Podcast Trombone

Nick and Sebastian hang out with Ava Ordman, professor of trombone at Michigan State University and general badass. In our conversation, we delve into the world of music shaped by Ava's experiences. She recounts her struggles with people-pleasing, and the unique challenges of being chosen to perform Donald Erb's trombone concerto. But it goes beyon…

Recognized worldwide as a leading low brass performer, teacher, scholar, and author, Douglas Yeo is Clinical Associate Professor of Trombone at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for the 2022–2024 academic years. From 1985-2012, he was bass trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and before coming to Boston, he was a member of the Balti…

Bill Reichenbach grew up in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Takoma Park, Maryland where he studied trombone with Gene Brusiloff and Robert Isele. After high school, Bill was accepted to the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. There, he studied with the great Emory Remington. While still a student, Bill began his recording career by playi…

Nick and Sebastian interview LA Studio Legends Alan Kaplan and Bill Reichenbach live at the 2023 International Trombone Festival in Salt Lake City on the campus University of Utah! They talk about their incredible careers recording thousands of movies, how working with Quincy Jones was one of Bill's first big breaks, playing the trombone glisses on…

Nick and Sebastian are joined by jazz legend and trombonist of the Saturday Night Live Band, Steve Turre. Steve talks about four decades with SNL, his discovery of conch shells and the profound relationship and influence JJ Johnson had in his life. Steve Turre's favorite recordings: "Lament" by J.J. Johnson "Misty" w/ Ray Charles from Spur of the M…

Trombonist/composer Michael Davis has enjoyed a diverse and acclaimed career over the past 40 years. Widely known as the trombonist for five world tours with the Rolling Stones, he toured and recorded extensively with Frank Sinatra, has released 14 CDs as a solo artist, composed over 150 works, authored a dozen books for brass players of all levels…

Kenneth Thompkins was appointed Principal Trombone of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra by Neeme Jarvi. Prior to this appointment he held positions in the Buffalo Philharmonic and The Florida Orchestra and New World Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, and Chicago S…

Angel Subero is a Venezuelan trombonist who attended the Conservatorio Itinerante in Caracas, Venezuela, where he studied with the legendary Michel Becquet. After coming to the United States in 2001, he attended Boston Conservatory, where he studied with Lawrence Isaacson, and New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Douglas Yeo. He…

Trombonist, composer, arranger James Burton III has lent his sound to multiple Grammy Award-winning albums and Tony Award-winning Broadway productions. Born in Queens, now a resident of Harlem, Burton III is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the Jackie McLean Institute at the Hartt School of Music. While earning his Master’s Degree and Artist Diploma f…

James Miller is the Associate Principal Trombone with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a position he has held since 1999. His duties include performing on alto, tenor, and bass trombone; tenor tuba; and bass trumpet. His previous orchestral experience includes the North Carolina Symphony, the Long Island Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and th…

Alex Iles is principal trombonist of the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. In addition, he has toured as lead and solo jazz trombonist with Maynard Ferguson and the Woody Herman Orchestra and performs in many of the top LA based big band…

Nick and Sebastian are joined by Mark Lawrence, former principal trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony of 34 years! We talk about experiencing 4 different music directors, those famous Blomstedt recordings and too many life lessons to mention! Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Tr…

Noah Gladstone wears many hats. On any given day he may be found performing on historical trombones and other bass instruments for period concert reconstructions to recording trombone for the latest Hollywood's motion picture or TV show, to managing orchestras for high profile clients and contracting musicians for global productions and recording s…

Nick and Sebastian are joined by soloist and bass trombonist of the Bern Symphony Orchestra, Justin Clark! They talked about his unique upbringing catching squid, his love of paragliding and the beautiful art he's creating in his solo projects. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trom…

Nick and Sebastian hang out with all-star professor Oscar Diaz of Texas A&M Kingsville and talk about how he's built such an incredible program centered around community, his legendary BBQ exploits and continuing to face one of his greatest challenges head on. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn mor…

Nick and Sebastian are joined by legendary NYC bass trombonist David Taylor for episode 2 of the new season! 78 years young, Dave shares incredible stories over a many decades career that's still thriving from inspirational voicemails from JJ Johnson, recording with Duke Ellington to how he wanted to be a rodeo clown growing up! Also introducing sp…

Opening our new season we are joined by English trombonist Carol Jarvis. A multi-award-winning trombonist, keyboard player, arranger, orchestrator, and voiceover artist, she blows us away by the scope of her career touring with the likes of Sting, Michael Bolton and Seal and triumphing over one of the most profound challenges we could ever imagine.…

Nick and Sebastian at last interview one of their heroes, Swedish soloist, conductor and composer, Christian Lindberg, live at the 51st International Trombone Festival at the University of Central Arkansas. They talk about some shocking challenges from his youth, paving a untrodden path when many told him he was crazy and how he looks back at his c…

Nick and Sebastian are back to talk to Richard Stout, second trombonist of the Cleveland Orchestra about what it's like playing in one of the most unique ensembles on the planet, coming back to the trombone after a massive injury and how being a Cleveland Browns fan is even harder. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tro…

Welcome to the first installment of Trombone Minute where Sebastian talks about trombone news, events and pop culture in a bite-sized morsel of audio goodness. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastia…

Sebastian talks to the legendary John Kitzman, former principal trombonist of the Dallas Symphony of over 40 years and professor of trombone at Southern Methodist University for just short of half a century! On the brink of retiring from teaching, John looks back at his career in this incredibly honest and moving talk. So much wisdom, joy for music…

Nick and Sebastian talk to legendary soloist and conductor, Alain Trudel, about coming back to the trombone after an unforeseen life challenge, what it's like to lead an orchestra with a trombonist's mentality and his infectious joy and gratitude for life. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Hosted by Seb…

Welcome to "Meet Your Maker" a special podcast where Sebastian Vera sits down with craftsman to learn about the magic behind their discoveries and nerd out about equipment. For this premiere episode, Sebastian sits down with the quietly brilliant Christan Griego of Edwards Instruments, Griego Mouthpieces and Sota Turntables where they talk about th…

Listen to a free preview of "Now Hearing Candidate 1" an exclusive video podcast breaking down the processes and strategies of audition winners from announcement through audition day! Join host Sebastian Vera as he talks to guest Doug Rosenthal, assistant principal trombonist of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra as he shares his story of bec…

Nick and Sebastian talk to James Nova, trombonist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra about turning tragedy into focus and direction, how taking a chance on a new project changed his life and that time John Williams wrote him a letter. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Ret…

Nick and Sebastian talk to Swedish jazz musician and multi-instrumentalist, Gunhild Carling, about her completely natural music education, how she can play so many different instruments so effortlessly and where musical magic comes from. She's also the first guest that plays for us live! Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.c…

Listen to a free preview of "Now Hearing Candidate 1" an exclusive video podcast breaking down the processes and strategies of audition winners from announcement through audition day! Join host Sebastian Vera as he talks to John Romero, principal trombonist of the Metropolitan Opera and formerly Fort Worth Symphony as he shares his audition story a…

Nick and Sebastian talk to John Romero, principal trombonist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra about his tenure process in the times of a pandemic, crazy trips to Russia and how he regained motivation after burnout. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming f…

Nick and Sebastian talk to legendary trombone instructor and former International Trombone Festival Director, Jon Bohls, about his life lessons from over 50(!) years of teaching, the ups and downs running the ITF and the more important lessons we should be teaching young people. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/trombo…

For their first interview live in front of an audience at the International Trombone Festival, Nick and Sebastian talk to Joseph Alessi, principal trombonist of the New York Philharmonic about his life and career, how he views pressure in his position and the poster Sebastian had of him on his wall growing up. Also introducing special features with…

Nick finally interviews his co-host, Sebastian Vera, principal trombonist of the Pittsburgh Opera and River City Brass Band about how they became friends, an almost catastrophic hot tub experience and the importance of failing. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and …

Inspired by the great valve trombonist Bob Brookmeyer, Barry Mosley is keeping the legacy of playing jazz valve trombone. The first important jazz valve trombonist were Juan Tizol and Brad Gowans in the 1930s and 1940s, setting the stage for others. The valve trombone has a unique place in jazz history. Barrys first great jazz credit as a young art…

Nick and Sebastian talk to Ko-ichiro Yamamoto, principal trombonist of the Seattle Symphony about his path from Japan to the United States, the importance of talking to people when times are hard and a very important proposal from Sebastian. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombon…

Nick and Sebastian talk to Colin Williams, associate principal trombonist of the New York Philharmonic, about facing an almost career ending injury, finding joy with career and family and what it's like playing in a section with both of his teachers. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about th…

Nick and Sebastian talk to Italian trombone soloist Peter Steiner about transitioning from an orchestral career to a solo career, finding balance in social media and his secret chipotle audition hack. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: lin…

Steve Shires is best known in the brass world as the founder of the S. E. Shires Company, crafter of custom trombones and trumpets. His passion for designing and building brass instruments grew from his love of playing the trombone. Steve received his undergraduate degree in trombone performance from the University of Iowa, where he studied with Jo…

Nick and Sebastian talk to Brad Edwards, professor of trombone at Arizona State University about choosing to be grateful, how composing his lip slur book got him in the best shape of his life, and allowing students to teach themselves. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retr…

Nick and Sebastian talk to Randy Hawes, former bass trombonist of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra about looking back on his career in Detroit, his unexpected favorite composer and his smooth dating wisdom for trombonists. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcomin…

Nick and Sebastian talk to Vanessa Fralick, associate principal trombonist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra about finding unexpected inspiration during the pandemic, hyper-specific goalsetting, and if Canadians are actually really that nice. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombo…

Timothy Higgins was appointed to the position of Principal Trombone of the San Francisco Symphony by Michael Tilson Thomas in 2008. He was previously the acting Second Trombonist with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, DC. Mr. Higgins, a Houston native, has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Northwestern University and has pe…

Nick and Sebastian talk to Marques Young, composer, bandleader and principal trombonist of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra about how he went from Arkansas to the other side of the world, following his passions for both classical and jazz, and experiencing haunted practice sessions. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.co…

Nick and Sebastian talk to Lars Karlin, principal trombonist of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra about running in your own lane, connecting to who you are as a musician after tragedy, and if Scandinavians can hold their alcohol better than Germans. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more abou…

Nick and Sebastian talk to Brian Hecht, bass trombonist of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra about being honest with yourself, surviving boot camp and what friends not to crash with before an audition. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linkt…

For this special holiday episode Nick and Sebastian talk to the one and only Angel Subero, professor of trombone at the Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music about being summoned by John Williams, his favorite warmup on a hangover and why he loves Christmas so much. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/trombone…

Sebastian interviews his co-host Nick Schwartz, principal bass trombonist of the New York City Ballet for the first time about recording video game soundtracks at Skywalker Ranch, crossing the border to Juarez on a daily basis as a kid, and finding out the worst news of his life minutes before having to play the Ring at the Met. Also introducing sp…

Nick and Sebastian talk to Demian Austin, principal trombonist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra about operas he loves and hates, taking the unrecommended path to winning a major audition and his ongoing fight with male pattern baldness. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone …

For this bonus episode Nick and Sebastian join the "Isn't That Something" podcast hosted by Ralph Crewe for a deep dive on the trombone and mouthpiece duets. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian …

Nick and Sebastian talk to David Binder, second trombonist of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra about audition preparation, banjo-pickin', and why Northwestern trombonists are so handsome. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/trombone…

Nick and Sebastian talk to Amanda Stewart, Associate Principal trombonist of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra about lemon pledge, popping out pedals D's and mental health as an artist. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboner…

Christian Lindberg was voted “THE GREATEST BRASS PLAYER IN HISTORY" by the world's biggest classical radio station CLASSICFM. Christian has premiered over 300 works for the trombone (over 90 major concertos), recorded over 70 solo CDs, has an international solo competition created in his name, and been voted brass player of the 20th century side by…