UNT Trombonists Named as Wiehe Competition Finalists

Sophomore Eric Anderson and junior Scott Avant have both been named as finalists in the Larry Wiehe Trombone Competition.  The final round of competition will occur in late June at the International Trombone Festival in Columbus, GA.  Congratulations to Eric and Scott for their accomplishment.

 

In addition, Julie Gray was once again named as an alternate in the ITA Alto Trombone Competition, and sophomore Matt Corrigan received Honorable Mention in the Carl Fontana Jazz Trombone Competition.

Ben Polk Wins Airmen of Note Position

Ben Polk, MM and Artist Diploma student at UNT, was recently named the winner of the bass trombone position with the USAF Airmen of Note.

Ben is an outstanding player and most deserving of this unique opportunity. While at UNT he performed with all the premiere ensembles, and served as a graduate teaching fellow with distinction.  He was a member of the UNT Trombone Quartet that won the 2007 International Trombone Quartet Competition.

Chris Reaves Wins Position in U.S. Marine Band

Chris Reaves has emerged as the winner of the latest U.S. Marine Band (The President's Own) in Washington, DC and will begin his service in November. Ninety-one players auditioned for this prestigious position.

 

Chris, a Colorado Springs native, is currently an graduate Artist Certificate student and teaching fellow at UNT.  He also holds a bachelor's degree from the Juilliard School of Music. His primary teacher is Jan Kagarice, with support from Tony Baker and Vern Kagarice.   

Matt Jefferson Lands New Position

Matt Jefferson, recent MM graduate from the UNT trombone studio, has just accepted a professor of low brass position at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA.  His duties will include low brass instruction, brass methods, music appreciation, brass choir an d music techology courses.  He has been a trombone student of Jan Kagarice for the past few years. His bio can be seen on the Maniacal 4 web site at http://maniacal4.com/

UNT Trombonists Fare Well In Paris

UNT trombonists Freddy Ouellette, Evan Sankey and the Maniacal 4 Quartet (Carl Lundgren, Nick Laufer, Alex Dubrov and Matt Jefferson) definitely made their presence known at the International Trombone Festival held July 4–7, 2012 at the Paris Conservatoire.
Freddy Ouellette was named the winner of the 2012 George Roberts Bass Trombone Competition by a distinguished international panel of judges.  Both of his performances were outstanding and garnered many compliments.

Brimhall wins position with the Jazz Ambassadors

Luke Brimhall, a recent MM jazz studies graduate and former jazz TF, just won the solo jazz chair position with the Jazz Ambassadors, which is part of the United States Army Field Band.  The Ambassadors are considered the premiere jazz group of the US Army and one of the highest profile jazz positions in the world.  Luke will begin performing with the band after going to basic training.

Service Band Positions

In the very competitive area of military service bands, UNT Trombone Studio alum have also been successful. Here is an alphabetic list of some major appointments:

David Bandman, trombonist and euphoniumist U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass—Washington, DC

Victo Barranco, jazz trombonist US Army Blues --- Ft. Myer, VA

Michael Bravin, trombonist U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors—Washington, DC

Mike Buckley, trombonist U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors—Washington, DC

Grant Futch, U.S. Navy Fleet Bands

Joe Jackson, trombonist, USAF Ceremonial Band

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