Jeremy Marks
University of Texas (2013)
M.M. Trombone Performance (Conducting Cognate)
Western Michigan University (2010)
B.M. Trombone Performance
Bowling Green State University (2008)
Why did you choose to attend WMU?
When I visited Dr. Wolfinbarger at WMU, his charismatic personality, strong record of teaching, and remarkable recordings on the trombone studio website really impressed me. I knew that I needed a considerable amount of attention to my fundamentals on the trombone after being diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy (prior to attending WMU). I felt that Dr. Wolfinbarger was a perfect fit for the next step in my development.
What do you consider to be your most important professional achievements to date?
I was honored to be named the Assistant Professor of Music (trombone) at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. Also, for several years I was also fortunate to serve as the Assistant Professor of Low Brass at the University of Louisiana, Monroe, and the trombone/euphonium professor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Plus, I would consider my “doubling” career a wonderful achievement. I have had the pleasure to play bass trumpet/euphonium with the Austin & Canton Symphonies for pieces like Rite of Spring, Götterdämmerung, and The Planets. I also performed with the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago during their tour to Austin, TX. In addition, being named the winner of the 2013 International Trombone Quartet Competition as a member of the Northside Trombone Quartet was a real highlight.
What is your fondest memory of your time in the trombone studio (or music program) at WMU?
There were MANY fond memories during my time at WMU, but my fondest would be the sincere fellowship between the studio members. Many of us were eager to read orchestral excerpts, trombone quartets, jazz duets, and listen to many hours of recordings. Away from the trombone, we would often get together for lunch or coffee, hang out at studio cookouts, and even ugly Christmas sweater parties!
General information
Dr. Jeremy Marks is the Assistant Professor of Music (trombone) at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. Prior to that he served as the Assistant Professor of Low Brass at the University of Louisiana, Monroe, and he taught applied trombone, euphonium, and a variety of brass classes at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. While working on his doctorate, Dr. Marks was the Teaching Assistant for the Trombone Studio at The University of Texas, teaching applied lessons, serving as Assistant Director of the renown UT Trombone Choir, and performing as a member of the City Limits Brass Quintet. Dr. Marks has also served as a trombone instructor at Dripping Springs High School and James Bowie High School. His students have successfully auditioned for trombone programs at institutions such as Baldwin Wallace University’s Conservatory of Music, The University of Texas at Austin, Brigham Young University, the University of North Texas, and others. Dr. Marks has presented his research interests on the bass trumpet at the Big XII Trombone Conference. His document, “The Collegiate Trombonist’s Guide to the Bass Trumpet,” provides the pedagogical aspects of learning the instrument and its orchestral repertoire.
Along with Dr. Marks’ academic duties, he serves as the 2nd Trombone of the Brazos Valley Symphony. He has also performed in several other orchestras including the Sherman, Mid-Texas, Round Rock, Southwest Michigan, and Bowling Green Symphonies. On bass trumpet and euphonium, he has performed in the Austin and Canton Symphonies as well as the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. Dr. Marks can be heard on bass trombone with the Western Brass Quintet on the Arcadia record label and heard on other labels such as Naxos and Longhorn Music. He is a founding member of the Northside Trombone Quartet, winners of the 2013 International Trombone Association Quartet Competition, held at Columbus State University. NTQ has performed at several universities, conferences, and workshops including The International Trombone Festival, Big XII Trombone Conference, Low Brass Day (University of Texas - San Antonio), and The Civil Rights Summit with Presidents Obama, Clinton, Bush, and Carter in attendance.
Dr. Marks’ primary teachers include Dr. Nathaniel Brickens, Dr. Steve Wolfinbarger, Dr. William Mathis and Garth Simmons.