Paul Mundo

Bachelor of Music Trombone Performance
Western Michigan University (1994)

Master of Music Trombone Performance
Western Michigan University (1997)

Why did you choose to attend WMU?

Because of the strong faculty and many performance opportunities that larger schools do not offer.

General information

Paul Mundo was born in Colorado Springs, CO. He later moved to Mattawan, Michigan where he graduated from high school. Upon graduating, Paul attended Western Michigan University on a classical and jazz trombone scholarship. After receiving his BM degree in trombone performance from WMU, Paul moved to New York City where he attended the Manhattan School of Music. While at MSM, he studied with Saturday Night Live trombonist Steve Turre and world renowned trombonist Conrad Herwig. Paul returned to WMU to complete his MM in trombone performance with a minor in jazz studies, serving as the trombone studio graduate assistant and teaching private trombone, trombone methods, and assisting with conducting the University Trombone Choir. Paul then was admitted to the Doctorate in Musical Arts program at the University of North Texas where he served as a trombone teaching fellow, teaching private trombone and conducting two trombone choirs. He also freelanced in the Dallas-Metro area. After a year in Texas, he returned to Michigan to complete his Teaching Certification at Michigan State University. 

As a trombonist Paul place second in several prestigious competitions and/or auditions. They include the Frank Rosolino International Jazz Trombone Competition, Airmen of Note Jazz Trombone Soloist Chair, and US Army Blues Jazz Trombone Soloist Chair. He has also been the recipient of the Irving S. Gilmore Emerging Artist Grant. Paul has performed and/or recorded with a number of groups including: Motown group The Temptations, modern rock group The Verve Pipe, City of Angels with Tom Wopat, Hello Dolly with Carol Channing, the musical State Fair with John Davidson and Kathryn Crosby, Taboo Big Band of Dallas, Texas, New York University Big Band, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, North Texas Wind Symphony under Eugene Corporon, and the One and Two 'O Clock Lab Bands.