Guests
The OSU Trombone Studio has been fortunate to host guest residency’s by some of the finest trombonists in the world. This has been made possible by generous assistance from the OSU Music Department, Stillwater Arts and Humanities Council, OSU Friends of Music and the OSU Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Recent guests include:
- Ron Barron, principal trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra
- Ben Patterson, jazz trombonist of the United States Airmen of Note
- Andy Martin, Los Angeles studio and jazz trombonist
- Alex Iles, Los Angeles studio and jazz trombonist
In addition, the OSU Allied Arts Organization annually brings some of the worlds great performers to campus. Allied Arts has presented concerts by the St. Louis Symphony, Tokyo String Quartet, Maynard Ferguson, The Boston Pops, St. Louis Brass, Edgar Meyer and Bella Fleck, just to name a few.
Please check back regularly for upcoming guest artists.
Upcoming Guests
Michael Davis, November 21, 2008
Trombonist-composer
Michael Davis does it all. Hailed as one of today’s premier instrumentalists,
he has established himself as a first-call sideman, both in the studio
and on the concert stage, for the entertainment world’s biggest
stars, including the Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra,Tony Bennett,Nelly,
Bob Dylan and Michael Jackson.
In the field of music education, he has served as a clinician around
the world, while also authoring a number of highly esteemed instructional
books and band arrangements for musicians of all ages and abilities.
For the past ten years Davis has been forging ahead as an entrepreneur, with Hip-Bone Music, a growing business that presently handles his publishing activities and work as a recording artist. Dedicated to increasing the popularity and stature of brass instruments and emphasizing “how hip, cool and fun it is to play music,” Hip-Bone Music is set on expanding its educational focus and becoming a viable avenue for other brass artists.
A native of San Jose, California, Davis received his musical training at the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. Upon graduation he hooked up with the Buddy Rich Band for a two-year stint that brought an immeasurable amount of bandstand experience and a wealth of professional friendships that continue to this day. He settled in Manhattan in the mid-1980s and before long was being regarded as one of the top trombonists around. As testimony to his versatility and wide regard, the list of jazz and pop luminaries he has worked with over the years reads like a who’s who: Sarah Vaughan, Sting, Harry Connick, Jr., David Sanborn, Beck, Branford Marsalis,Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett,Terence Blanchard, Bob Mintzer and scores of others.
A multiple recipient of awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, Davis maintains his own jazz groups and projects as well. Through Hip-Bone Music, Davis has documented his efforts on five solo CDs—Trumpets Eleven, a showcase for 11 virtuosic trumpet masters; New Brass, a melding of jazz and classical brass styles; Brass Nation, a gathering together of fifty-five of the world’s greatest brass players; Bonetown, a pairing of Davis with LA bass trombone maestro Bill Reichenbach; and Absolute Trombone, yet another musical conclave, this time with eighteen New York City-based trombonists.
Acknowledged by popular musicians, fellow educators and audiences around the world as an immensely talented musical artist who’s committed to setting the highest standards possible for both jazz and his instrument, it is no wonder that legendary Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts was moved to comment, “In this ‘bone-dry’ era, it is essential to have Michael Davis around.”
Recent Guests
Dave Gibson: September 28, 2008
David
Gibson has been recognized as a vital player in the present and future
of jazz trombone.
Since moving to New York City in 1999, David has shared the bandstand with many of the icons of jazz by way of his tenure with the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni Band. Playing alongside Slide Hampton, James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Jon Faddis, Randy Brecker, Roy Hargrove, et al, offered both a firm foundation and a greater connection to the spirit of jazz. Simultaneously, he was able to explore more contemporary elements of jazz influenced music as a member of the Hot Pants Funk Sextet. The Pants resided at the jazz club, Smoke, on Wednesdays for six years and afforded all its members the chance to develop a “band sound”. Perhaps one of Gibson’s greatest achievements was his participation in the reformation of Slide Hampton’s “World of Trombones”, in 2000. The recording, “Spirit of the Horn” also features Gibson’s composition, “Maya”.
The year 2003 marked an arrival of sorts, as Gibson was a finalist in the first Monk Competition featuring the trombone, and he celebrated the release of his debut recording, “Maya”, on Nagel-Heyer Records. “Maya” was followed by “The Path to Delphi” featuring Randy Brecker and Wayne Escoffery, and most recently by “G-Rays”. In addition to his recordings as a leader, he has participated as a sideman on the recordings of Nancy Wilson, Wycliffe Gordon, John Sneider and others.
David was reared musically in the small town of Yukon, OK where he was introduced to jazz in his early teens. His interest led him to the nearby University of Central Oklahoma, where he studied with Dr. Kent Kidwell and Lee Rucker. His time at UCO saw him selected as a Yamaha Young Performing Artist, Outstanding Soloist at the Wichita Jazz Festival and winner of the International Trombone Association’s “Frank Rosolino Scholarship”.
Upon completion of his studies at UCO, Gibson continued on to the Eastman School of Music, in Rochester, NY to study with Bill Dobbins, Fred Sturm and Dr. John Marcellus. It was there that he began to hone his composition skills and was fortunate to have opportunities to compose for guest artists Gary Foster, Tim Hagans and Nancy Wilson. In addition, the Eastman Jazz Combo, of which he was a member, was named Outstanding Collegiate Jazz Combo by Downbeat Magazine.
Gibson has been successful in blending his educational background with his professional experience to help students achieve a greater understanding of music and the ways in which it can enrich their lives and the lives of those around them. He is currently on faculty at Columbia University, The State University of New York at Geneseo, The New School, and the Fraoli School of Music.
David is thrilled to announce his new relationship with Rath Trombones. “This is the most amazing instrument that I have ever played. It provides a wonderful foundation of tone and response, while also offering a malleable sound that grants a large palette of possibilities.”
David currently resides in New York City.
Brian Allen: October 19, 2008
Trombonist
and composer Brian Allen "brings a burst of energy to contemporary
creative music" (AllAboutJazzNY) and has received critical praise
from The New York Times, Downbeat, and Pitchfork magazines. He
has performed with Anthony Braxton, Gerald Cleaver, Mark Dresser, Ellery
Eskelin, Satoko Fujii Orchestra NY, Frank Gratkowski, Drew Gress, Roswell
Rudd, and Nate Wooley. Brian's current projects include trio with Tony
Malaby and Tom Rainey, solo trombone performances, Brainkiller with pianist
Jacob Koller, duo with drummer Hernan Hecht who also plays in Brian's
Mexican Quartet, and playing with the Austin-based Creative Opportunity
Orchestra as a core member and composer.
He has toured and performed all across Canada, Mexico and the United States with notable performances in Carnegie Hall, Bang On A Can Festival, College of Santa Fe Electroacoustic Festival, The Stone, Knitting Factory, CBGB's, and Barbes. He has also performed and/or given masterclasses at over 30 universities and schools including the University of North Texas, Arizona State University, Rice University and the Oregon Festival of American Music. He studied trombone with Don Lucas and composition with Mary Jeanne van Appledorn at Texas Tech University, receiving a Masters in Composition with additional studies at Banff and the University of North Texas.
Brian received a 2007 Meet the Composer Global Connections Grant for Mexico and was featured on NPR's Sound Clips Series for his sonic investigations of the trombone. A composer whose works include wind and percussion ensembles, Mexican Banda, chamber groups and big band, Brian has had compositions premiered at the International Trombone Festival, Society for Composers, Eastern Trombone Workshop, Texas Music Educators Association, and many other jazz, electronic and new music festivals. Brian was awarded a 2003 composition residency from Houston's Diverse Works for Brainkiller, was a finalist in the 2005 Antti Rissannen Jazz Trombone Competition, is a contributing composer for the innovative VoxNovus program 60x60, and composes, records and produces educational recordings of the Texas IAJE All State Jazz Etudes since 2002.
He has released six CDs: Synapse, six years L8R, Trombone and Contrabass, Brainkiller, Sketchy and Solo Trombone.
Brian is an artist/clinician for the Edwards Instrument Company. He currently teaches privately and at Brazosport College in Lake Jackson, Texas. Also inspired by his initial interest in visual arts, Brian integrates electronics, vocals, melodica and other instruments into performance as a means to expand expressive and communicative potential.
David Vining
Trombonist
David Vining is a dynamic teacher and performer who has delivered hundreds
of recitals and masterclasses nationwide to critical acclaim. Currently
professor of Trombone and Euphonium at Northern Arizona University in
Flagstaff, Arizona, Mr. Vining has also served on the faculties of the
University of Kansas, the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory
of Music and Temple University.
Mr. Vining is a certified member of Andover Educators, a consortium of music educators dedicated to preserving and enhancing the careers of musicians through accurate anatomical information and somatic awareness as applied to music-making. Through a unique and powerful tool called Body Mapping, Professor Vining helps students in all disciplines avoid injury and become better musicians.
Vining’s premiere solo CD, Arrows of Time, has received the following critical acclaim:
“Vining’s performance can leave little doubt of his eminent status as one of the nation’s finest trombone soloists.” – International Trombone Association
“In a solo trombone world seemingly dominated by such titans as Joe Alessi and Christian Lindberg, it is refreshing to hear a new artist who combines compelling musical ideas with effortless facility." – The Online Trombone Journal
"What an exciting performance you gave Arrows of Time! I was delighted to receive your CD and enjoyed every moment of it. Your crisp phrasing and wonderful jazz feeling really caught the spirit of my piece beautifully." – Composer, Richard Peaslee
David’s solo appearances include: the Eastern Trombone Workshop with the U.S. Army Band (Washington, DC); Lima Area Concert Band (Lima, OH); the College Band Directors’ National Convention with the University of Kansas Symphonic Band (Austin, TX); Oregon East Symphony (Pendleton, OR); Lawrence Symphony (Lawrence, KS); and Lima Symphony Orchestra (Lima, OH.) Among the many college campuses he has visited to play recitals and deliver masterclasses are: USC, UCLA, San Francisco Conservatory, University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Missouri, Central Michigan University, LSU, Brigham Young, University of Utah, University of Southern Mississippi, University of Iowa, Bowling Green State University, University of Arkansas, University of Central Florida, Furman University, Western Carolina University, Capitol University, Stetson University, and University of South Carolina.
Mr. Vining is a popular clinician, presenting clinics and workshops throughout the country as clinician for Conn-Selmer Musical Instruments. He has been asked to make presentations at the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors’ National Conference, the International Trombone Festival, and the Missouri Music Teachers’ Association Convention, among others.
Mr. Vining has performed orchestrally with the Flagstaff Symphony, Cincinnati Opera Orchestra, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, Kansas City Camerata, Fort Wayne (IN) Philharmonic, Toledo (OH) Symphony, and Philadelphia Orchestra.
As trombonist with the Chestnut Brass Company from 1985-1990, Mr. Vining toured the United Stated and Europe performing recitals, master classes, and concerts with orchestras. Mr. Vining may be heard with the Chestnut Brass Company on the Crystal, Musical Heritage, and Newport Classics labels.
Mr. Vining holds degrees from Bowling Green State University and Florida State University. Author of the best-selling method book Daily Routines for Trombone, he is currently working on What Every Trombonist Needs to Know About the Body. A native of Cocoa, FL, Mr. Vining resides in Flagstaff, Arizona with his wife Leslie, daughter Sarah, and son Benjamin.
Slide Hampton
With
his ever-fresh and expansive musical outlook, Slide Hampton is the personification
of the composer-arranger-instrumentalist in jazz. His composing and arranging
prowess have long been sought by all manner of ensembles, from small
groups to orchestras, student ensembles to professional bands. His superb
trombone playing once elicited an ultimate seal of approval from the
father of the modern jazz trombone and Hampton mentor, J.J. Johnson.
From a backstage vantage point at a Kennedy Center performance, Johnson
was overheard referring to a solo Slide performed as part of a tribute
to Dizzy Gillespie as "…one of the most articulate ever given
on a trombone."
Growing up musically in Indianapolis, Slide was recruited for the family band by his father's order that he must fill the vacant trombone chair. So as fate would have it, and music lovers would later decree it, though initially indifferent towards the instrument, Slide Hampton became a trombone master. Luckily, besides the obvious familial influence, Slide Hampton came up at a time when Indianapolis was prosperous with budding jazz musicians who would go on to greatness; these included Johnson, Wes Montgomery, and such peers as Freddie Hubbard and David Baker.
By the time he reached 20, young Slide was prepared to pursue a career in music. Among his stellar affiliations were the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, Barry Harris and Max Roach. On the big band side, where he also began earning his stripes as arranger and composer, was work with Maynard Ferguson and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. One of Slide's earliest bands, the Slide Hampton Octet, was obviously designed to further hone his writing. Although the band featured such stellar soloists as Hubbard, Booker Little, and George Coleman, a band of that size obviously afforded the young Hampton a good canvas on which to paint his compositions and arrangements. From there he spent much of the '60s as musical director for several bands and artists.
More big band work followed, including a European tour with Woody Herman that led to work in radio and television, as well as performances with some of the many expatriate jazz musicians then residing on the continent, including Benny Bailey, Kenny Clark, Kenny Drew, Art Farmer, and Dexter Gordon. He returned stateside towards the end of the 1970s, soon forming a pioneering trombone choir with rhythm section band called Slide Hampton and His World of Trombones. Since that time he has served as composer and arranger in residence with various ensembles, and as sought after clinician at education institutions. His long-standing relationship with Dizzy Gillespie culminated in his serving as co-music director with fellow 2005 Jazz Master Paquito D'Rivera of Dizzy Gillespie's Diamond Jubilee.
Past Guests
Scott
Whitfield
Scott Whitfield (trombonist, composer, arranger, and vocalist) is rapidly gaining international recognition for his work with contemporary big bands, including the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra and the new edition of Johnny Griffin's Big Soul Band, as well as his own Scott Whitfield Jazz Orchestra, and the Manhattan Vocal Project. His arrangements have been performed and recorded by such artists as Diva, Maurice Hines, Bill Allred's Classic Jazz Band, and Pete Petersen's 23-strong Collection Jazz Orchestra. The discography of Scott Whitfield includes 6 albums as leader or musical director and more than 50 recordings with other artists.
A frequent clinician and guest artist for Bach Stradivarius trombones, Whitfield has appeared throughout the world, from Australia to Zurich, sharing his expertise on trombone technique, improvisation, composition, arranging, and jazz history. His "The J.J. Johnson Collection" (published by Hal Leonard) has inspired many trombonists, young and old. He is currently at work on "The Steve Turre Collection."
Upon settling in New York in 1993, Scott became a member of the Nat Adderley Sextet, which also included Jimmy Cobb, Walter Booker, Vincent Herring and Rob Bargad. The group's engagements at Sweet Basil led to fruitful associations with Nnenna Freelon, Frank Wess, and Steve Turre, among others.
From 1998 to 2002, Whitfield served on the jazz faculty at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, teaching trombone, composition and arranging, and improvisation, while also coordinating the school's combo program.
The Scott Whitfield Jazz Orchestra (first founded in 1986, while Scott was pursuing his Master's degree at North Texas State University) now has TWO incarnations: the SWJO East, based in New York; and the SWJO West, based in Whitfield's new home of Los Angeles. Both of these aggregations feature some of the top players in the business. Plans are in the works for a large project featuring the combined, bi-coastal orchestra.
For more than a year, the Scott Whitfield Jazz Orchestra East was in residence at New York's Birdland, the Jazz Corner of the World, culminating in an exciting live album, released in April 2004.
Although Scott now makes his home in Los Angeles, he continues to commute to New York for appearances. His writing has been compared to that of some of his biggest influences, including Thad Jones, Sammy Nestico, Bill Holman, Gerald Wilson, Rob McConnell, and Ernie Wilkins.
Ronald
Barron
Ronald Barron has been Principal Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1975. He joined the orchestra in 1970 after being a member of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and also served as Principal Trombonist of the Boston Pops for thirteen seasons. Mr. Barron is a graduate of the College-Conservatory of Music of the University of Cincinnati, where he studied with Ernest Glover. During his college years, he also toured with the American Wind Symphony.
In 1974, Ronald Barron shared the highest prize awarded at the Munich International Competition. This included a solo appearance, where he performed the Frank Martin Ballade for trombone and orchestra with the competition sponsor, the Bavarian State Radio Orchestra. Mr. Barron is a frequent soloist with the Boston Pops Orchestra and has appeared with a number of New England area orchestras and bands. As a recitalist he has performed in the U.S., Europe and Japan. In addition to numerous recordings with the Boston Symphony and the Boston Pops, Mr. Barron has recorded and performed with the Canadian Brass, Empire Brass, and Summit Brass, and has nine successful solo recordings.
Mr. Barron has been a faculty member for the International Trombone Workshop and the Keystone Brass Institute, and teaches at the New England Conservatory of Music, and the Tanglewood Music Center. He has been on the board of advisors for the International Trombone Association and has served on the juries for the international competitions of Toulon, France, and Munich, Germany. Mr. Barron received the 2005 ITA Award from the International Trombone Association. "In recognition of his distinguished career and in acknowledgement of his impact on the world of trombone performance."
During the Boston Symphony's Tanglewood season, Mr. Barron and his wife Ina operate their bed and breakfast, Echezeaux, in Richmond, MA.
Visited: Spring 2006
Performed: Trombone Ensemble, Recital
Taught: Masterclass
Alex
Iles
Alex started the playing the trombone in the public school system in Arcadia, California. He went on to attend UCLA, where he received his B.A. in 1983. While at UCLA, Alex received several performance awards and honors, including fellowships to the Aspen School of Music and the David Joel-Miller Award for Instrumental performance. He also played first trombone in the Disneyland Collegiate All-American Band.
Alex is now a free-lance trombonist and educator and teaches low brass at Cal Arts. You can often find him performing with the New Century Players, New Millennium Players and the Jazz Faculty Ensemble. Alex also teaches jazz ensembles and has served as a chamber ensemble coach.
Alex has extensive experience performing in a wide variety of musical settings. Among the artists with whom Alex has performed and/or recorded include: Michel Legrand, Joe Cocker, Henry Mancini, The Tonight Show, The Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Johnny Mathis, the Pacific Symphony, Natalie Cole, Harry Connick Jr. and Prince. He has also performed on The Emmy Awards, The People's Choice Awards, and on numerous television series and motion picture soundtracks, including many of the most recent Warner Bros and Disney animated programs.
Alex has toured as lead and jazz trombonist with the Woody Herman and Maynard Ferguson big bands. He has performed and recorded with many of the top big bands and jazz groups in the Southern California area including Bob Florence's Limited Edition Big Band, the Gerald Wilson Orchestra, the Bill Cunliffe Sextet, Bob Curnow's LA Big Band, Gordon Goodwin's Big "Phat" Band and The Tom Kubis Big Band. He has also premiered works for solo trombone by Michael Patterson and Carlos Rodriguez.
Besides his teaching duties at Cal Arts, Alex appears frequently as a guest soloist and clinician for schools and organizations throughout the United States, including UCLA, Cal State Northridge, Cal State Fullerton, US 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, the Disneyland Collegiate All Stars and the Disney Magic Music Days Program. He has also served as a faculty member at California State University Long Beach and California State University Northridge.
Alex is a UMI performing artist/clinician and plays King and Conn trombones.
Visited: Fall 2003
Performed: Trombone Ensemble, Jazz Bones, Recital
Taught: Masterclass
Andy
Martin
Andy Martin, a gifted trombonist, grew up in a musical family. His father plays trumpet and both of his brothers are professional musicians. He began playing with top artists at the age of eighteen. Andy is widely regarded as a top jazz soloist, as well as being in high demand as a studio musician in Los Angeles.
Andy is a featured soloist on many outstanding recordings, including those of jazz greats Sammy Nestico, Dave Grusin, Horace Silver, Vic Lewis, Quincy Jones, Bill Holman, Poncho Sanchez, Gordon Goodwin, Clare Fischer and John Clayton. Andy is the featured artist on a highly acclaimed CD recorded with The Netherlands Metropole Orchestra, conducted by Rob Pronk. There are currently more than 5 CDs available on which Andy is either the leader or co-leader.
Throughout his young career, Andy has been featured in many big bands, including: Louis Bellson, Les Brown, Tom Kubis, Phil Norman, Jack Sheldon and Frank Capp.
Andy has been recorded on dozens of motion picture soundtracks, including: Monsters Inc., Planet of the Apes, Spiderman, Big Fat Liar, Enemy of the State, Armageddon, Dracula 2000, Land Before Time (II, III, IV, V and VII), Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves, Mother, Vegas Vacation, Mr. Magoo, Miami Rhapsody, Patch Adams, and Romeo Must Die.
Andy’s television credits include: the Academy Awards, the Grammy Awards, the Emmy Awards, the Screen Actors Guild Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, and the Tonight Show.
Andy has made recordings with Keely Smith, Ana Gabriel, Vikki Carr, Simone, Diane Schuur, Tom Petty, Larry Carlton, Earth, Wind & Fire, Placido Domingo, Dianne Reeves, Arturo Sandoval, Paul Anka, Boz Scaggs, Barry Manilow, Lionel Richie, Neil Diamond, Brian Setzer, Steve Allen, and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.
Andy’s latest CD as a leader, The Project, is already getting incredible attention. It features a long list of top arrangers and musicians, including: Vic Lewis, Tom Kubis, Gordon Goodwin, Bill Holman, Rob Pronk, Gary Foster, Bobby Shew, Dan Higgins, Pete Christlieb and Bill Reichenbach.
Visited: Fall 2004
Performed: Trombone Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble I, Jazz
Bones
Taught: Masterclass, lessons
Ben
Patterson
Ben Patterson began life in the small “American Heartland” town
of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. He started playing his uncle’s trombone
at the age of ten, and enjoyed a nourishing musical upbringing in the
Sapulpa public school band program.
At the age of seventeen, Ben left Oklahoma for the University of North
Texas, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies.
He was a member of the famed One O’clock lab band, with whom
he played lead trombone and toured Japan and Hong Kong.
After graduation, and newly armed with a music degree, Ben stepped
out into the world of the free-lancing musician. He became a regular
member of Pete Peterson’s “Collection Jazz Orchestra,” and
the touring R&B group, “Lyndi and the Look.” Ben also
led his own group, “Master Plan,” and recorded his first
CD with the funky, four-horn group.
In late 1997, Ben won an audition with the Airmen of Note, and subsequently
moved to Washington, DC and began playing jazz trombone for the Air
Force.
Today, Ben is one of the most in-demand trombonists in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. He is lead trombonist for the Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra, and is a member both of DC’s top salsa and Latin jazz group, “Sin Miedo,” and the R&B group, “Time Machine.”
Ben’s first jazz CD as a leader, “The Prowl,” was released June 2004.
In his musical career, Ben has performed with numerous artists, including: Slide Hampton, Joe Lovano, John Hendricks, Dick Oatts, Jiggs Whigham, Pancho Sanchez, Pat Martino, Conrad Herwig, Mike Manieri, Frank Foster, Jimmy Heath, Jerry Bergonzi, Dave Liebman, Bill Watrous, Dave Steinmeyer, Harold Jones, Vanessa Rueben, Eddie Daniels, Peter Erskine, and Kenny Werner.
Visited: Spring 2006
Performed: Jazz Ensemble I, Jazz Ensemble II
Taught: OSU Jazz Festival
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