a teaching assistantship with the University of Cincinnati Bearcat Bands and adjunct instructor of low brass for Murray State University. As a euphonium player, Lloyd performed at the 2005 Southeastern Tuba and Euphonium Conference in Athens, Georgia, in the 1998 International Mock Band Euphonium Excerpt Competition in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the 1997 Verso Il Millenio International Euphonium Solo Competition in Riva del Garda, Italy and was a member of the 1996 International Collegiate All-Star Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble in Chicago, Illinois. Lloyd has toured as euphonium soloist with such groups as the Jack Daniel’s Original Silver Cornet Band and the Circus Kingdom Band. Lloyd has been featured on numerous Tennessee Tech Tuba Ensemble recordings and performances including U.S. Army Band Tuba and Euphonium Conferences, International Tuba and Euphonium Conferences and Carnegie Hall. Other performing includes soloing with numerous college and high school bands, recording with the CCM Brass Choir in conjunction with the Cincinnati Pops and as a member of the Euphoniums Unlimited recording project. Mr. Bone earned his bachelor’s of music education degree at Tennessee Technological University where he studied with R. Winston Morris. He received his Masters of Music from CCM where he studied with Timothy J. Northcut. Lloyd is currently News Editor for the ITEA Journal and Co-Editor of the Euphonium Source Book, soon to be published by Indiana University Press.

Master Sgt. Christopher Quade, principal Tubist with the US Air-Force in DC

Master Sergeant Christopher T. Quade is a tubist and tuba section leader with the Ceremonial Band, The United States Air Force Band, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. Originally from Burke, Virginia, his Air Force career began in 1996. A 1994 graduate of Indiana University, Sgt. Quade earned a Bachelor of Music degree in tuba performance. He received a Master of Music degree in tuba performance in 1995 from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

His former teachers include Fritz Kaenzig, Harvey Phillips, David Finlayson and Steve Norrell.

Prior to joining the Air Force, Sgt. Quade was the principal tubist with the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra in Valdosta, Georgia, as well as the Columbus Pro Musica orchestra in Columbus, Indiana. Sergeant Quade also performed as principal tubist with the Music Academy of the West Festival Orchestra in Santa Barbara, California. He was an instructor of tuba and euphonium at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia, from September 1995 until June 1996.

Sgt. Quade’s musical awards include the Maruice Faulkner Brass Scholarship from the Music Academy of the West; the University of Michigan School of Music Full Tuition Fellowship; a performer's certificate by the faculty of Indiana University; and the Music Academy of the West concerto winner.

Sgt. Quade's military awards and decorations include an Air Force Commendation Medal and an Air Force Good Conduct Medal with an oak-leaf cluster and a National Defense Service Medal. He also received the prestigious John L. Levitow Award from the Noncommissioned Officer A

 

2005 GHLBC Clinician Biographies

Todd Baldwin, The U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own"

Todd Baldwin (left side) is a 20 year veteran of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own”. During his career as a member of the Ceremonial Band and Herald Trumpets, Todd has performed across the country for events of national and international significance. Major highlights include the 1996 Summer Olympics, the 2002 Winter Olympics, three Economic Summits and numerous White House Arrival Ceremonies welcoming foreign Heads of State. In concert, Baldwin’s military career has engaged him in performances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnatti Pops and the National Symphony. In addition, he performs regularly for televised productions of “Capitol Fourth”, “Christmas in Washington” and the Kennedy Center Honors.

As a freelance musician in the Washington, DC area, Baldwin has performed with the Washington Opera, Washington Ballet and the National Gallery Orchestra. Other performing credits include the Capitol Bones, Mark Taylor Big Band and Washington Winds as well as recording sessions for “America’s Most Wanted”, “West Wing” and several National Geographic documentaries. Todd lives in Bethesda, Maryland with his wife, Robin, and their three children.

Barry Hearn, The U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own"

Barry Hearn (right), trombonist with The United States Army Ceremonial Band, is a native of San Antonio, Texas. He received the Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Texas at Arlington, Master of Music from the University of Illinois, and the Professional Studies Certificate from the Manhattan School of Music.

In 1993, Hearn won the prestigious International Trombone Association's Robert Marsteller Solo Competition. Three years later, he won the I.T.A.'s Frank Smith Solo Competition. Recently, he won the International Women's Brass Conference Grand Prize. In addition, Hearn has won 2nd prize in the Kingsville Young Artists Solo Competition, was a finalist at the Patrons of Wisdom Competition in Toronto, Canada, a semi-finalist at the Concert Artists Guild Competition, the St. Louis Orchestra Concerto Competition, and the Sorantin Concerto Competition.

Hearn's professional orchestral engagements have included Principal Trombone with the Danville Symphony Orchestra (IL) and Second Trombone with the Sinfonia de Camera. As a substitute/extra musician. Hearn has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington National Opera, and various regional groups.

Mr. Martin Cochran (University of Montevallo)

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Martin Cochran is currently Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music Education and Low Brass at the University of Montevallo. Martin comes to Montevallo from the University of West Georgia, were he served as Instructor of Tuba and Euphonium. Martin holds degrees in Music Education and Wind Conducting from Louisiana State University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance from the University of Alabama. Martin has been successful in a variety of competitions, both as a soloist and chamber musician. He was the winner of the 2002 Leonard Falcone International Euphonium Competition and the 2002 International Tuba Euphonium Conference Solo Competition and Mock Service Band Audition. At ITEC 2002, he was also a member of the Alabama Tuba Quartet, who took first place in the quartet competition.

Martin has appeared as a soloist with several professional, university, and high school ensembles throughout the southeastern United States and the British Isles. He was a featured artist at the 2002 U.S. Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Conference and the 2003 Southeast Regional Tuba-Euphonium Conference. Martin is frequently in demand as a clinician/guest artist, having recently presented masterclasses at several universities and high schools throughout the southeast. He has also served as assistant conductor of the University of Alabama Wind Ensemble, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Symphony Band and Youth Wind Ensemble Program. Martin is also the conductor of the Montevallo Community Band.

In addition to his teaching duties at Montevallo, Martin maintains a private studio of low brass players in the Birmingham area, and has served on the faculty of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. He is also the faculty advisor for the University of Montevallo Collegiate Music Educators National Conference chapter. His professional affiliations include the Music Educators National Conference, the College Music Society, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Martin Cochran is currently Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music Education and Low Brass at the University of Montevallo.  Martin comes to Montevallo from the University of West Georgia, were he served as Instructor of Tuba and Euphonium.  Martin holds degrees in Music Education and Wind Conducting from Louisiana State University and the
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance from the University of Alabama.  Martin has been successful in a variety of competitions, both as a soloist and chamber musician.  He was the winner of the 2002 Leonard Falcone International Euphonium Competition and the 2002 International Tuba Euphonium Conference Solo Competition and Mock Service Band Audition.  At ITEC 2002, he was also a member of the Alabama Tuba Quartet, who took first place in the quartet competition.Martin has appeared as a soloist with several professional, university, and high school ensembles throughout the southeastern United States and the British Isles.  He was a featured artist at the 2002 U.S. Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Conference and the 2003 Southeast Regional Tuba-Euphonium Conference.  Martin is frequently in demand as a clinician/guest artist, having recently presented masterclasses at several universities and high schools throughout the southeast.  He has also served as assistant conductor of the University of Alabama Wind Ensemble, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Symphony Band and Youth Wind Ensemble Program.  Martin is also the conductor of the Montevallo Community Band.In addition to his teaching duties at Montevallo, Martin maintains a
private studio of low brass players in the Birmingham area, and has served on the faculty of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.  He is also the faculty advisor for the University of Montevallo Collegiate Music Educators National Conference Chapter.

James Michael Dunn, University of Alabama

James Michael Dunn, Euphonium and tuba. James Michael Dunn joined the faculty of The University of Alabama astuba/euphonium instructor in 1994. Mike has also held adjunct faculty positions at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Samford University and Shelton State Community College. In addition to his teaching responsibilities he performs with the Tuscaloosa and Macon Symphonies, and the Alabama Brass Quintet.  Mike played for three seasons as principal tuba with the Alabama Symphony and toured nationally with Mr. Jack Daniel’s Original Silver Cornet Band. Mr. Dunn is a former member of  “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band and holds degrees from Tennessee Technological University (B.S.) and Arizona State University (M.M.). His primary teachers were R. Winston Morris and Daniel Perantoni. He has performed with such organizations as the National Symphony Orchestra, the Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra, the Arizona Opera Orchestra and the Maryland Symphony as well as the St. Louis Brass Quintet and Dallas Brass. Mike can be heard on several recording labels including Summit Records, Crescendo Records, Mark Records, Intrada and Silver Cornet Productions, Inc. He is also very active as a clinician and recitalist and has performed and presented master-classes at conferences and clincs through the international level. Outside his musical responsibilities Mike enjoys spending time with his wife, cooking, hiking and amateur carpentry

 

2004 GHLBC Clinician Biographies

Left to right: Bill Granger, Eric Bradshaw, Gail Robertson, Wendy Schultz, Doug Farwell, Ken Shifrin

Dr. Kenneth Shifrin (International Soloist, PhD. Oxford University)

Ken Shifrin, whose playing was described by the Vienna Kurier as “brilliant, with almost unbelievable beauty of tone, artistry and elegance”, is a native of Washington, D.C.  He was appointed Principal Trombonist of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in 1982 by Chief Conductor Sir Simon Rattle who declared him “not only one of the most able trombonists in my experience but also an intelligent and wide-ranging musician”.  Prior to coming to Britain, he held the position of Principal Trombonist with the Radio Stuttgart Orchestra and Associate Principal with the Israel Philharmonic.  In the U.S.A. he was a member of the popular rock band the Atlantics, performing for such artistes as Michael Jackson, Olivia Newton-John, Natalie Cole, Paul Anka, the Drifters, Pearl Bailey and Andy Williams.  He is much in demand as a guest soloist, having appeared with the U.S. Navy Band, the U.S. Army band, at the Smetana International Music Festival, the Malta International Arts Festival, the Dvorak Summer Festival, the Edinburgh Festival and the London Barbican, as well as presenting recitals and master classes in Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Krakow, Bratislava, Kiev, Cardiff, Oxford and Washington D.C.  Dr Shifrin has premiered a number of works, including the first American and British performances of the Leopold Mozart “Concerto for Alto Trombone”.  With a PhD in musicology from Oxford University, Ken Shifrin was the recipient of a British Academy Humanities Research Board’s Scholarship as well as being named the Halstead Scholar by the Board of the Oxford University Music Faculty. Since 2000 he has been a British Exchange Scholar for the Czech Academy of Science in Prague and has presented papers at musicology meetings on both sides of the Atlantic.  Dr Shifrin is listed in the International Who’s Who of Music.

Dr. Wendy Schultz, (Concordia University)

 Wendy Schultz is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she teaches upper level music theory, brass techniques, and private instruction on trombone, euphonium, and tuba.  A native Floridian, she received a Bachelor of Music degree from Stetson University, and a Master of Music degree, from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. Her instructors include Elliot Chasanov, Mickey Moore, Doug Farwell, John Leisenring, Charles McKnight, and David Schmidt. 

In addition to her teaching, she is very active in the community, and has performed with the Adrian Symphony, Plymouth Symphony, Saline Big Band, and the Ann Arbor and Flint Symphonies.  She has also had the opportunity to perform with Ken Shifrin and the Posaune Voce Trio, the Michigan Chamber Brass, Borealis Brass, Lake St. Clair Symphony, Ann Arbor Civic Band, Skyline Big Band, and Ambassadors Big Band.  Schultz performs both as a soloist and with fellow colleagues regularly on the campus of Concordia University.  She also is a reviewer of trombone literature for the International Trombone Association Journal.  An avid supporter of women’s music, Schultz is also a member of the International Women’s Brass Conference.

Ms. Gail Robertson, Instructor of Low Brass, Bethune Cookman College and adjunct Instructor of Euphonium at University of Central Florida

Ms Robertson is originally from Pompano Beach, Florida and began her music studies at the University of Central Florida with Roy Pickering.  She then attended Indiana University as the graduate assistant for Harvey G. Phillips and received a Master's degree in euphonium performance and a performer's certificate.  She then began her doctoral studies at the University of Maryland and studied with Brian Bowman.  Two months later, she relocated back to Orlando as one of the founding members of Walt Disney World's TUBAFOURS.  She would later become the Chief and arranger for the group and produced a CD called "Tubas under the Boardwalk."  Previous teaching duties have included the University of Florida Valencia and Seminole Community College.  Ms. Robertson is appears as a regular judge for the Leonard Falcone Tuba and Euphonium Competition and at Florida Bandmasters District and State Competitions.  Nationally, she has appeared as soloist and clinician for several U.S. Army Euphonium and Tuba Conferences, International Women's Brass Conference and is a member of Symphonia-America's premier Tuba/Euphoinum Ensemble.

Other professional ensembles include her tours with Keith Brion's New Sousa Band, the Athena Brass Band, The Orlando Horns and Pipes Brass Ensemble, The Brass Band of Central Florida, and tours with the Brass Band of Battle Creek.

Ms. Robertson has recorded for Walt Disney Company, Symphonia, The UF Wind Symphony, the Brass Band of Central Florida, and toured Europe with the UCF Wind Ensemble.  She has appeared with several Florida orchestras and performs regularly with the Florida West Coast Symphony.

Nationally, she has appeared as soloist and clinician for several U.S. Army Euphonium and Tuba Conferences, International Women's Brass Conferences, International Tuba and Euphonium Conferences, The Harvey Phillips Northwest Big Brass Bash, and is a member of Symphonia-America's premier Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble.

Robertson's Links

1. http://www.tubafours.com/
2. http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/bbcf/
3. http://www.newsousaband.com/index.html

Bill Granger, Tuba TSgt, USAF  Reserve  Band in Warner Robins, GA

Technical Sergeant Bill Granger first began his musical studies in tuba performance with Dr. David Randolph. He went on to complete his bachelors and masters degrees in music education at the University of Georgia. TSgt Bill Granger is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Georgia Music Educators Association, Music Educators National Conference, ASCAP, and the International Tuba and Euphonium Association. He has brass music published by Shawnee Music Press and compositions recorded by the British Tuba Quartet as well as the U.S. Air Force Reserve Dixie Express.

TSgt Bill Granger currently serves as a new materials reviewer for the I.T.E.A. Journal, and is the principal tubist with the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. He is routinely sought out across the Southeastern United States as a clinician, artist and adjudicator for the Custom Music Company (a.k.a. Tuba World) in Ferndale, Michigan. He has appeared on recordings with jazz clarinetist Allen Vaché, gospel artist Jonathan Pierce, BeBe and CeCe Winans, and country music artists Lari White, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Wynonna Judd, Faith Hill, and Crystal Gayle. TSgt Granger has also shared the stage with jazz artists Mike Vax, Bob Draga, Steve Yokum, and popular music performers Lee Greenwood, B.J. Thomas, Gary Morris, The Lettermen, Mila Mason, and Celine Dion.

TSgt Granger also actively participates in the music ministry at Second Baptist Church, Warner Robins, GA., and serves as a board member of the Warner Robins Community Concert Association in Warner Robins, Georgia, where he and his family currently reside.

USAF Band Website

(Personal website)

2003 GHLBC Clinician Biographies

From left to right: Aldag, Thurman, Farwell, Smith, Bradshaw, Jenkins

Dr. Michael Smith (Luther College, Iowa)

Dr. Michael Smith is currently Assistant Professor of Low Brass at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where he teaches low brass, ear training, low brass methods, and general instrumental methods. He also coaches small brass ensembles and conducts the Luther College Brass Choir, Trombone Choir, and the Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, a Master of Music Education from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and a doctorate in Trombone Performance and Literature from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has taught at Millikin University, Knox College, Luther College Dorian Camps and at the 2000 - 2002 Illinois Summer Youth Music Trombone Camps at the University of Illinois.  He was a guest clinician and conductor at the 2000 Illinois Junior Trombone Symposium, a clinician, soloist, and conductor at the 2001 Illinois Honors Trombone Choir held at the University of Illinois, and a clinician, soloist, and conductor at the 2002 Illinois Honors Trombone Choir in Chicago.  He was also the co-founder and conductor of the University of Illinois High School Laboratory Trombone Choir. His awards from the University of Illinois include the Robert Gray Trombone Award, the Albert A. Harding Award, and the Mark H. Hindsley Award. He is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, Alpha Chi, and Phi Kappa Phi. He has performed with the Rapides Symphony Orchestra (Louisiana), Lake Charles Symphony (Louisiana), Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia da Camera (Illinois), Decatur Symphony (Illinois), the Champaign-Urbana Symphony (Illinois) and the Rochester (MN) Symphony Orchestra.  In addition, he has been a soloist with the University of Illinois Wind Symphony, and performed at the 1997 International Trombone Festival.  He currently performs with the LaCrosse (WI) Trombone Quartet.   His teachers include J. Mark Thompson, William Rose, Nathaniel Brickens, and Elliot Chasanov.

Dr. Dan Aldag, Assistant Professor (Humboldt State University, CA)

Dan Aldag is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Humboldt State University, where he teaches low brass, leads two jazz bands and teaches courses in jazz and popular music.

As a performer, Dr. Aldag has extensive experience in the jazz and classical realms.  He has performed as a trombonist with symphony orchestras throughout the United States, and as a freelance musician, Dr. Aldag has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Louie Bellson, the Manhattan Transfer and Bob Hope, amongst others. He has also appeared frequently as a soloist, specializing in contemporary music for the trombone.

In addition to his teaching and performing, Dr. Aldag is an occasional composer. His compositions for trombone and jazz band have been performed throughout the United States and Europe and been recorded on the Seabreeze Vista label.

Dr. Aldag holds a DMA from the University of North Texas, an MM from the University of Illinois and a BME from Fresno State University.

Mr. Demondrae Thurman (Alabama State University)

Demondrae Thurman is the Instructor of Low Brass and Conductor of the Wind Ensemble at Alabama State University, where he has been on the faculty since 1998. A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Demondrae studied euphonium, trombone and conducting at the University of Alabama and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While studying in Tuscaloosa, Demondrae was the first ever undergraduate to perform solo with the Alabama Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Gerald Welker. In 1995, with that ensemble, he also premiered Sinfonia Concertante by Dr. Frederic Goosen. In Madison, Demondrae was a featured soloist with the UW Symphony Orchestra, UW Wind Ensemble as well as several high school bands in the area. His primary teachers are James Jenkins, J. Michael Dunn, and John Stevens. Since joining the faculty at Alabama State University, Demondrae has being extremely active as a soloist and clinician throughout North America. In 2002, he served guest artist and adjudicator at the International Tuba/Euphonium Conference held in Greensboro, NC and the prestigious Leonard Falcone Euphonium/Tuba Competition held at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Whitehall, MI. He was also a guest artist at the 2000 U.S. Army Ground Forces Tuba/Euphonium Conference, 1999 and 2001 U.S. Army Band Tuba/Euphonium Conference, the 1999 Southeastern Tuba/Euphonium Conference and the 2000 International Tuba/Euphonium Conference held in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. In the 2003, Mr. Thurman will perform at the Southeastern and Southwestern Tuba/Euphonium Conferences. As a champion of contemporary music, Demondrae has premiered numerous works for solo euphonium including Soliloquies by John Stevens, October, 2000.

Demondrae is also a founding member of the highly acclaimed Sotto Voce Tuba Quartet, winner of both international tuba quartet competitions in 1998. Since then, the quartet has performed at the U.S. Army Band Conference, the International Tuba/Euphonium Conference as well as several colleges and universities around the country. Sotto Voce has released its first recording on Summit Records entitled Consequences, and will release its second recording entitled Viva Voce!: The Complete Quartet of John Stevens in 2003. Equally in demand as a trombonist, Demondrae has performed with the Alabama Symphony, Tuscaloosa Symphony, Hot Springs Festival Orchestra, and as a member of the Tuscaloosa Horns with such Motown recording artists as The Temptations, The Four Tops and The Supremes.

Demondrae Thurman is a Boosey and Hawkes performing artist and plays Besson euphoniums exclusively.

Mr. James E. Jenkins, Tuba (Principal Tubist-Jacksonville Symphony)

Mr. Jenkins served for 17 seasons as performer, teacher, and Director of Artistic Personnel with the Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, North Carolina.  A 1983 graduate of the University of Miami, Mr. Jenkins served as the Principal Tubist with the Alabama Symphony for 10 years, along with holding faculty positions at the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa), The University of Montevallo, Samford University, Birmingham Southern College, and the University of Miami (1985 - 1986).  After leaving Alabama in 1993, Mr. Jenkins was engaged as performer and Personnel Manager with the Naples Philharmonic for two seasons.  He is entering his third season as Principal Tubist with the Santa Fe Opera. Mr. Jenkins presently resides in Jacksonville FL where he serves as the Executive Director/ Founder of Body & Soul - The Art of Healing, Principal Tubist and Assistant Personnel Manager of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since 1995.

Know also as a Chamber Musician and Soloist, Mr. Jenkins has performed and recorded throughout the U.S. as a founding member of “The New Brass Ensemble”, a group comprised of five of the top African American classical musicians in the country.  A frequent performer as soloist, Mr. Jenkins has been heard in numerous solo recitals, concerto performances with orchestra, and live radio broadcast.  A champion of new music, Mr. Jenkins has inspired and premiered many new works including works by Dr. John Price (Tuskegee University), Dr. Daniel Adams (University of Miami), Mr. James Stephenson III (Naples Philharmonic), and commissions by Mr. John Stevens (University of Wisconsin at Madison), Dr. William Banfield (Indiana University), and Mr. Brian Balmages.  Mr. Jenkins is also the founder and Director of the improvisational chamber group “Symbiosis”.

Recent solo engagements include:  Concerto soloist with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra (1999), The Eastern Philharmonic orchestra (1999), and a tour of Germany as soloist with the AUKSO Chamber Orchestra of Poland (2001), premiering “Collage”, a double concerto for Tuba and Piccolo Trumpet by Mr. Brian Balmages.  Mr. Jenkins can be heard on the CBS, EMI, and Crystal recording labels.

2002 GHLBC Clinician Biographies

Dr. Bradley Edwards, Trombone ( University of South Carolina )

Brad Edwards teaches trombone at the University of South Carolina, a position he began in the Fall of 1999. Previous to this appointment, he taught at the University of Northern Iowa and performed with the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony as Principal Trombonist. He has served with the United States Air Force Concert Band in Washington D.C., where he was twice featured as a soloist. Other solo credits include public radio broadcasts, presentations of new music, guest recitals at colleges and regional workshops; and concertos with orchestras and wind ensembles. Dr. Edwards has performed with the Baltimore Symphony, the brass choir of the National Symphony, Hartford Symphony, Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra and the Baltimore Opera Orchestra.

Dr. Edwards has taught at Franklin and Marshall College, the Peabody Institute of Music, the Hartford Conservatory of Music and Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. He has also served on the faculty of the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities and Kinhaven Music School, one of the country's oldest high school summer music programs. Dr. Edwards' composition, Blue Wolf for unaccompanied trombone has been published by the ITA Press and his book Introductory Studies in Tenor and Alto Clef for Trombone, "Before Blazhevich" is soon to be published by Ensemble Publications. Dr. Edwards holds degrees from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and the Hartt School of Music. His primary teachers have been Ronald Borror, Tony Chipurn and Jim Olin. He has also studied with Arnold Jacobs, Dave Fedderly and Milt Stevens.

Dr. Sean Flanigan, Trombone ( Drake University )

Sean Flanigan has developed a reputation as an extremely versatile performer, equally at home in the symphonic and jazz idioms. His wide range of professional experience includes performances with the Des Moines Symphony, Cedar Rapids Symphony, Syracuse Symphony, Toledo Symphony, Toledo Opera Orchestra, Adrian (Michigan) Symphony Orchestra, American Jazz Philharmonic, North Texas Wind Symphony and Chicago Jazz Orchestra. He has been featured as a soloist with the Cedar Rapids Symphony where he currently holds the position of co-principal trombone. Mr. Flanigan has backed such artists as Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Heath, Clark Terry, Johnny Mathis and Jack Jones, performed with numerous jazz big bands and small groups in the Chicago area and appears on recordings for television, radio and commercial CDs.

Mr. Flanigan also serves as the Assistant Director of Bands and is the conductor of the Concert Band and Bulldog Brass Athletic Band. He teaches courses in jazz improvisation and jazz history and is the director of Jazz Ensemble I during the 2001-2002 academic year. Prior to his appointment at Drake, Mr. Flanigan served on the faculty of Bowling Green State University where he taught trombone, conducting and brass pedagogy.

Mr. Flanigan holds degrees in trombone performance and music education from the University of Illinois. Currently, he is completing a DMA in trombone performance at the University of North Texas. His principal teachers have been Robert Gray and Vern Kagarice in trombone and Eugene Corporon in conducting, as well as additional study with Jay Friedman, Brian Bowman and Dan Perantoni. He serves on the staff of the International Trombone Association as Job Announcements Coordinator for the ITA Journal and the organization's web site.

Sgt. Michael Forbes, Tuba ( The U.S. Army Band, Pershing's Own )

Staff Sergeant Michael Forbes is a tubist in the United States Army Band, Pershings Own, and the instructor of low brass at Frederick Community College in Frederick, Maryland. He received his master’s degree (M.M.) in Music Performance from the University of Wisconsin–Madison where he studied with world-reknowned tubist and composer, John Stevens. He is also in the final stages of completing another master’s degree at UW-Madison in Music Theory. He holds a bachelor’s degree (B.M.) in Music Performance from the Pennsylvania State University where he studied under Mark Lusk and Marty Erickson. During his enrollment, he took his studies abroad and spent his junior year in Manchester, England studying at the University of Manchester and the Royal Northern College of Music. Currently, he is pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degree at the University of Maryland-College Park, where he works with the legendary tubist, Toby Hanks.

In addition to being an accomplished performer on the tuba and the euphonium, Mr. Forbes is also quite busy as a composer and arranger. He has received numerous commissions from notable low brass artists such as Patrick Sheridan, Maryann Craig, Demondrae Thurman, Marty Erickson, and Kenyon Wilson. Forbes has published over 15 chamber music works for low brass and many of these works have been selected for competitions (Finland’s 2001 International Tuba Quartet Competition) and recordings (Navy Band Quartet, Sotto Voce and Tubalaté). Additionally, he has completed a number of arrangements and compositions for large brass and wind ensembles as well as for the U.S. Army Brass Band and U.S. Army Brass Quintet.

In addition to regularly performing concerts and military ceremonies with the U.S. Army Band, SSG Forbes is also the conductor and founder of the U.S. Army Brass Dectet: a 10-piece Philip Jones-style brass ensemble. Forbes has also guest conducted the U.S. Army Brass Band as well as the University of Maryland Brass Ensemble. As a member of the U.S. Army Band Tuba/Euphonium Quartet, Forbes regularly tours the U.S. giving concerts and clinics, while most recently the quartet was featured in the Grand Concert of the Army Band’s 18th Annual Tuba/Euphonium Conference. Lastly, due to Forbes’s extensive activities in the tuba/euphonium community, he was appointed coordinator of the Armed Forces Tuba Euphonium Ensemble (A.F.T.E.E.).

Forbes is also a member of the Sotto Voce Tuba Quartet which has recently completed a series of recitals and clinics in the music schools of Alabama and Minnesota this past year. The tours were in preparation for the recording of the ensemble’s first CD: “Consequences” which features Forbes’s first substantial work for tuba-euphonium quartet as the title track. In addition to his duties in the band, on the road, and at Frederick Community College, Forbes continues to perform as a freelance musician in the Washington, D.C. area as well as teach a studio of the region’s finest high school and amateur tubists at McLean Music School.

 

Dr. Kenneth Kroesche, Euphonium ( Western Carolina University )

Kenneth R. Kroesche is Associate Professor of Low Brass at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. He received his Bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State University and both his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Michigan. In 1992, he was chosen through a competitive audition by Mstislav Rostropovich to perform a concerto with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Since that time he has appeared as soloist in many venues including a recital at the 2000 ITEC in Regina, Canada. In addition, he won the ITEC Euphonium Solo Competition in 1992 and was a prizewinner in the Falcone Euphonium Solo Competition. He has commissioned and premiered a number of works for the euphonium and is the founding member of the newly formed American Tuba Euphonium Quartet. He is currently the principal trombonist of the Hendersonville Symphony and second trombonist of the Asheville Symphony. In addition, he performs on euphonium, bass trumpet, and trombone with a number of orchestras including the North Carolina and Charleston (SC) Symphonies.

Euphouria Quartet ( Euphouria )

Euphouria Quartet is comprised of music professionals from the Middle Tennessee area. It is a unique group in that it utilizes three euphoniums and one tuba. Most tuba-euphoniums quartets use two euphoniums and two tubas. This instrumentation allows the group to develop a lighter sound and to access a wealth of trombone quartet literature. The name of the group comes from the fact that they use EUPHoniums and that there are FOUR (phour) of them.

Greg English - Euphonium
Greg graduated from Tennessee Tech University as a Trombone Player and began playing Euphonium with the group last summer. He is a middle school choral teacher in Tullahoma, TN

Carroll Gotcher - Euphonium
Carroll graduated from Tennessee Tech and then earned his Master's Degree from the University of Tennessee. He is a founding member of the group. Carroll teaches instrumental music in Jackson County, TN.

Atticus Hensley - Euphonium
Atticus received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from the University of Tennessee and is also a founding member of the group. He teaches private music lessons around the Coffee County area and assists with the band program in Tullahoma, TN.

Stu Henry - Tuba
Stu Henry is a three time graduate of the University of Tennessee and is a licensed civil engineer for the consulting firm of Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon in Knoxville, Tennessee. Stu plays as a member of the 572nd Air Force Band at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base and the Southern Brass Quintet both in Knoxville.

2001 GHLBC Clinician Biographies

Dr. Brian Bowman, Euphonium ( University of North Texas )

Characterized by a virtuosic technique and a warm, rich, velvet tone, Brian Bowman's playing has thrilled audiences for more than a quarter of a century. His superb musicianship and dedication to fine brass playing have made him one of the foremost euphonium soloists in the world today. His history of euphonium "firsts" is impressive:

• First euphonium recital in New York's Carnegie Recital Hall 1976
• First euphoniumist to serve as president of the TUBISTS UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD ASSOCIATION (T.U.B.A)
• First euphonium concert tour of Japan
• First Guest Euphonium Artist-Falcone International Euphonium Competition
• First euphonium master class at the Paris Conservatory Superior of Music, France
• Master teacher at the first Deutsche Tubaforum workshop to include the euphonium, tenor horn and bariton, Hammelburg, Germany 1991

Dr. Brian L. Bowman enjoys a distinguished career as a soloist, clinician, recording artist, educator and administrator. Dr. Bowman has held the principal euphonium position, in addition to being a featured soloist in each of the bands he has been associated with: The University Of Michigan Symphony Band, The United States Navy Band, The United States Bicentennial Band, The United States Air Force Band and since September, 1997, The River City Brass Band in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

He is in demand as a guest soloist with high school, university, municipal and professional ensembles. He has performed as a soloist in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, The Virgin Islands, Norway, Finland, Germany, Belgium, Great Britain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Japan, Taiwan, and the People's Republic of China. He has appeared as tenor tubist with the National Symphony, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony. He has performed concertos with the Lexington Kentucky Symphony, the Sapporo Japan, Symphony Orchestra and the North Carolina Symphony.

Mr. Keisetsu Chiba, Tuba ( Asai Gakuen University )

Keisetsu Chiba served as the Louis A. Brown Visiting International Scholar at Valdosta State University for the 2000-01 Academic Year. During his year-long appointment, Professor Chiba taught a variety of courses, including Japanese Music and Culture and several music education courses. He coached the student brass quintet, tuba/euphonium ensemble and performed with the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra.

Professor Chiba is a native of Japan where he teaches Tuba/Euphonium and conducts the Wind Ensemble at Hokkaido Asai Gakuen University and Hokkaido University of Education in Asahikawa. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Tuba Performance degree from Musashino Music College in Tokyo, Japan and a Master of Music degree in Tuba Performance from the University of Northern Iowa, where he studied with Dr. Jeffrey Funderburk. His honors have included being a finalist for the Artist division of the Tuba Solo Competition at the 1995 International Tuba/Euphonium Conference (ITEC). Under his baton, the Hokkaido University of Education Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble has performed at the 1998 ITEC in Minnesota and he has performed as a guest artist at the TubaMania conference in Australia.. He has played with the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra, the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony, and the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Pete Madsen, Trombone ( University of Nebraska at Omaha )

Dr. Pete Madsen, Assistant Professor of Music, began teaching at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) in the fall of 2000. His responsibilities include directing the UNO Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab Band, overseeing the jazz combo program, and teaching applied low brass, jazz improvisation, and a jazz survey course. Prior to UNO he coordinated the instrumental jazz program and taught applied brass for two years at Adams State College in Alamosa, CO.

Dr. Madsen received his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Missouri. He then went on to Northern Illinois University where he earned his Master of Music Degree. He recently completed his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Trombone Performance from the University of Illinois. Madson's performing credentials include both classical and jazz venues. He has performed with the Missouri Symphony Society, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and the Taos, NM Symphony. Madsen has recorded CDs with Northern Illinois University's Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, as well as with the funk band My Brother's Keeper and the University of Illinois Jazz Ensemble. He has performed with many jazz and pop artists including Steve Wiest, Ron McCurdy, Pete Christlieb, Peter Erskine, Bobby Shew, Aretha Franklin, and Franki Valli to name only a few.

Dr. Madsen has been and continues to be a guest clinician and adjudicator throughout the Midwest. He is a member of the International Association of Jazz Educators, the International Trombone Association, the College Music Society, and the Music Educators National Conference.

Dr. Mark Sheridan-Rabideau, Trombone ( Millersville University )

Mark Sheridan-Rabideau currently serves as Assistant Professor of Low Brass and Director of the Music Industry Studies program at Millersville University. Among his duties Mark teaches trombone, tuba, and euphonium, as well as courses in music business, electroacoustic music, and oversees the electronic music lab. He holds Bachelor and Doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois and a Masters degree from the University of Notre Dame in trombone performance. His teachers include Elliot Chasanov, Robert Gray, David Sporny, and Frank Crisafuli.

Prior to his arrival on the Millersville campus, Mark held a dual appointment in the Music Education and Jazz Divisions at the University of Illinois where he served as Co-Chair of the Jazz Division and Coordinated Undergraduate Admissions for the School of Music. While teaching at the University of Illinois Mark conducted the second jazz band and developed and taught a course for music education majors entitled How to Teach Jazz. He has served as Visiting Professor of Trombone and Assistant Director of Bands at Arkansas State University, where he performed with the Faculty Brass Quintet.

Dr. Sheridan-Rabideau's career includes performing as a member of the Northwood Orchestra (Harbor Springs, MI), South Bend (IN) and Illinois Symphonies, and serving as trombonist in the Arkansas Symphony Brass Quintet. As a jazz artist he has performed with the Jimmy Dorsey and Warren Covington Orchestras, as well as with bands backing-up jazz legends Clark Terry, Louis Bellson, Ed Thigpen, Bill Watrous, Pete Chrislieb, Kim Richmond, Stanley Turrentine, and Dave Brubeck. Mark was a charter member of the University of Illinois Faculty Jazz Ensemble, performing with Ron Bridgewater, Thomas Wirtel, and Keith Javors. Mark's interest in young musicians has led to the founding of the Illini Jazz Lab Band (an advanced ensemble of high school musicians) the developing of a mentor program for incoming music students at the University of Illinois, and a recent publication of an article on jazz great Ella Fitzgerald for Popular Musician, a jazz resource for young adults. Other outreach efforts include serving as a guest lecturer for the University of Illinois Alumni Association and Coordinating and teaching at the Illini Jazz Clinic and the Illinois Summer Youth Music Jazz Camp. Research interests include the incorporation of jazz in the traditional trombone study, his dissertation topic, and working at the local and national levels in closing the gap between skills needed to successful teaching jazz related courses at the secondary and college levels.

2000 GHLBC Clinician Biographies

Dr. Kevin Chiarizzio, Trombone ( Baylor University )

At the time of the festival, Kevin Chiarizzio taught applied trombone and music theory, coached student ensembles, and directed the Tennessee Tech Trombone Choir. He also performed with the Tennessee Tech Faculty Brass Quintet and is the principal trombonist with the Bryan Symphony Orchestra. He is now on the faculty at Baylor University.

Prior to his appointment at Tennessee Tech, Chiarizzio was principal trombonist with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and taught the low brass studio at Ouachita Baptist University. He has also held faculty positions at Lyon College (AR) and Millikin University (IL). Additional orchestral experience include positions with the Champaign-Urbana Symphony, Danville Symphony (IL), Sinfonia da Camera, and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Chiarizzio has presented master classes, clinics and recitals at high schools and universities in Illinois, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.

He earned his Bachelor's of Music degree with a concentration in music education from the University of Memphis, and both the M.M. and D.M.A. degrees in trombone performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His major trombone teachers include Robert Gray, Douglas Lemmon, Elliot Chasanov, and Robert Weiss.

Dr. Ronald Davis, Tuba ( University of South Carolina )

Ronald Davis is Associate Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at the University of South Carolina School of Music and the principal tubist with the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra. Dr. Davis was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Tuba Performance from the University of Southern California, and also holds degrees from California State University, Fullerton and Bowling Green State University in Ohio. As an orchestral player Dr. Davis has performed with the Augusta Orchestra, the Santa Barbara Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and in 1991, as soloist with the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra, he performed the South Carolina premiere of the Concerto for Bass Tuba and Orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Dr. Davis was a featured soloist at the 1998 International Tuba/Euphonium Conference at the University of Minnesota, giving the premiere performance of "Five Sketches for Solo Tuba" by Arthur Frackenpohl. The authors of "The Tuba Source Book" recruited Dr. Davis to serve as an assistant editor on the project and to author the most complete discography of tuba solos ever assembled. The finished project resulted in the most expansive one volume reference source devoted to a single musical instrument. Dr. Davis is featured soloist on "SoloPro: Contest Music for Tuba" released by Summit Records, and can be heard regularly performing with the Palmetto Brass. Dr. Davis also serves as the Instrumental Music Associate and Orchestra Director for Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia.

Mr. Demondrae Thurman, Euphonium ( Alabama State University )

See 2003 Clinicians!

Demondrae Thurman, Instructor of Low Brass at Alabama State University, holds a Bachelor of Music in Euphonium Performance from the University of Alabama and a Master of Music in Euphonium Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His primary teachers have been John Stevens, Mike Dunn, and James Jenkins.

As a euphoniumist, Mr. Thurman has been extremely active as a guest soloist with large ensembles, performed recitals, and given masterclasses throughout the eastern United States. In 1999, he appeared as a soloist at the 16th Annual Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Conference and the Southeastern Tuba-Euphonium Conference. He has also premiered numerous compositions and arrangements including the 1995 premiere of Sinfonia Concertante for euphonium and band by Frederic Goossen. Mr. Thurman will be a guest artist at the 2000 International Tuba-Euphonium Conference to be held in Regina, Saskachewan, Canada.

Mr. Thurman is also a founding member of the internationally recognized Sotto Voce Quartet, winners of both international tuba quartet competitions in 1998. Sotto Voce has also been active performing and giving clinics and masterclasses.

Mr. Thurman is also a trombonist having collaborated with the Tuscaloosa Symphony, Theatre of Tuscaloosa Orchestra, the highly acclaimed Meridian Arts Ensemble, and Motown artist groups The Temptations, Mary Wilson, and The Supremes. He also performed with the Hot Springs Festival Orchestra for two years.

1999 GHLBC Clinician Biographies

Dr. Neal Corwell, Euphonium

After having spent nine years with The US. Army Band in Washington DC (Pershing's Own) as one of the organization's featured soloists, and seven years as an adjunct faculty member at two colleges (Frostburg State University and Shepherd College) teaching low brass and electronic music, Neal Corwell is currently a freelance composer and euphonium soloist/clinician with a DMA degree from the University of Maryland in euphonium performance and pedagogy. He is also a member of Symphonia, a professional tuba-euphonium ensemble chosen from our nation's finest low brass performers, and was recently elected as a member of the TUBA executive committee.

Neal has appeared in Japan, Italy and most of the United States as a guest euphonium artist, and has been featured as both soloist and composer at many international music events during the last several years. He was chosen as one of the featured composers (from thousands of applicants) for the 1997 Bowling Green International Music and Arts Festival and has been composer-in-residence for the Symphony at Deep Creek (McHenry, Maryland) since 1994. In addition to the many live premieres and performances of Dr. Corwell's works worldwide, some of his compositions have been included on recent CD recordings released by Mark Records, Crystal Records, RJR Digital, TRYFAN, and Nicolai Music. Neal also composed and performed all the music for his solo euphonium/trombone CD, Distant Images.

Mr. Christopher Nigrelli, Trombone ( Lenoir-Rhyne College )

Christopher C. Nigrelli joined Lenoir-Rhyne College in the fall of 1997 as an instructor of music. He currently teaches applied low brass, music history, and co-leads the Lenoir-Rhyne Jazz Ensemble. Chris is a past winner of the International Trombone Association's Robert Marsteller Award. He was a semi-finalist in the Eastern Trombone Workshop's 1995 Tenor Trombone Competitions, and a 2nd place winner in the Lima (OH) Symphony Solo Competition. Chris earned a Bachelor's degree in music education from Western Michigan University, and a Master's degree in trombone performance from the University of Michigan. He is currently completing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in trombone performance and music history. His principal teachers include Elliot Chasanov, Dennis Smith, Steve Wolfinbarger, Curtis Olson, Russell Brown, and Gary Sexton.

Dr. Joseph Skillen, Tuba ( Louisiana State University )

Appointed in August 1998, Dr. Skillen is currently a professional-in-residence of tuba in the School of Music where he teaches applied tuba, euphonium, coaches chamber music, and performs with the faculty brass quintet. He is in demand as a clinician and soloist as well as an active performer in both chamber music and orchestral ensembles. Skillen brings a great deal of diverse experiences in music to his teaching and performances.

Prior to his engagement at LSU, Skillen has been principal tubist in several American orchestras, and has performed in touring ensembles across the United States and Europe. Additionally, he has presented solo performances in the United States, Germany, Italy, and Sweden. He has been a finalist in both American and International solo competitions, including winning two concerto competitions in Tennessee. During the summer of 1997, Skillen was one of five Americans invited to participate in the Verso il Millenio solo tuba competition in Riva del Garda, Italy where he placed in the top ten of the thirty competitors from around the world. Following that performance he returned to America and won First prize in the Artist Division of the prestigious Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba festival.

Skillen holds degrees in Music Education and Music Performance from Tennessee Technological University and The Pennsylvania State University respectively. Recently, he also finished his D.M.A. at Michigan State University where he was a Distinguished Doctoral Fellow. Some areas of research for Skillen include the diverse topics of ethnomusicology, music theory, and performance injuries of brass musicians. Some of his teachers include R. Winston Morris, Philip Sinder, Michael Lind, and Mark Lusk.

Mr. Steve Wilson, Bass Trombone ( University of Texas at El Paso )

Steve Wilson is currently Professor of Trombone and Low Brass at the University of Texas at El Paso. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and holds a Masters degree in Trombone Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he is currently working on his Doctor of Musical Arts degree. Mr. Wilson's primary teachers include Elliot Chasanov, David Atwater, David Taylor, and Ron Hufstader. Prior to returning to El Paso, Mr. Wilson was a sabbatical replacement for Elliot Chasanov at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and was the On-Site Operations manager for the 1997 International Trombone Festival. His playing experience includes bass trombone in the Champaign-Urbana Symphony, the Sinfonia da Camera Chamber Orchestra in Champaign, as well as substitiute bass trombone in the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Currently, Mr. Wilson is the substitute bass trombonist for the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and is an active clinician in the El Paso area.

1998 GHLBC Clinician Biographies

Ms. Velvet Brown, Tuba ( Bowling Green State University )

Velvet M. Brown is an assistant professor of music performance studies (tuba and euphonium) and a member of the faculty brass quintet at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. She holds a bachelor's degree from West Virginia University, a master's degree from Boston University where she later served as associate director of university bands, and is currently a doctoral student at Indiana University. Ms. Brown previously taught at Ball State University in Indiana as an assistant professor.

An active soloist as well as chamber music and orchestral performer, Ms. Brown has performed with the Detroit Symphony, the Saint Louis Symphony, The Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra, the Nashua Symphony, the Muncie Symphony and the Marion Philharmonic. She is also tubist with Monarch Brass, a founding member of Velvet Brass and the Boston Tuba Quartet, and since 1989 has served as principal tubist with the New Hampshire Music Festival Orchestra. Ms. Brown has appeared as a featured soloist at the 1997 International Women's Brass Conference, the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival in 1996, the First International Brassfest, hosted by Summit Brass, at Indiana University in 1995, and the International Women's Brass Conference in 1992. Other featured performances include a world premiere with Neal Corwell at the 1997 International Tuba/Euphonium Conference in Riva del Garda, Italy, guest recitals at the Eastman School of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, University of Edinboro (Pennsylvania), and concerto performances with the Ball State Symphony, the Ball State Wind Ensemble and the Bowling Green State University Wind Ensemble. As a member of Boston Brass, she has been a prize winner at the Narbonne (France) International Brass Quintet, the Raphael Mendez Brass Quintet, and the Yellow Springs Chamber Music Competitions.

She is a board member and vice-president of the International Women's Brass Conference and a member of T.U.B.A. (Tubists Universal Brotherhood Association).

 

MSgt. Jeffrey J. Gaylord, Trombone ( United States Air Force Band, Washington, DC )

Jeffrey J. Gaylord is the assistant principal trombonist with The United States Air Force Concert Band in Washington,D.C. Prior to joining The Air Force Band, he played with The United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C. Originally from Western Springs, Illinois his career in the Air Force began in 1989.

Mr. Gaylord is a 1985 graduate of The University of Illinois where he received his bachelor of music degree in trombone performance. In 1987 he earned his master of music degree from The Catholic University of America. In addition to the Air Force Band, he is the low brass instructor at Suitland High School for the Arts in Suitland, Maryland. He has studied with Dr. Robert Gray, Dr. Milton Stevens, and John Vance.

He is the principal trombone with The Annapolis Chorale Orchestra, and performs regularly with The Annapolis Symphony, and The Alexandria Symphony.

Dr. Rick Good, Euphonium ( Auburn University )

Rick Good is Associate Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Low Brass at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama where he teaches trombone, euphonium, and tuba. In addition, he directs the Concert Band, Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble, Trombone Choir, and co-directs the 330 member Auburn University Marching Band.

Dr. Good received his Bachelors degree in Music Education from Mansfield University in Pennsylvania, a Master of Music degree in Wind Conducting from Louisania State University and recently completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Euphonium Performance at Arizona State University. He has had the honor of studying under Sam Pilafian, Dan Perantoni, Larry Campbell, and Don Stanley.

Before accepting his position at Auburn, Dr. Good was previously the Acting Associate Director of Bands at Arizona State University where he directed the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Athletic Pep Bands. In addition, he was a Graduate Teaching Assistant at both Arizona State and Lousiana State Universities. He is active as a conductor, performer, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the country and holds various memberships in professional organizaitons.

 

Dr. John Leisenring, Trombone ( University of Missouri at Kansas City )

Acclaimed nationally and internationally as a performer and as a teacher, John Leisenring has performed in 30 states from coast to coast and in nine foreign countries, the most recent being a performance in 1990 in Rome, Italy. Now professor of trombone at the UMKC Conservatory of Music, he previously taught at the University of Texas-Austin and Bowling Green State University in Ohio. His Bachelor and Master of Music degrees are from the University of Wisconsin-Madison; his Doctor of Musical Arts degree is from the University of Illinois-Urbana. He has studied with Arnold Jacobs and David Baker and, in 1980, was the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts study grant which funded a year of study in New York with trombonist Slide Hampton. Dr. Leisenring performs regularly with the Missouri Brass Quintet and the Kansas City Jazztet, and is a regular member of the faculty of Jamey Aebersold's summer jazz clinics. He has been published in the Jazz Educator Journal, Jazz Ambassador Magazine, Pitch Magazine and Nitelite. He is recorded on Snowball Records.

1997 GHLBC Clinician Biographies

Dr. David Gier, Trombone ( University of Iowa )

Trombonist David Gier is assistant professor of music at the University of Iowa, where he teaches trombone and brass chamber music. He performs with the Iowa Brass Quintet, and is an active soloist, clinician and adjudicator. Prior to his appointment at Iowa, Gier served on the faculty of the Baylor University School of Music, and performed as principal trombone of the Waco and San Angelo Symphony Orchestras.

Gier began his professional career in New England, as a member of the Springfield (MA) Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra New England, and instructor of trombone and low brass at Choate-Rosemary Hall School, and Central Connecticut State University. He has performed with numerous professional ensembles, including the New Haven, Hartford, Cedar Rapids and Quad Cities Symphony Orchestras, the New Orchestra of Westchester, Boris Berman's Music Spectrum, and Keith Brion's Peerless Sousa Band.

Gier spends summers with his family in Colorado, as principal trombone of the Breckenridge Festival Orchestra, under the direction of Gerhardt Zimmermann. He is a graduate of The University of Michigan and Yale University, where he completed the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in 1992.

Dr. Richard Perry, Tuba ( University of Southern Mississippi )

Richard Perry is currently Assistant Professor of Tuba/Euphonium at the University of Southern Mississippi. Prior to his appointment at USM in 2000, he taught at the University of Montevallo in Alabama for six years. He holds degrees from Tennessee Tech University, the University of Illinois, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While at Wisconsin, Dr. Perry taught undergraduate tuba and directed the UW-Madison Tuba Euphonium Ensemble as Teaching Assistant to Professor John Stevens. A former member of the acclaimed Tennessee Tech Tuba Ensemble, Dr. Perry has also performed with the Madison (WI) Symphony Orchestra and the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, and was a member of the Mississippi Brass Quintet and the Encore Brass Quintet.

Mr. Andrew M. Russell, Trombone Del Mar College, TX)

Andrew M. Russell is currently Director of Bands at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas.  Before moving to Corpus Christi, he taught trombone and brass method classes as well as directing one of the most highly regarded trombone choirs in the country at the University of Texas at Arlington.  The UTA Trombone Choir was selected to perform at the International Trombone Festival in Las Vegas and also performed at the Eastern Trombone Festival held in Washington D.C. He has performed with the Ft. Worth Symphony and Dallas Ballet and is an active free-lance musician in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. He has served as a clinician and soloist throughout the United States and has been invited to present a lecture at this year's International Trombone Festival to be held in Champaign, Illinois. He received his Masters of Music Degree with Honors from the University of Indiana.

Mr. Stephen Shoop, Tuba (Director of Bands, Ennis High School, Texas)

Stephen Shoop teaches band at Ennis High School in Ennis, Texas. Mr. Shoop holds a BME degree from Texas Christian University and a MME degree from Indiana University, where he studied tuba with Harvey Phillips and arranging with Domenic Spera. While at Indiana, he also served as a graduate assistant director of the famed Marching Hundred. Steve is presently pursuing a PhD degree in music education at the University of North Texas, where he studies tuba and arranging with Donald Little. Stephen serves as Co-coordinator of the annual TUBACHRISTMAS concerts in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.

Mr. Shoop has over 20 published compositions and arrangements to his credit, as well as a number of articles in the Instrumentalist magazine and T.U.B.A. Journal. Steve has presented low brass clinics for Baylor University, University of Texas at Arlington, Valdosta State University, Texas Music Educators Association, and at the Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic.

Professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Music Educators National Conference, and Texas Music Educators Conference. Stephen holds life memberships in Tubists Universal Brotherhood Association (T.U.B.A.) and the Texas Parent Teacher Association.