Studio Facts to 2012
- The WMU trombone studio typically includes about 16 select majors, approximately half of whom major in trombone performance and half in music education or another field of music. Four to five new students are admitted to the studio each year.
- Trombone students have been finalists in the prestigious International Trombone Association solo competitions no less than 15 times over the past 10 years, with winners in their respective categories four of the past five years. Furthermore, since 2005 they have been recognized as either an alternate or an honorable mention on nine other occasions.
- Since 2005 trombone students have been semifinalists or finalists in the National Trombone Solo Competition eight times, with winners in their respective categories two of the past four years.
- Since 2003 WMU trombone alumni have been admitted to some of the most prestigious music schools, including The Juilliard School, Yale University, The Eastman School of Music, Florida State University, Indiana University, Cleveland Institute of Music, DePaul University, University of North Texas, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, University of Illinois, University of Texas, and Louisiana State University, to name a few.
- Former studio members perform regularly with or have subbed with major ensembles such as the Rochester (NY) Philharmonic, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, North Carolina Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Alabama Symphony, Madison (WI) Symphony Orchestra, U.S. Army Field Band, U.S. Army Field Band Brass Quintet, and others. Numerous trombone graduates are now teaching at universities around the country, freelancing in major cities or playing on cruise ships, and many are successful music educators at public schools throughout Michigan and elsewhere.
- WMU trombone students have had some wonderful touring opportunities. In the past eight years our major “classical” ensembles have visited places like Brazil, Australia and China, and various locations in Europe and the United States. During this time jazz groups have performed in New York City at Avery Fisher and Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and at numerous IAJE Conventions. WMU jazz groups consistently rank near or at the top in the number of Downbeat Awards received from year-to-year.
- The trombone program enjoys a constant flow of guest artists for concerts, classes, and residencies. Many of the most renowned trombonists in the world have visited campus over the past 10 years, allowing students the opportunity to be exposed to the highest level of teaching and performing.
- The School of Music is a conservatory environment with a wonderful music education program within a large, major educational institution. Since we limit our enrollment, we are able to accept only the brightest and most motivated students. Because only a few trombone students are accepted each year, they can count on MUCH "playing time" right from the start, an experience that is invaluable.