PROMOTING EXCELLENCE
- Western Michigan University trombone students have been finalists in the prestigious International Trombone Association solo competitions 27 times, winning the top prize on nine occasions. They have been recognized as either an alternate or an honorable mention on 19 other occasions. In total, they have been recognized a total of 45 times spread out over 11 different ITA competitions.
- Since 2005 trombone students have been semifinalists or finalists in the National Trombone Solo Competition 12 times.
- WMU trombone alumni have recently been admitted to some of the world's most prestigious music schools, including The Juilliard School, Yale University, The Eastman School of Music, New England Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, University of Maryland, Northwestern University, Florida State University, Indiana University, Cleveland Institute of Music, University of North Texas, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and the University of Texas, to name a few.
- Former studio members perform with or have subbed regularly with major ensembles such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, North Carolina Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Alabama Symphony, Grand Rapids Symphony, various Washington D.C. bands, U.S. Army Field Band Brass Quintet, and others. Numerous WMU trombone graduates are now teaching at colleges and universities around the country or are freelancing in major cities such as Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas. Many are successful music educators at public schools throughout Michigan and elsewhere.
Please check out the WMU Trombone Studio website, including some of the many audio and video clips by the WMU Trombone Choir. And follow us on Facebook for the latest activities from the trombone studio.