2012 ITA Solo & Ensemble Competitions
Last update: March 4, 2012
A complete list of finalists/winners for the ITA Solo & Ensemble Competitions has been posted below - the finals will be held during the 2012 International Trombone Festival in Paris, France, July 4-7. Congratulations to all finalists!
Robert Marsteller Trombone Competition
52 entries
Finalists - (alphabetical order)
- Joshua Balleza - University of Texas, Nathaniel Brickens, teacher
- Csaba Bencze - University of Pécs - Hungary, Istvan Peter Farkas, teacher
- David Binder - Northwestern University, Michael Mulcahy, Pete Ellefson, Tim Higgins, teachers
First Alternate
Sebastian Kemner - Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Jörgen van Rijen, Pierre Volders, Remko de Jager, teachers
Second Alternate
Patrick Montgomery - Curtis Institute of Music, Nitzan Haroz, teacher
Honorable Mention
- Jan Donner - Musikhochschule - Hannover, Jonas Bylund, Jamie Williams, teachers
- Andrew Friedrichs - Eastman School of Music, Mark Kellogg, teacher
- Valentin Guérin - Det Jeyske Musikkonservatorium, Aarhus, Denmark, Niels Ole-Bo Johansen, teacher
- Steve Warren - Northwestern University, Michael Mulcahy, Pete Ellefson, teachers
Judges
- Bill Booth - Los Angeles freelance artist
- Ingemar Roos - principal trombonist, Göteburg Symphony Orchestra, Sweden
- Douglas Wright - principal trombonist, Minnesota Orchestra
- John Kitzman - principal trombonist, Dallas Symphony Orchestra
- Alex Iles - Los Angeles freelance artist
- Wagner Polistchuk - principal trombonist, São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, Brazil
Carl Fontana Jazz Trombone Competition
21 entries
Finalists - (alphabetical order)
- Raphael Klemm - Folkwang University of the Arts, Essen, Germany, Ansgar Striepens, teacher
- Ido Meshulam - Berklee College of Music, Jeff Galindo, teacher
- Robinson Khoury - CNSMD-Lyon, France, Michel Becquet, teacher
First Alternate
Au Callum - London, England, Mark Nightingale, teacher
Second Alternate
Kyle Johnson - Texas State University - San Marcos, Freddie Mendoza, teacher
Honorable Mention
- John Egizi - Berklee College of Music, Darren Garrett, teacher
- Matthew Hettwer - University of Oregon, Henry Henniger, teacher
- Seth Weaver - University of North Texas, Tony Baker, teacher
Judges
- Antonio García - professor, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Alex Iles - Los Angeles recording artist
- James McFalls - jazz professor, Towson University
ITA Alto Trombone Competition
14 entries
Finalists - (alphabetical order)
- Jason Cash - University of Michigan, David Jackson, teacher
- Charlotte van Passen - Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Jörgen van Rijen, Remko de Jager, Pierre Volders, teachers
- Matthew Russo - Yale University, Scott Hartman, teacher
First Alternate
Patrick Montgomery - Curtis Institute of Music, Nitzan Haroz, teacher
Second Alternate
Timothy Hilgert - Yale University, Scott Hartman, teacher
Honorable Mention
- Andrew Bobka - Eastman School of Music, John Marcellus, teacher
- Julie Gray - University of North Texas, Jan Kagarice, teacher
- Salvador Lopez - University of Arizona, Moises Paiewonsky, teacher
- Joseph Munoz - UCLA, Jim Miller, teacher
- John Shaw - John Shaw, Oklahoma State University, Paul Compton, teacher
Judges
- Abbie Conant - trombone professor, Musikhochschule-Trossingen, Germany
- Valtteri Malmivirta - principal trombonist, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
- Carsten Svanberg - retired trombone professor, Musikhochschule-Graz, Austria
Gilberto Gagliardi Trombone Competition
27 entries
Finalists - (alphabetical order)
- Stephen Farrell - Baylor University, Brent Phillips, teacher
- Daniel Murphy - Oberlin College, James DeSano, Larry Zalkind, teachers
- Bailey Schmidt - North Salem High School, Salem OR, Matt Polacek, Aaron Lavere, teachers
First Alternate
Thomas Whaley - DePaul University, Mark Fisher, teacher
Second Alternate
Ben Carrasquillo - University of Alabama, Jonathan Whitaker, teacher
Honorable Mention
- Ben Holmes - Baylor University, Brent Phillips, teacher
- Trenton Howard - Oklahoma State University, Paul Compton, teacher
- Ryan Krafta - Interlochen Arts Academy, Tom Riccobono, teacher
Judges
- Megumi Kanda - principal trombonist, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
- Weston Sprott - trombonist, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
- Jeremy Wilson - trombonist, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Donald Yaxley Bass Trombone Competition
35 entries
Finalists - (alphabetical order)
- Federico Luis Ramos Espejo - Roosevelt University, Jay Friedman, teacher
- Mateusz Sczendzina - Hochschule für Musik-Hannover, Jonas Bylund, teacher
- Robert Harold Tamas - Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music-Budapest, Tividar Sztan, teacher
First Alternate
Rudy Hoehn - Juilliard School of Music, James Markey, teacher
Second Alternate
Jeremy Morrow - Northwestern University, Michael Mulcahy, Pete Ellefson, Randay Hawes, teachers
Honorable Mention
- Nuno Henriques - Koninklijk Conservatorium - Den Haag, Brandt Attema, teacher
- Zachary James - University of Southern Mississippi, Ben McElwain, teacher
- Matt Jefferson - University of North Texas, Jan Kagarice, teacher
- Lucas Kaspar - University of Alabama, Jonathan Whitaker, teacher
- Gabe Roberson - Louisiana State University, Steve Menard, teacher
- Robinson Schultze - St. Olaf College, Larry Zimmerman, teacher
Judges
- Terry Cravens - trombone professor, University of Southern California
- Mark Gaal - bass trombonist, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
- David Ridge - bass trombonist, San Francisco Opera Orchestra
Emory Remington Trombone Choir Competition
23 entries
Winner
Hannover Trombone Class - Musikhochschule-Hannover, Germany, Jonas Bylund, conductor
Runner-up
Conservatorium van Amsterdam Trombone Choir - Jörgen van Rijen, Pierre Volders, Ben van Dijk, coaches
Honorable Mention
- Boston University Trombone Choir - Don Lucas, conductor
- Guildhall School of Music Trombone Choir - Eric Crees, Christpher Houlding, conductors
- Royal College of Music-London Trombone Choir - Byron Fulcher, conductor
- University of Texas Trombone Choir - Nathaniel Brickens, conductor
Judges
- Blair Bollinger - bass trombonist, Philadelphia Orchestra
- Heinz Fadle - Retired trombone professor, Musikhochschule-Detmold, Germany
- John Marcellus - trombone professor, Eastman School of Music
ITA Trombone Quartet Competition
17 entries
Finalists - (alphabetical order)
- Erasmus Trombone Quartet - Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Jörgen van Rijen, Remko de Jager, Pierre Volders, Ben van Dijk, coaches
- Quattrobones - Musikhochschule-Hannover, Germany, Jonas Bylund, coach
- SubitoBones - University of Texas - Austin, Charles Villarubia, Nathaniel Brickens, coaches
First Alternate
Slide Motion Trombone Quartet - Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Jörgen van Rijen, Remko de Jager, Pierre Volders, Ben van Dijk, coaches
Second Alternate
Bufam un ow Trombone Quartet - Rotterdam, The Netherlands, no coach listed
Honorable Mention
- 4 Play - Northwestern University, Jeremy Moeller, Michael Mulcahy, Timothy Higgins, coaches
- The Handsome Dans Quartet - Yale University, Scott Hartman, coach
- RAF Bones - Eastman School of Music, no coach listed
Judges
- John Rojak - bass trombonist, American Brass Quintet
- Becky Smith - trombonist, Bones Apart
- John Swallow - retired trombonist, New York Brass Quintet, Yale University, New England Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music
J.J. Johnson Jazz Trombone Competition
17 entries
Finalists - (alphabetical order)
- Eric Bowman - Western Michigan University, Steve Wolfinbarger, teacher
- Au Callum - London, England, Mark Nightingale, teacher
- Robinson Khoury - CNSMD Lyon, France, Michel Becquet, teacher
First Alternate
Ido Meshulam - Berklee College of Music, Jeff Galindo, teacher
Second Alternate
Alexander Truelove - McGill University, no teacher listed
Honorable Mention
- Bastien Ballaz - CNSM de Paris, Glenn Ferris, Jacques Mauger, teachers
- Nick Grinder - New York University, Elliot Mason, teacher
- Peter Nelson - Michigan State University, Michael Dease, teacher
- Javier Nero - Juilliard School of Music, Steve Turré, teacher
- Joshua Torrey - University of Illinois, Jim Pugh, teacher
Judges
- Michael Davis - New York jazz artist
- Wycliffe Gordon - New York jazz artist
- Eijiro Nakagawa - Tokyo jazz artist
Frank Smith Trombone Competition
22 entries
Finalists - (alphabetical order)
- Eric Bowman - Western Michigan University, Steve Wolfinbarger, teacher
- David Bruestle - Eastman School of Music, Mark Kellogg, teacher
- Micah Hood - University of New Mexico, Debra Taylor, teacher
First Alternate
Joseph Munoz - UCLA, Jim Miller, teacher
Second Alternate
Caroline Juster - Northwestern University, Michael Mulcahy, Pete Ellefson, Tim Higgins, Randy Hawes, teachers
Honorable Mention
- Blair Castle - University of Texas, Nathaniel Brickens, teacher
- Steve Warren - Northwestern University, Michael Mulcahy, Pete Ellefson, Tim Higgins, teachers
- Isaac Washam - University of North Texas, Vern Kagarice, teacher
Judges
- Håkan Björkman - principal trombonist, Swedish Radio Orchestra
- Per Brevig - retired trombonist, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
- Jonas Bylund - professor, Hochschule für Musik - Hannover, Germany
Kai Winding Jazz Trombone Ensemble Competition
6 entries
Winner
University of Illinois Jazz Trombone Ensemble, Jim Pugh, leader
Runner-up
University of Akron Jazz Trombone Ensemble, Jack Schantz, leader
Honorable Mention
- The Greenhorns (University of North Texas), Jason Hausback, leader
Judges
- John Fedchock - New York Jazz Artist
- Conrad Herwig - New York Jazz Artist
- Chuck Mandernach - leader, Them Bones (Dallas)
Edward Kleinhammer Orchestral Bass Trombone Competition
17 entries
Finalists - (alphabetical order)
- Nuno Henriques - Koninklijk Conservatorium-Den Haag, Brandt Attema, teacher
- Konstantin Koev - Koninklijk Conservatorium-Den Haag, Brandt Attema, teacher
- Timothy Thompson - Manhattan School of Music, Steve Norrell, teacher
First Alternate
Robert Harold Tamas - Ferenc Liszt Acadamy of Music-Budapest, Tividar Sztan, teacher
Second Alternate
Willie Seals - Oklahoma State University, Paul Compton, teacher
Honorable Mention
- Frederico Luis Ramos - Roosevelt University, Jay Friedman, teacher
Judges
- Ron Bishop - retired tubist, Cleveland Orchestra
- John Engelkes - bass trombonist, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
- Stephen Lange - second trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra
George Roberts Competition
9 entries
Finalists - (alphabetical order)
- James Buckle - Royal Academy of Music - London, Bob Hughes, teacher
- Evan Clifton - Western Michigan University, Steve Wolfinbarger, teacher
- Suraj Sulhan - Juilliard School of Music, James Markey, teacher
First Alternate
Freddy Ouellette - University of North Texas, Jan Kagarice, teacher
Second Alternate
Trenton Howard - Oklahoma State University, Paul Compton, teacher
Honorable Mention (in alphabetical order)
- A.J. Muusse - Grandview High School, Grandview, MI, Dan Mattson and Steve Wolfinbarger, teachers
Judges
- Ben van Dijk - bass trombonist, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra
- Bill Reichenbach - bass trombonist, Los Angeles freelance artist
- Donn Schaefer - trombone professor, University of Utah
Lewis Van Haney Philharmonic Prize Tenor Trombone Competition
30 entries
Finalists - (alphabetical order)
- Ben Baldwin - DePaul University, Mark Fisher and Charles Vernon, teachers
- José Milton Vieira Leite Filho - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Carlos Eduardo Mello, teacher
- Michael Miragliotta - Indiana University, M. Dee Stewart, teacher
First Alternate
Henry Stanley - University of Michigan, David Jackson
Second Alternate
Kurt Ferguson - Rice University, Allen Barnhill, teacher
Honorable Mention (in alphabetical order)
- David Bruestle - Eastman School of Music, Mark Kellogg, teacher
- Christian Paarup - Baylor University, Brent Phillips, teacher
- Nathan Musch - Western Michigan University, Steve Wolfinbarger, teacher
- Matt Walley - University of Georgia, Josh Bynum, teacher
- Joseph Walsh - New England Conservatory of Music, Toby Oft and Stephen Lange, teacher
Judges
- Bob Hughes - retired bass trombonist, London Symphony Orchestra
- Carl Lenthe - trombone professor, Indiana University
- Jamie Williams - solo trombonist, Berlin Opera Orchestra
Larry Wiehe Trombone Competition
20 entries
Finalists - (alphabetical order)
- Brittany Lasch - Yale University, Scott Hartman, teacher
- Evan Sankey - University of North Texas, Jan Kagarice, teacher
- Kirsten Schaffert - Western Michigan University, Steve Wolfinbarger, teacher
First Alternate
John Romero - Baylor University, Brent Phillips, teacher
Second Alternate
Erik Dancy - Western Michigan University, Steve Wolfinbarger, teacher
Honorable Mention (in alphabetical order)
- Rick Blake - Roosevelt University, Jay Friedman, teacher
- Matt Carr - University of Texas, Nathaniel Brickens, teacher
- Brandon Lewis - Texas Christian University, David Begnoche, teacher
Judges
- Ian Bousfield - solo trombonist, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
- James Erdman - retired trombone soloist, U.S. Marine Band
- Todd Sturniolo - trombonist, U.S. Army Field Band
News
Events
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Jun 01, 2012 - International Women's Brass Conference
Jun 06, 2012 - New Orleans Traditional Camp
Jun 10, 2012 - Becker Low Brass Boot Camp
Jun 11, 2012 - Curtis Institute Summer Music Program
Jun 13, 2012 - more events »
