If music is your passion and your instrument is trombone, tuba or euphonium, you will find a wealth of opportunities at Truman State University! Performance opportunities abound in our very active ensembles, including two wind symphonies, a concert band, marching band, symphony orchestra, two large jazz ensembles, brass choir and jazz combos. Participation in these ensembles is based on audition and open to both music majors and non-majors.

Individual lessons are available to music majors wishing to increase technical mastery, deepen expression and build repertoire. All majors appear in at least two solo performances a year, and upper-level students complete solo recitals. Other performance opportunities include the Gold Medal Competition and chamber music, including trombone trios and quartets, and mixed brass quintets.

Studio Class

Studio Class is a focus of activity for low brass students. Meetings include a mix of ensemble rehearsals, solo and chamber group performances, presentations on topics of interests, and guest appearances. The Trombone Ensemble has appeared regularly on campus.

Guest artists are brought to campus for solo performances and to work with students in master classes and lessons. Recent guest artists have included:

• Timothy Howe – Professor of Trombone, University of Missouri, Columbia
• James C. Lebens – Professor of Trombone, University Laval (Quebec); recording artist
• Gerry Pagano – Bass trombone, St. Louis Symphony
• Jonathan Allen – Trombone, University of Iowa
• Roger Oyster – Principal Trombone, Kansas City Symphony
• Wyatt Henderson – Associate Principal Trombone, Kansas City Symphony
• Kevin Harrison – Tuba, Axiom Brass Quintet

In addition, many outstanding jazz trombonists have been featured at the annual Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Fest. Past artists have included Conrad Herwig, Wycliffe Gordon, Slide Hampton, Bill Watrous, Carl Fontana, John Fedchock, and Joey Sellers.

Looking to the Future

Low Brass musicians from Truman have one on to advanced study at some of the most prestigious music institutions in the United States, including Eastman School of Music, Aspen Music Festival, DePauw University, Indiana University, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Arizona State University, and University of North Carolina-Greensboro.

They have found professional employment in the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, The United States Air Force Academy Band, the Tacoma Symphony, the Spokane Symphony, the Cornish Institute of the Arts, and the Axiom Brass Quintet.

For more information about joining studios or ensembles, contact Dr. Terri Wehmeyer, Instructor of Music, Low Brass.