New STUDENTS 2024-25
Jeffrey Campbell
Hometown: Wixom, Michigan
School: Walled Lake Western High School
Major: Trombone Performance
Jeffrey Campbell started his music career in 6th grade when he picked up the trombone for middle school band. His first music experience outside of school was when he performed in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) Youth Orchestra in 8th grade for the "Middle School Nights.” In high school, Jeff joined the marching band and his sophomore year he joined the Walled Lake Competitive Marching Band and the Walled Lake Western Jazz Band. His junior year, Jeff was lead trombonist and section leader, positions he would hold throughout his senior year. During the last half of his senior year, Jeff learned tuba for his high school's symphony band, while continuing as lead trombonist in the school wind ensemble. Throughout high school, Jeff was accepted as a performer for his district honor's band, as well as receiving honorable mention for last year’s Michigan All-State Band. He has also received many awards including “Most improved Freshmen Boy” for his marching band, and the esteemed John Philip Sousa Award, to name a few.
In his free time, Jeff enjoys studying music from around the world, with a particular interest in instruments from other cultures. He also enjoys hiking, biking, playing video games, MMA, and procrastination.
Asher Goldberg
Hometown: Midland, Michigan
School: Midland High School
Major: Trombone Performance
Asher Goldberg was born in Las Vegas, Nevada and later moved to Midland, Michigan in 7th grade. Graduating from Midland High School with honors, Ash has been deeply involved in a diverse range of musical pursuits, including jazz band, orchestra, concert and symphonic bands, marching band (including serving as drum major), and choir.
Beyond school, Ash has contributed their musical talents to the Chemical City Band, Midland Concert Band, Midland Community Jazz Band, and Midland Community Orchestra, including showcasing their skills in pit orchestras for productions like "Beauty and the Beast," "The Hello Girls," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "The Music Man," "Fiddler on the Roof," and "Sweeney Todd."
Ash received valuable mentorship from retired Central Michigan University (CMU) trombone professor Dr. Lindahl, earning All-State and Outstanding Soloist recognition and ranking among the top 15 finalists. Additionally, Ash participated in CMU honors bands and credits directors Bill Monroe, Eric Attard, Chris O’Connell, Anna Mamassian, Dan Farison, Steve Derees, and Sue Gessford for their continuous support and inspiration.
Ash enjoys playing Alto Saxophone and has explored other members of the saxophone family, French Horn, Tuba, Trumpet, and piano. In their leisure time, Ash indulges in board games, video games, social outings with friends, and pursues composition projects alongside diverse performance opportunities.
Liam Mish
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
School: Forest Hills High School
Major: Music Education
Liam Mish, a music education major, began his musical journey by learning piano in elementary school and picking up the trombone in sixth grade. Throughout middle and high school, he actively participated in jazz band, and he served as section leader in marching band during his senior year. Additionally, he contributed his talents to his high school orchestra. His dedication and love for music earned him the Theo Semper Fidelis award for musical excellence during his senior year. Liam's musical interest extends beyond piano and trombone; he also plays the bass guitar.
Outside of music, Liam finds joy in outdoor activities such as snowboarding, lifting weights, playing hockey, and spending time with friends.
Colin Olson
Hometown: Battle Creek, Michigan
School: Harper Creek High School
Majors: Trombone Performance and French
Bass trombonist Colin Olson began playing trombone in 5th grade and made the switch to bass at the end of his senior year in high school. As a student at Battle Creek's Harper Creek High School, he was lead/principal trombone in all of the instrumental classes that were offered, including jazz band, marching band, and wind ensemble. Throughout high school, he attended the Brass Band of Battle Creek (BBBC) summer camps, and he was selected from his high school to perform with the BBBC at their 2021 Holiday Concert. During his senior year, he also performed with Justin and the SwingBeats at the Escanaba Public Library in Wisconsin. Colin was awarded the John Phillips Sousa Award for outstanding musicianship. He has also performed in local pit orchestras as well as held the bass trombone position of the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra for their 23-24 season. As a freshman in college at Western, he was hired as the low brass instructor for his high school's marching band.
In his free time, Colin enjoys reading, practicing trombone, playing the piano, and exercising when time permits. As an Eagle Scout, he also enjoys hiking and backpacking.
Christopher Smith
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Undergraduate School: University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Major: Trombone Performance
Entering master's student Christopher Smith was born in Charleston SC, but raised in Charlotte NC from the age of two. Throughout high school, he was in leadership in the marching band and was drum major my senior year. Chris attended Cannon Music Camp during his junior year of high school and was awarded the director's award for tenor bass choir and the "best male camper" award. He also maintained a 3.9 GPA (weighted) and was a Tri-M Music Honors Society member. As a student at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, Chris joined Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity and was a member of the Brass Guild. He also was trombone section leader in the marching band his junior year and drum major his senior year.
Academically, Chris was awarded Cum Laude honors. Musically, he was invited to the Santa Fe trombone summit, was a recipient of the Art Kimbrough travel grant for the International Trombone Festival (ITF), and performed at the ITF with the Inaugural Lift Every Voice trombone choir (invitation). He was also selected as 3rd chair for the inaugural Intercollegiate Honor Band of North Carolina, and he performed a world premiere at the NCMEA conference.
Returning Students 2024-25
Matias Alvarez
Hometown: Tecumseh, Michigan
School: Tecumseh High School
Major: Music Education
Junior Matias Alvarez is a 2021 graduate of Tecumseh High School in Tecumseh, Michigan. He attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in both 2019 and 2021, serving as principal trombone in the Symphony Band both times. Matias participated in Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Solo and Ensemble District VIII his junior year and received a first division rating as part of a trio. He also served as section leader in his high school band his senior year. His mentors include trombone teacher Paul Keiser, as well as his band director, Joe McInchak, Jr. It was his director who inspired him to pursue music, and Matias is hoping to eventually change lives and form connections like his director did with him. Outside of music, Matias was also involved in acting for eight years, including 11 musical shows with Tecumseh Youth Theatre. He was also a boy scout.
In his free time, he enjoys playing classic and modern Nintendo video games, practicing guitar, watching movies, and collecting/reviewing Mountain Dew. He enjoys hanging out with friends. He is also a Radio D.J. and On-Air Personality as well as the Music Director at 89.1, WIDR FM, located on-campus and broadcasting to the greater Kalamazoo area. He is a member of the national music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha. He hopes to advance music in America in anyway possible.
Franco Casucci
Hometown: Cleveland Heights, Ohio
School: Cleveland Heights High School
Major: Trombone Performance
Franco Casucci is a senior from Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He started playing trombone in the 4th grade, and in 8th grade began studying with Paul Hungerford. A few years later, he studied with David Mitchell. A graduate of Cleveland Heights High School, Franco was a section leader in his school for all four years.
Throughout high school, Franco participated in a variety of events and youth music groups. He was a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony, Contemporary Youth Orchestra, the All-Ohio State Fair Band, and Kaboom Collective. He was also a participant in the Tri-C JazzFest Academy, where he had the opportunity to perform in the Tri-C JazzFest.
As a sophomore at Western, Franco was accepted on a full scholarship to participate in the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute, a selective orchestral intensive for pre-professional musicians. At the institute, he will have the opportunity to work closely with members of the National Symphony Orchestra.
Franco enjoys reading, going on walks, spending time outdoors, listening to music, and being with friends in his spare time.
Sienna Fee
Hometown: Angola, Indiana
High School: Angola High School
Degree: Music Therapy
Sienna Fee graduated from Angola High School with an Academic Honors diploma in 2023. At Western, she is majoring in Music Therapy with a minor in psychology and American Sign Language. Sienna started on trombone in 6th grade and has loved it ever since. During high school she was a member of her school's concert, pep, jazz, and marching band all four years. Sienna was also section leader for her marching band. She has participated in Fort Wayne's Three River Honor Band and was principal player her final year. She participated in Indiana State School Music Association solo competition her last two years, receiving gold.
Sienna loves music and also plays the guitar, ukulele, piano, baritone, and sings. Along with her love for music, in high school she participated in cross country and track and loves to pole vault and stay active. She was also in Student Council, National Honor Society, Leader in Me, Prom Committee, and has held a 4.0 GPA throughout high school. Sienna is extroverted and loves meeting new people, spending time with family and friends, going on the lake, her dogs, and most of all music.
Gabe Funk
Hometown: Winter Garden, Florida
High School: West Orange High School
Degree: Trombone Performance
Gabe is a transfer student from the University of Central Florida. He graduated from West Orange High school in 2021 where he received the Louis Armstrong Award for excellence in jazz. While in high school he studied with Jeffrey Thomas, principal trombone of the Orlando Philharmonic. He was a member of the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra for three years and played in the top jazz band and orchestra.
Gabe spent his first two years in college at the University of Central Florida (UCF) where he studied with Dr. Luis Fred. During his freshman year he was named a finalist for UCF’s Performance Excellence competition. For the the 2022-2023 school year, he performed as principal trombone of the UCF Symphony Orchestra. He can be heard on two albums with the UCF Flying Horse Big Band that are soon to be released. This past year Gabe was selected to participate in the Credo National Music Festival 2024, held at the Symphony Center in Chicago.
Outside of practice Gabe enjoys reading and going to new places. He is also a big fan of movie and video game soundtracks.
Austin Furstenberg
Hometown: Hendersonville, North Carolina
School: North Henderson High School
Major: Music Education
Austin Furstenberg was born and raised in Harbor Springs, Michigan. His mom was a classically-trained singer and his siblings were involved in musicals, resulting in him constantly being exposed to music. He participated in 22 musicals and productions through Harbor Springs elementary, middle, and high school, as well as at Bay View in Petoskey, Michigan. He joined band in 5th grade as a trombonist and was able to excel. But he also marched baritone in high school marching band his freshman year.
In 2020, Austin moved to North Carolina and played for a year at Hendersonville High School under the direction of James Phillips. He eventually moved to North Henderson High School, and completed high school performing under band director Steve Sigmon. Outside of trombone, he is actively involved in his church choir.
Austin has been selected for the All-County Band twice and All-District Band four times. He qualified for the North Carolina All-State Band his senior year, received a superior rating at the North Carolina Solo and Ensemble (SEMPA) his junior year, was chosen as the low brass section leader for his high school marching band his senior year, and earned the Maestro Award at the 2023 Worldstrides Competition in Chicago.
For fun, Austin likes to make music, lift weights, collect shoes and records, enjoy nature, and play video games.
Ambry Jonker
Hometown: Allendale, Michigan
School: Home schooled
Major: Music Education
Ambry started playing trombone at age eight with the West Michigan Home School Fine Arts program. She studied under the instruction of Dr. James Sawyer from her sophomore year until her senior year. Ambry participated in marching band throughout high school as section leader and then drum major. As a member of the marching band, she performed in Washington D.C., St. Louis, Missouri, and Mackinac Island, Michigan. As a three-year participant in solo and ensemble festival, she received a one rating every year. Her senior year she was also invited to participate in the YAC Honors Orchestra. With her jazz band they performed in various jazz festivals at Central Michigan University, Western Michigan University, and the Thornapple Arts Council Jazz Festival. In the summer, she participated in Aquinas College’s Jazz Camp.
Academically, she was enrolled in classes at Grand Rapids Community College, placing on both the Dean’s List and President’s List. She has also served as a student worker at the 2023 and 2024 International Trombone Festivals.
In her free time, she enjoys painting, hiking, reading, and going to concerts.
Edriana Madiam
Hometown: Marcellus, Michigan
High School: Marcellus High School
Degree: Music Therapy
Edriana is a first-generation American and college student who was born in Redwood City, California, moving to Marcellus, Michigan in 2015. She attended Marcellus Middle and High School where she maintained a 4.0 GPA, graduating as co-valedictorian in the class of 2023. She was president of Marcellus’ National Honor Society and Student Council. Edriana’s participation in Science Olympiad, marked by high performances with her duo, earned their team a first-ever qualification in the state-level competition for Marcellus High School.
Edriana started trombone in 6th grade under band director Kathryn Essex, to whom she greatly attributes her success. She also studied under Southwestern Michigan College’s trombone professor, Bill Clark. Edriana secured nine Division I Ratings on trombone from MSBOA District Solo and Ensemble across a six-year span. She also received a Division I Rating for State Solo and Ensemble in 2021. Her senior year, she received the John Philip Sousa Award for outstanding dedication and superior musicianship. In high school she served as trombone section leader and senior drum major. She was featured soloist for “Thriller” by Michael Jackson in their “Spooktacular” show in 2022. At Western, she was selected as a student worker for the 2024 International Trombone Festival in Ft. Worth, Texas.
Edriana joined her high school’s musical theater program when it debuted in 2022, playing the fiery role of Dragon in “Shrek the Musical Jr.” and Dorothy Gale in “The Wizard of Oz.” Thanks to these roles, Edriana became comfortable with being onstage and heightened her musical and acting abilities.
Outside of music, some of Edriana’s hobbies include playing volleyball, photography, thrifting, gaming, and cooking.
Sophie Maxwell
Hometown: Otsego, Michigan
School: Otsego High School
Major: Trombone Performance and Music Education
Sophie graduated in the top 10 "with distinction" (higher than a 4.0 GPA) from her high school class at Otsego High School. She began her journey on trombone in the 6th grade at Otsego Middle School. Since learning trombone, she has also enjoyed playing euphonium, trumpet, piano, and singing.
During her high school career, Sophie was a member of the MSBOA All-State Band, Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra, River City Concert Band, the Western Michigan University All-Star Band, and the WMU Trombone Choir. At Otsego High School, she participated in her school's symphonic, jazz, pep, and marching bands. Vocally, Sophie was in her school's choir program as a member of the Bella Voce Choir. For part of her senior year, she helped teach the Otsego Middle School 7th grade choir, and she was the trombone section leader for her school's marching band. Sophie was also active in high school sports as a member of the highly-ranked Otsego High School tennis team. While at Western, she was accepted into the 2024 DC Trombone Workshop.
Aside from music, Sophie loves playing tennis, working out, sailing, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Owen McDowell
Hometown: Henderson, Colorado
School: Prairie View High School
Major: Trombone Performance
Sophomore Owen McDowell is from Henderson, Colorado. Outside of school, he participated in the Colorado Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Colorado Conservatory of the Jazz Arts Big Band. As a student at Prairie View High School, he performed in his school's concert band, symphonic band, musical pit, pep band, and jazz band. Owen was also a member of the Thunderhawk Pride Marching Band all four years of high school. His junior year he was the Drill Sargent and a featured soloist, while as a senior he was selected as the Drum Major, leading the band to their second state quarterfinals appearance.
As a trombonist, Owen earned a superior rating at Colorado’s Solo and Ensemble with his rendition of Morceau Symphonique. He was also awarded the Miles Davis Jazz Award and Outstanding Wind Player during his high school years.
In 2022, Owen was accepted to the Masterworks Orchestra at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, was the principal trombonist in the International Trombone Festival’s Youth Workshop, and participated in the Jazz in the Sangres program in Westcliffe, Colorado. While at Western, he was selected by audition into the DC Trombone Workshop, and the World Youth Wind Orchestra Project in Schladming, Austria.
Owen is an Eagle Scout and enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, and backpacking in his free time.
Dustin Moeckel
Hometown: Napoleon, Michigan
School: Napoleon High School
Major: Trombone Performance and Accounting
Dustin began playing trombone in 6th grade and, at the end of his junior year, switched to bass trombone. His senior year at Napoleon High School, Dustin was selected as the principal trombone of the 2023 MSBOA All-State Orchestra and was also chosen as the 5th chair tuba in the All-State Concert Band. At the Michigan State Solo & Ensemble, he advanced to the MSBOA Outstanding Soloist Competition and, at the competition, was the only trombonist to make the finals.
Outside of school, Dustin performed in local pit orchestras, performed with the Jackson College Community Concert Band, the Jackson College Jazzy Jets, and was a bass trombone sub for the Capital City Brass Band. In the summers, Dustin was an instructor for the Jackson College Summer Band Camp and participated in a gathering of 30+ trombones in a Jackson tradition known as Trombonefest.
In 2023, Dustin was accepted on a full scholarship to participate in the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute, a selective orchestral intensive for pre-professional musicians.
Dustin is an avid bowler with two perfect 300 games and an average of 231 in his senior year. When he isn't playing the trombone or "bowling for bills," Dustin enjoys going to the movies, hanging out with friends and listening to good jokes, as well as playing board games and card games (Texas Holdem, Blackjack, you name it, he'll play it).
Alayna O'Connell
Hometown: Sanford, MichiganSchool: Meridian High School
Double Major: Trombone Performance and Art Education
As a senior trombone performance major at Western, tenor/bass trombonist Alayna O'Connell already has a number of impressive achievements to her credit. Alayna was named a finalist in the prestigious National Trombone Solo Competition, sponsored by the US Army Band in Washington, D.C. She was also named the Honorable Mention selection in the International Trombone Association's Gilberto Gagliardi Solo Competition, a competition attracting nearly 50 performers from all over the world. She has had the pleasure of performing as a soloist on master classes by Jeremy Wilson (2020 American Trombone Workshop) and Jorgen van Rijen (2019 International Trombone Festival). Her sophomore year at Western she was recognized as one of three winners of the School of Music Concerto Competition, one of the youngest music students ever to win. Alayna was also recently featured soloist with the Meridian High School Band at the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids.
During high school, Alayna was actively involved in various musical activities. She was selected for the Michigan All-State program on three occasions--as a member of the band her sophomore and junior year (1st chair as a junior), and her senior year (1st chair) with the All-State Orchestra. Her high scores in district and state solo and ensemble competitions resulted in her selection on two occasions as one of approximately 80 finalists for the outstanding soloists of the year, a competition she won her senior year competing against several thousand solo and ensemble entries throughout the state. As a result, she was featured as one of four soloists at the 2019 Michigan Youth Arts Festival (MYAF) with the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony. For three years, Alayna was selected as a member of the MYAF Symphony Orchestra, as well as the MYAF Jazz Band, and was 1st chair her senior year with both ensembles. She has also been recognized for her success in jazz. At the Central Michigan University Jazz Festival she was chosen as the 1st Runner-Up for Best Soloist Class C two years, as well as Best Soloist Class C on one occasion. At the Alma Jazz Festival she was selected as the Best Trombone Soloist two years, as well as the Best Soloist once. Alayna was a recipient of the Clara Highhill Memorial Scholarship, presented by the Midland Symphony Orchestra.
Gabi Stout
Hometown: Otsego, Michigan
School: Otsego High School
Double Major: Music Education and Psychology
Junior trombonist Gabi Stout graduated from Otsego High School. She started playing trombone in 6th grade at Jimtown Intermediate School in Indiana and transferred to Otsego High School her freshman year. Since then, she has learned to play euphonium, french horn, and piano.
Throughout high school, Gabi was a member of the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra, Kalamazoo Youth Jazz Orchestra, WMU All-Star Band, and Otsego’s jazz and pep bands. As a junior, she was nominated for the 2021 Michigan Youth Arts Festival for her solo performance at State Solo & Ensemble. And as a senior, she was nominated for the 2022 Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Concerto Competition. At Western, Gabi was selected as the Bronco Marching Band Senior Assistant for her junior year.
In her free time, Gabi enjoys reading and learning new instruments.
Mitchell VanderMeulen
Hometown: Vicksburg, Michigan
School: Vicksburg High School
Major: Jazz Studies (trombone)
Mitchell VanderMeulen is a junior from Vicksburg, Michigan with an emphasis on jazz studies. As a high school freshman he studied from Steve Wolfinbarger, and then started focusing on jazz during his sophomore year at Vicksburg High School. His love for jazz resulted in him taking lessons through the Jazz and Creative Institute program in Kalamazoo.
Mitchell was a member of the Michigan State Band and Orchestra (MSBOA) all-state bands his last three years of high school, including the concert band his sophomore year and the jazz band his junior and senior years. During high school he played with many groups associated with the Jazz and Creative Institute, and he has taken part in every instrumental music class available to him through his high school.
In his spare time, Mitchell loves listening to music, and he spends as much time as possible with his friends. He enjoys working out when time allows.
Colin Woniewski
Hometown: Byron Center, Michigan
School: Byron Center High School
Major: Jazz Studies (trombone)
Colin Woniewski is a 2023 graduate from Byron Center High School. He has studied jazz trombone under Dillard Center for the Arts graduate Kirby Fellis for three years. Colin has been a member of the Byron Center Wind Ensemble and the Byron Center Marching Band for four years. At the MCBA State Finals in 2022, he received the $2,000 MCBA Scholarship in Flight 2, specifically for seniors choosing to pursue music after high school. He has also been a part of the Byron Center Jazz Orchestra for three years.
During his time in the Jazz Orchestra, he had the opportunity to participate in several state jazz festivals. Most recently in 2023, he received the overall outstanding soloist award at the Central Michigan University Jazz Festival, as well as the Western Michigan University Jazz Festival. Also with the Byron Center Jazz Orchestra, he had the privilege of being an Essentially Ellington finalist for three years straight. While competing at the festival in 2022, he was honored as one of three outstanding trombone soloists for the entire competition.
His participation in the festival also landed him a scholarship to attend Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Summer Jazz Academy in New York, where for two weeks he studied with many jazz greats such as Michael Dease, Marcus Printup, Helen Sung, and many others. Some of his musical influences on the trombone are “Tricky” Sam Nanton, Al Grey, Wycliffe Gordon, Vincent Gardner, and Chris Crenshaw.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his friends, listening to Tyler, the Creator, and collecting vinyl records.