Trombone 'competition season' yields positive results

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University has gotten the trombone competition season off to a rousing start, with students being named as finalists in national and international competitions.

Freshman Nick Dewyer of Chelsea was named a finalist in both the U.S. Army Band’s National Trombone Solo Competition as well as the International Trombone Association's Gagliardi Competition for students 18 and under. Dewyer has also been named as one of three finalists in the International Trombone Association’s Larry Wiehe Solo Competition. That competition, one of seven for the ITA, is for any student who wants to specialize in the turn-of-the century soloistic style that is a favorite of many trombonists. The solo competition is for students of various ages, instruments (bass, tenor or alto trombones) and styles of performance.  Dewyer has successfully secured a finalist position in two of the seven coveted ITA competitions.

Senior bass trombone major Aaron Buczek of Warren was named as one of three finalists in the International Trombone Association’s Donald Yaxley Bass Trombone Solo Competition. Buczek will compete this June in the finals at the Eastman School of Music against two other finalists from Northwestern and DePaul universities.

Junior bass trombone major Evan Clifton of Howell has been selected as the bass trombonist in the Round Top Festival Institute Symphony Orchestra, an internationally acclaimed music institute for aspiring professional orchestral musicians. The institute includes renowned conductors and teachers as its faculty. Since any orchestra uses only one bass trombonist, Clifton won the top position from all of those who applied for this prestigious opportunity.