Trombone Program

Trombone Program
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5434 USA
(269) 387-4699

Fast Facts

WMU TROMBONE STUDIO

  • Western Michigan University's trombone studio typically includes about 16-20 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 19 times over the past 12 years, with winners in their respective categories six of the past 10 years. Furthermore, since 2004 they have been recognized as either an alternate or an honorable mention on 15 other occasions.
  • Since 2005 trombone students have been semifinalists or finalists in the National Trombone Solo Competition eight times.
  • Since 2003 WMU trombone alumni have been admitted to some of the most prestigious music schools, including The Juilliard School, Yale University, New England Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, The Eastman School of Music, Northwestern University, University of Maryland, Florida State University, Indiana University, Cleveland Institute of Music, DePaul University, University of North Texas, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, University of Illinois, and the University of Texas, to name a few.
  • Former studio members perform regularly with or have subbed with major ensembles such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, Rochester (NY) Philharmonic, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, North Carolina Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Alabama Symphony, Grand Rapids 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 International Association for Jazz Education 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.

School of Music

  • Nearly 600 total music majors
  • 35 graduate assistants
  • 42 full time faculty
  • 18 part time faculty
  • 14 professional staff
  • Nearly 1,000 concerts and events by faculty, students and guests each year
  • The WMU School of Music is a comprehensive program served by faculty and staff who have been leaders in their professional organizations, including having served as president of the International Trumpet Guild, International Trombone Association, International Horn Society, International Tuba/Euphonium Association, International Society of Bassists, and the American Music Therapy Association. 
  • WMU music alumni are active professionals in all facets of the music field. They are teachers in K-12 programs and hold positions in higher education at prestigious universities and colleges. Music therapy alumni thrive in clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities all across North America.
  • WMU graduates can be heard and seen performing with major symphony orchestras, at internationally-recognized opera houses, and on television and Broadway. Their music compositions can be heard on radio, television, and in films. And they are actively engaged in arts administration and the music industry.