| This page was created by Jeff Kurka e-mail: jeff@swtromboneconference.com |
Big 12 Trombone Conference
January 18-20, 2008
January 18-20, 2008
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James T. Decker is Assistant Professor of Trombone at Texas Tech University, Principal Trombonist of the
Britt Festival Orchestra, trombonist with the High Plains Brass Consort, trombonist with the Lubbock
Symphony and Music Director of the Texas Tech Trombone Choir.
Prior to his appointment at Texas Tech, Mr. Decker was Principal Trombonist with the Honolulu Symphony,
Lecturer of Trombone at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Director of the Manoa Trombones and
Trombonist with the Honolulu Brass.
Originally from New Jersey, Mr. Decker studied at the Juilliard School, under the tutelage of Edward
Herman, Jr. He received both Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Performance from that institution. In
addition, James has earned a Masters Degree in Music Education from Herbert H. Lehman College, part of
the City University of New York.
James has studied with some of the finest wind and brass pedagogues, including Joseph Alessi, Steven
Norrell, Vincent Penzarella, Jerome Callet, Keith Underwood, Arnold Jacobs, Edward Kleinhammer, Frank
Crisafulli, John Swallow and Edward Erwin.
Mr. Decker has performed with many fine artists, including Seiji Ozawa, Leonard Bernstein, Yo-Yo Ma,
Luciano Pavarotti, Sammy Davis Jr., The Temptations, Diana Krall, Bill Watrous, Glen Campbell, Natalie
Cole, Ray Charles, Kenny Loggins, Al Jarreau, Bill Watrous, Frankie Valli, Burt Bacharach, Don Ho, Jim
Nabors, Andy Williams, Michael McDonald, Lou Rawls, and Christopher Cross.
His performing ensemble credits include the Cascade Festival Orchestra, Colorado Music Festival
Orchestra, Maui Symphony, Hawaii Opera Theater Orchestra, National Repertory Orchestra, Spoleto
Festival Orchestra, Stamford Symphony, Greenwich Choral Society Orchestra, National Orchestra of New
York, Eroica Brass, Cosmopolitan Brass, and the Grammercy Brass.
Mr. Decker is an active recitalist and clinician. He has performed and taught at many locations throughout
the United States, including Boston University, University of Wisconsin, Arizona State University, University
of New Mexico, University of Northern Iowa, Merkin Concert Hall and at Riverside Church. He is a
Conn-Selmer Artist and performs regularly on Bach Trombones.
e-mail: jdeck911@gmail.com 806-742-2270 EXT 247
Britt Festival Orchestra, trombonist with the High Plains Brass Consort, trombonist with the Lubbock
Symphony and Music Director of the Texas Tech Trombone Choir.
Prior to his appointment at Texas Tech, Mr. Decker was Principal Trombonist with the Honolulu Symphony,
Lecturer of Trombone at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Director of the Manoa Trombones and
Trombonist with the Honolulu Brass.
Originally from New Jersey, Mr. Decker studied at the Juilliard School, under the tutelage of Edward
Herman, Jr. He received both Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Performance from that institution. In
addition, James has earned a Masters Degree in Music Education from Herbert H. Lehman College, part of
the City University of New York.
James has studied with some of the finest wind and brass pedagogues, including Joseph Alessi, Steven
Norrell, Vincent Penzarella, Jerome Callet, Keith Underwood, Arnold Jacobs, Edward Kleinhammer, Frank
Crisafulli, John Swallow and Edward Erwin.
Mr. Decker has performed with many fine artists, including Seiji Ozawa, Leonard Bernstein, Yo-Yo Ma,
Luciano Pavarotti, Sammy Davis Jr., The Temptations, Diana Krall, Bill Watrous, Glen Campbell, Natalie
Cole, Ray Charles, Kenny Loggins, Al Jarreau, Bill Watrous, Frankie Valli, Burt Bacharach, Don Ho, Jim
Nabors, Andy Williams, Michael McDonald, Lou Rawls, and Christopher Cross.
His performing ensemble credits include the Cascade Festival Orchestra, Colorado Music Festival
Orchestra, Maui Symphony, Hawaii Opera Theater Orchestra, National Repertory Orchestra, Spoleto
Festival Orchestra, Stamford Symphony, Greenwich Choral Society Orchestra, National Orchestra of New
York, Eroica Brass, Cosmopolitan Brass, and the Grammercy Brass.
Mr. Decker is an active recitalist and clinician. He has performed and taught at many locations throughout
the United States, including Boston University, University of Wisconsin, Arizona State University, University
of New Mexico, University of Northern Iowa, Merkin Concert Hall and at Riverside Church. He is a
Conn-Selmer Artist and performs regularly on Bach Trombones.
e-mail: jdeck911@gmail.com 806-742-2270 EXT 247
James T. Decker Host
| Faculty |
Jon Bohls
In my opinion a great arranger. I have played many of his trombone quartet and trombone choir pieces. Kurka
Jon Bohls is a professional performer and private teacher in the Dallas Metroplex. Jon was a successful band director for
19 years having taught in New Braunfels, Lubbock, and Carrollton. He is currently in his 19th year of private teaching
and now has a studio of 70 - 80 trombone students. He is the Bass Trombone with the Lewisville Lake Symphony and
the Texas Chamber Orchestra. He has played with the San Antonio Symphony, Richardson Symphony, Garland/Los
Colinas Symphony and Pete Peterson’s Collection Big Band, Sambuca Big Band, and the Dallas Jazz Orchestra. He
holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Texas Lutheran College and a Master of Music Education Degree from Texas Tech
University. Jon has studied trombone with Bryce Taylor, Cal Schulz, Robert Deahl, Royce Lumpkin, and John Kitzman.
Jon Bohls is a professional performer and private teacher in the Dallas Metroplex. Jon was a successful band director for
19 years having taught in New Braunfels, Lubbock, and Carrollton. He is currently in his 19th year of private teaching
and now has a studio of 70 - 80 trombone students. He is the Bass Trombone with the Lewisville Lake Symphony and
the Texas Chamber Orchestra. He has played with the San Antonio Symphony, Richardson Symphony, Garland/Los
Colinas Symphony and Pete Peterson’s Collection Big Band, Sambuca Big Band, and the Dallas Jazz Orchestra. He
holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Texas Lutheran College and a Master of Music Education Degree from Texas Tech
University. Jon has studied trombone with Bryce Taylor, Cal Schulz, Robert Deahl, Royce Lumpkin, and John Kitzman.
Dr. Cottrell is an active performer, teacher and award winning composer. He currently teaches at Hardin Simmons
University and Abilene Christian University. He performs on euphonium, trombone, and tuba with the Legend Brass
Quintet; trombone and tuba with Razzmajazz Dixie Land Band; and trombone with Johnny D and the Doo-Wops.
He has also performed with the Irving Symphony, the Dallas Wind Symphony, the Dallas Tuba Quartet, Cap Rock
Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra, Martha and the Vandellas, Dash Riprock and the Dragons, the Hi Roller Band, and
numerous other ensembles on trombone, euphonium, and tuba. He has been featured as a soloist with several
ensembles over the years such as the Mansfield Wind Symphony, the Summit High School Jazz Band, and the
Hardin-Simmons Concert Band. Dr. Cottrell can be heard on recordings with the North Texas Wind Symphony for
the Klavier Wind Project and the “GIA Teaching Music Through Performance in Band”. He has also recorded with
the blues artist Keith Taylor, and for other groups such as Brave Combo, Six Flags Over Texas, and The ET’s, He is
greatly in demand as a teacher and clinician across Texas, and has placed many students in the Texas All-State Band
and Orchestra in addition to the Dallas Youth Orchestra and the Ft. Worth Youth Orchestra.
Jeff's first love is composing and arranging; several of his pieces have been premiered by North Texas academic and
professional groups. In 2006 he was honored with The International Tuba-Euphonium Association’s Harvey Phillips
Award for Composition Excellence for euphonium featured in jazz/rock/fusion.
He earned his Doctorate at the University of North Texas under the instruction of internationally acclaimed
Euphoniumist Dr. Brian Bowman, tubist Everett Gilmore and Don Little, and Trombonists Dr. Royce Lumpkin and
Tony Baker.
University and Abilene Christian University. He performs on euphonium, trombone, and tuba with the Legend Brass
Quintet; trombone and tuba with Razzmajazz Dixie Land Band; and trombone with Johnny D and the Doo-Wops.
He has also performed with the Irving Symphony, the Dallas Wind Symphony, the Dallas Tuba Quartet, Cap Rock
Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra, Martha and the Vandellas, Dash Riprock and the Dragons, the Hi Roller Band, and
numerous other ensembles on trombone, euphonium, and tuba. He has been featured as a soloist with several
ensembles over the years such as the Mansfield Wind Symphony, the Summit High School Jazz Band, and the
Hardin-Simmons Concert Band. Dr. Cottrell can be heard on recordings with the North Texas Wind Symphony for
the Klavier Wind Project and the “GIA Teaching Music Through Performance in Band”. He has also recorded with
the blues artist Keith Taylor, and for other groups such as Brave Combo, Six Flags Over Texas, and The ET’s, He is
greatly in demand as a teacher and clinician across Texas, and has placed many students in the Texas All-State Band
and Orchestra in addition to the Dallas Youth Orchestra and the Ft. Worth Youth Orchestra.
Jeff's first love is composing and arranging; several of his pieces have been premiered by North Texas academic and
professional groups. In 2006 he was honored with The International Tuba-Euphonium Association’s Harvey Phillips
Award for Composition Excellence for euphonium featured in jazz/rock/fusion.
He earned his Doctorate at the University of North Texas under the instruction of internationally acclaimed
Euphoniumist Dr. Brian Bowman, tubist Everett Gilmore and Don Little, and Trombonists Dr. Royce Lumpkin and
Tony Baker.
Jeff Cottrell
William Mann
Bill Mann received the Bachelor of Music Education from Baylor University in Waco, Texas and the Master of Music degree
in Trombone Performance from the University of Texas at Austin. He is currently finishing the Doctor of Musical Arts
degree in Trombone Performance at the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Mann also studied at the Eastman School of
Music in Rochester, New York. His primary teachers include David Gier, David Jackson, Donald Knaub, Allen Barnhill,
John Marcellus, and Nathaniel Brickens. Mr. Mann has also participated in master classes and lessons with such teachers as
Scott Hartmann, Dennis Wick, John Kitzman, James Thompson, Michael Powell, Ronald Barron, Matt Vaughn, Joe Burnam,
and Jay Evans.
Mr. Mann has taught on the faculties of Prairie View A&M University and the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor. In
addition to his university teaching, Mr. Mann has taught in the Texas Public Schools and as a private studio teacher for over
10 years. He is also sought after as a clinician in Texas and Alabama.
William Mann has performed professionally with the Tuscaloosa, Meridian, Victoria (TX), and Waco Symphonies. He has
also performed with the Austin Lyric Opera, as well as the Victoria Bach, Texas
Music, and Hot Springs Music Festivals, the Waco Jazz Orchestra and the 49 th Armored Division Band (Texas Army
National Guard). Mr. Mann can be heard on recordings by the Hot Springs Music Festival: Louis Moreau Gottschalk - A
Night in the Tropics and Edmond Dédé -Orchestral Works .
Mr. Mann teaches trombone, conducts the University of Missouri Trombone Choir, teaches trombone in the low brass
techniques course for music education students, and is a member of the University of Missouri Faculty Brass Quintet.
in Trombone Performance from the University of Texas at Austin. He is currently finishing the Doctor of Musical Arts
degree in Trombone Performance at the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Mann also studied at the Eastman School of
Music in Rochester, New York. His primary teachers include David Gier, David Jackson, Donald Knaub, Allen Barnhill,
John Marcellus, and Nathaniel Brickens. Mr. Mann has also participated in master classes and lessons with such teachers as
Scott Hartmann, Dennis Wick, John Kitzman, James Thompson, Michael Powell, Ronald Barron, Matt Vaughn, Joe Burnam,
and Jay Evans.
Mr. Mann has taught on the faculties of Prairie View A&M University and the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor. In
addition to his university teaching, Mr. Mann has taught in the Texas Public Schools and as a private studio teacher for over
10 years. He is also sought after as a clinician in Texas and Alabama.
William Mann has performed professionally with the Tuscaloosa, Meridian, Victoria (TX), and Waco Symphonies. He has
also performed with the Austin Lyric Opera, as well as the Victoria Bach, Texas
Music, and Hot Springs Music Festivals, the Waco Jazz Orchestra and the 49 th Armored Division Band (Texas Army
National Guard). Mr. Mann can be heard on recordings by the Hot Springs Music Festival: Louis Moreau Gottschalk - A
Night in the Tropics and Edmond Dédé -Orchestral Works .
Mr. Mann teaches trombone, conducts the University of Missouri Trombone Choir, teaches trombone in the low brass
techniques course for music education students, and is a member of the University of Missouri Faculty Brass Quintet.
Dr. Philip Brown is Assistant Professor of Trombone and Coordinator of the Brass Area at Georgia State University. He comes to
Atlanta from the Pacific Northwest, where he taught at the University of Washington
and served as Principal Trombone with the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra and Northwest Sinfonietta. He has frequently performed
with the Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet, and has appeared as a guest trombonist with the Honolulu
Symphony, Oregon Symphony and New World Symphony. Dr. Brown is active as a studio musician, having performed on over 70
soundtracks for major motion pictures, television and video games. He has also recorded with the Seattle Symphony for their release
of American Classics - William Schuman Symphonies No. 7 and 10 and with the New World Symphony for New World Jazz.
Dr. Brown studied with Raymond Premru at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree. He
was awarded a graduate fellowship to attend the University of Minnesota, where he
was a student of Thomas Ashworth and earned a Master of Music degree. Dr. Brown completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at
the University of Washington in June of 2007, studying with Don Immel. Among his additional teachers are Raymond Conklin,
Chris Olka, Douglas Wright, Ko-Ichiro Yamamoto and Ed Zadrozny.
Dr. Brown's abilities as a soloist have earned him numerous awards in competition. He was recently named as a winner of the 2006
Ladies Musical Club of Seattle Solo Competition and Tour. In 2000, he was awarded the Twin Cities Musicians Union Prize at the
Minnesota Orchestra Volunteer Association Solo Competition and First Prize at the Schubert Club Collegiate/Graduate Brass
Competition. He has twice been a finalist at the prestigious international Zellmer - Minnesota Orchestra Trombone Competition. In
1992, Dr. Brown was named the National Winner of the Music Teachers National Association Senior Brass Competition, and in
2005, he was thrilled to return to the same MTNA national competition as an adjudicator.
Atlanta from the Pacific Northwest, where he taught at the University of Washington
and served as Principal Trombone with the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra and Northwest Sinfonietta. He has frequently performed
with the Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet, and has appeared as a guest trombonist with the Honolulu
Symphony, Oregon Symphony and New World Symphony. Dr. Brown is active as a studio musician, having performed on over 70
soundtracks for major motion pictures, television and video games. He has also recorded with the Seattle Symphony for their release
of American Classics - William Schuman Symphonies No. 7 and 10 and with the New World Symphony for New World Jazz.
Dr. Brown studied with Raymond Premru at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree. He
was awarded a graduate fellowship to attend the University of Minnesota, where he
was a student of Thomas Ashworth and earned a Master of Music degree. Dr. Brown completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at
the University of Washington in June of 2007, studying with Don Immel. Among his additional teachers are Raymond Conklin,
Chris Olka, Douglas Wright, Ko-Ichiro Yamamoto and Ed Zadrozny.
Dr. Brown's abilities as a soloist have earned him numerous awards in competition. He was recently named as a winner of the 2006
Ladies Musical Club of Seattle Solo Competition and Tour. In 2000, he was awarded the Twin Cities Musicians Union Prize at the
Minnesota Orchestra Volunteer Association Solo Competition and First Prize at the Schubert Club Collegiate/Graduate Brass
Competition. He has twice been a finalist at the prestigious international Zellmer - Minnesota Orchestra Trombone Competition. In
1992, Dr. Brown was named the National Winner of the Music Teachers National Association Senior Brass Competition, and in
2005, he was thrilled to return to the same MTNA national competition as an adjudicator.
Dr. Philip Brown
Deb Scott
Background
DEB SCOTT teaches trombone and bass trombone at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. She is
also the director of SFA's jazz band, The Swingin’ Aces. She is active as a performer and clinician in both classical and
jazz styles and is sponsored by the Conn-Selmer, Inc. instrument company. She is a founding member of the Acme
Trombone Company which performs clinics and concerts nationally. She is currently a member of the Longview
Symphony under the direction of Maestro Tonu Kalum as well as The Orchestra of the Pines under Gene Moon. She
also performs with the Shreveport Symphony and Opera. Dr. Scott was featured as part of the International Trombone
Festival’s Cramer Trombone Choir, an international group of university trombone teachers under the director of Jay
Friedman, principal trombonist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She has been a member of the Twentieth Century
Unlimited Orchestra in Santa Fe, the New Mexico Music Festival Orchestra in Taos, the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra
(Texas), the Greeley Philharmonic (Colorado) and the Barnum and Bailey Greatest Show on Earth Circus Band. Dr.
Scott regularly reviews CDs for the International Trombone Association Journal and contributes pedagogical information
to the Texas School Music Project web site. She is active as a clinician for All-Region jazz ensembles and jazz festivals.
She has had numerous compositions accepted for the Texas All-State jazz trombone and bass trombone auditions. She
has been the conductor and clinician for the Texas All-State community college jazz ensemble at TMEA.
Before coming to SFA, Dr. Scott was the director of bands at Wharton College and performed frequently in the Houston
area as the lead trombonist for the Ronnie Renfrow Big Band and as a freelancer in the jazz, salsa, and classical styles.
She completed her doctorate in trombone performance at the University of North Texas, her masters degree from the
University of Northern Colorado, and her Bachelor of Music Performance and Bachelor of Music Education from Texas
Tech University. Her primary teachers were Vern Kagarice, Buddy Baker, and Robert Deahl.
Interests, Activities & Plans
Deb Scott is a member of the International Trombone Association, the International Association for Jazz Education, the
Texas Music Educators Association, Tau Beta Sigma, and Kappa Delta Sorority. She is currently working on publishing
her dissertation, Preparatory Exercises for the Performance of Luciano Berio’s Sequenza V.
Other Interesting Things
Deb Scott and her husband, G.W. Scott, Jr., have two children: a daughter, Rachel; and a son, Jordan. They also enjoy
traveling, kayaking, gardening, and snow skiing.
DEB SCOTT teaches trombone and bass trombone at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. She is
also the director of SFA's jazz band, The Swingin’ Aces. She is active as a performer and clinician in both classical and
jazz styles and is sponsored by the Conn-Selmer, Inc. instrument company. She is a founding member of the Acme
Trombone Company which performs clinics and concerts nationally. She is currently a member of the Longview
Symphony under the direction of Maestro Tonu Kalum as well as The Orchestra of the Pines under Gene Moon. She
also performs with the Shreveport Symphony and Opera. Dr. Scott was featured as part of the International Trombone
Festival’s Cramer Trombone Choir, an international group of university trombone teachers under the director of Jay
Friedman, principal trombonist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She has been a member of the Twentieth Century
Unlimited Orchestra in Santa Fe, the New Mexico Music Festival Orchestra in Taos, the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra
(Texas), the Greeley Philharmonic (Colorado) and the Barnum and Bailey Greatest Show on Earth Circus Band. Dr.
Scott regularly reviews CDs for the International Trombone Association Journal and contributes pedagogical information
to the Texas School Music Project web site. She is active as a clinician for All-Region jazz ensembles and jazz festivals.
She has had numerous compositions accepted for the Texas All-State jazz trombone and bass trombone auditions. She
has been the conductor and clinician for the Texas All-State community college jazz ensemble at TMEA.
Before coming to SFA, Dr. Scott was the director of bands at Wharton College and performed frequently in the Houston
area as the lead trombonist for the Ronnie Renfrow Big Band and as a freelancer in the jazz, salsa, and classical styles.
She completed her doctorate in trombone performance at the University of North Texas, her masters degree from the
University of Northern Colorado, and her Bachelor of Music Performance and Bachelor of Music Education from Texas
Tech University. Her primary teachers were Vern Kagarice, Buddy Baker, and Robert Deahl.
Interests, Activities & Plans
Deb Scott is a member of the International Trombone Association, the International Association for Jazz Education, the
Texas Music Educators Association, Tau Beta Sigma, and Kappa Delta Sorority. She is currently working on publishing
her dissertation, Preparatory Exercises for the Performance of Luciano Berio’s Sequenza V.
Other Interesting Things
Deb Scott and her husband, G.W. Scott, Jr., have two children: a daughter, Rachel; and a son, Jordan. They also enjoy
traveling, kayaking, gardening, and snow skiing.
Dr. Michael Davidson, Assistant Professor of Trombone at the University of Kansas, is also principal trombonist of the
Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, solo trombonist of the Kansas City's own Fountain City Brass Band, and trombonist with
the Kansas Brass Quintet and the LATEX Trombone Quartet. He earned degrees from the University of Florida, Centenary
College of Louisiana, and the University of Cincinnati. He taught at Benedictine College, Northwestern Oklahoma State
University, the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Centenary College of Louisiana, and in several public schools in
Northwest Louisiana. He's performed with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, the Kansas City Symphony, the Arkansas
Symphony Orchestra, the Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra, the Spoleto Festival Orchestra USA, and in local performances with
the Four Tops, Ray Charles, Johnny Mathis, Kathy Mattea, Emmylou Harris, Mel Tormé, and many others. Mike
writes literature and recording reviews for the International Trombone Association and National Association of Wind and
Percussion Instructors journals. He serves as conductor of the Benedictine College/Atchison Symphony Orchestra. Mike was
twice selected for inclusion in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, named the 1991 Caddo Association of Educators Music
Teacher of the Year, and elected to membership in the American School Band Directors Association in 1996 . His major
teachers include Richard W. Bowles, Roy Pickering, Donald Yaxley, Raymond Turner, Andrew Russell, Tony Chipurn, David
Vining, and Roger Oyster.
Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, solo trombonist of the Kansas City's own Fountain City Brass Band, and trombonist with
the Kansas Brass Quintet and the LATEX Trombone Quartet. He earned degrees from the University of Florida, Centenary
College of Louisiana, and the University of Cincinnati. He taught at Benedictine College, Northwestern Oklahoma State
University, the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Centenary College of Louisiana, and in several public schools in
Northwest Louisiana. He's performed with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, the Kansas City Symphony, the Arkansas
Symphony Orchestra, the Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra, the Spoleto Festival Orchestra USA, and in local performances with
the Four Tops, Ray Charles, Johnny Mathis, Kathy Mattea, Emmylou Harris, Mel Tormé, and many others. Mike
writes literature and recording reviews for the International Trombone Association and National Association of Wind and
Percussion Instructors journals. He serves as conductor of the Benedictine College/Atchison Symphony Orchestra. Mike was
twice selected for inclusion in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, named the 1991 Caddo Association of Educators Music
Teacher of the Year, and elected to membership in the American School Band Directors Association in 1996 . His major
teachers include Richard W. Bowles, Roy Pickering, Donald Yaxley, Raymond Turner, Andrew Russell, Tony Chipurn, David
Vining, and Roger Oyster.
Dr. Michael Davidson
Allan Kaplan
Allan Kaplan, Ph.D. is the Trombone Professor at New Mexico State University, where he also teaches courses in music
education, history of jazz and improvisation. Dr. Kaplan’s education included Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the
Manhattan School of Music, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from New York University.
Presently he is Principal Trombone of the Las Cruces and Juarez Symphonies, a member of the El Paso Brass, and
trombonist with the Border Jazz Quintet. From 1975-1989 he was Principal Trombone of the Oklahoma Symphony
Orchestra. Previous to that position he performed in Broadway musicals, as Solo Trombone of the Goldman Band, at Lincoln
Center, and was a member of the New York Brass Choir. In addition, Dr. Kaplan has a strong background as a public school
music educator. He has represented NMSU as a clinician and performing artist throughout Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada
and California.
Dr. Kaplan has recorded on the Angel label with Maestro Herrera de la Fuente, on the MENC video series The Worlds
Greatest Music, on various labels with the Goldman Band, with the Light Fantastic Players, and with Richie Havens.
In the commercial field he has performed with artists such as Lena Horne, Burt Bacharach, Sammy Davis, Jr., Henry
Mancini, Mel Torme, Cher, The Oak Ridge Boys, Peggy Lee and Sarah Vaughan.
In 2006 he was a member of the Orchestra at the Mendocino Music Festival in Northern California. In 2001 Kaplan
was invited to NYC with the Creole Trio, to an audition for the State Department’s Jazz Ambassador program. Look for Dr.
Kaplan’s chapter on the trombone section in the jazz band in the recently published Jazz Pedagogy: The Jazz Educator’s
Handbook and Resource Guide by Warner Brothers, edited by Dr. Willie Hill Jr. He is a member of A.S.C.A.P. and a clinician
for Edwards Instrument Co. This year will be his third as a member of the national audition committee for Grammy in the
Schools Program.
education, history of jazz and improvisation. Dr. Kaplan’s education included Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the
Manhattan School of Music, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from New York University.
Presently he is Principal Trombone of the Las Cruces and Juarez Symphonies, a member of the El Paso Brass, and
trombonist with the Border Jazz Quintet. From 1975-1989 he was Principal Trombone of the Oklahoma Symphony
Orchestra. Previous to that position he performed in Broadway musicals, as Solo Trombone of the Goldman Band, at Lincoln
Center, and was a member of the New York Brass Choir. In addition, Dr. Kaplan has a strong background as a public school
music educator. He has represented NMSU as a clinician and performing artist throughout Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada
and California.
Dr. Kaplan has recorded on the Angel label with Maestro Herrera de la Fuente, on the MENC video series The Worlds
Greatest Music, on various labels with the Goldman Band, with the Light Fantastic Players, and with Richie Havens.
In the commercial field he has performed with artists such as Lena Horne, Burt Bacharach, Sammy Davis, Jr., Henry
Mancini, Mel Torme, Cher, The Oak Ridge Boys, Peggy Lee and Sarah Vaughan.
In 2006 he was a member of the Orchestra at the Mendocino Music Festival in Northern California. In 2001 Kaplan
was invited to NYC with the Creole Trio, to an audition for the State Department’s Jazz Ambassador program. Look for Dr.
Kaplan’s chapter on the trombone section in the jazz band in the recently published Jazz Pedagogy: The Jazz Educator’s
Handbook and Resource Guide by Warner Brothers, edited by Dr. Willie Hill Jr. He is a member of A.S.C.A.P. and a clinician
for Edwards Instrument Co. This year will be his third as a member of the national audition committee for Grammy in the
Schools Program.
EL PASO BRASS
The Players::
Founder and Manager of the El Paso Brass Quintet, Sam Trimble is Professor of Trumpet and Director of Jazz
Ensembles at the University of Texas at El Paso. He has earned degrees from the University of South Florida, and North Texas
State University. Sam has played lead trumpet and conducted for such entertainers as Tony Bennett, James Taylor, Bob
Hope, Dizzy Gillespi, and many others. He has also appeared as a soloist and/or conductor with public school, all state
music ensembles, colleges, and professional bands and orchestras across the country, including the EPSO where he has been
Principal Trumpet for thirty five seasons.
Kenneth Capshaw, a native El Pasoan, started his college education at the University of Texas at El Paso, and concluded
his bachelors degree at the University of New Mexico. He has over twenty highly successful years in Music Education, and is
a respected businessman, owning and operating Capshaw, Olivas Music Store for over twenty years. He is also a thirty year
veteran with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, and is one of the most highly sought trumpeters in the region.
After graduating from the University of Texas at El Paso, Richard Lambrecht served as the Director of Bands at one of El
Paso’s most prestigious high schools for thirty years. During that time his groups have won "Sweepstakes" at numerous
festivals across the country. Rick has also been Principal Horn in the El Paso Symphony for 30 seasons. Along with his
duties as educator and in the EPSO, he has also served as President of the Texas Bandmasters Association.
Allan Kaplan’s education includes Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, and a Ph.
D. in Music Education from New York University. Alan’s performance career includes fifteen years as Principal Trombone
with the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra, performance in Broadway musicals, Solo Trombone of the Goldman Band, and
working with artists such as Lena Horne, Burt Bacharach, Sammy Davis, Jr., Henry Mancini, Mel Torme and many other
Greats.
James Shearer holds a D.M.A. in Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music. Presently he is Tuba
Artist in Residence and Music Historian at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Dr. Shearer has toured
the United States, Europe, and the Far East as a member of the Eastman Wind Ensemble and soloist with many other
ensembles both large and small. Having recorded with both the Eastman Wind Ensemble, and the Creole Dixieland Jazz Band,
Jim demonstrates equal familiarity in both settings. James Shearer is a Yamaha Performing Artist.
The Players::
Founder and Manager of the El Paso Brass Quintet, Sam Trimble is Professor of Trumpet and Director of Jazz
Ensembles at the University of Texas at El Paso. He has earned degrees from the University of South Florida, and North Texas
State University. Sam has played lead trumpet and conducted for such entertainers as Tony Bennett, James Taylor, Bob
Hope, Dizzy Gillespi, and many others. He has also appeared as a soloist and/or conductor with public school, all state
music ensembles, colleges, and professional bands and orchestras across the country, including the EPSO where he has been
Principal Trumpet for thirty five seasons.
Kenneth Capshaw, a native El Pasoan, started his college education at the University of Texas at El Paso, and concluded
his bachelors degree at the University of New Mexico. He has over twenty highly successful years in Music Education, and is
a respected businessman, owning and operating Capshaw, Olivas Music Store for over twenty years. He is also a thirty year
veteran with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, and is one of the most highly sought trumpeters in the region.
After graduating from the University of Texas at El Paso, Richard Lambrecht served as the Director of Bands at one of El
Paso’s most prestigious high schools for thirty years. During that time his groups have won "Sweepstakes" at numerous
festivals across the country. Rick has also been Principal Horn in the El Paso Symphony for 30 seasons. Along with his
duties as educator and in the EPSO, he has also served as President of the Texas Bandmasters Association.
Allan Kaplan’s education includes Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, and a Ph.
D. in Music Education from New York University. Alan’s performance career includes fifteen years as Principal Trombone
with the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra, performance in Broadway musicals, Solo Trombone of the Goldman Band, and
working with artists such as Lena Horne, Burt Bacharach, Sammy Davis, Jr., Henry Mancini, Mel Torme and many other
Greats.
James Shearer holds a D.M.A. in Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music. Presently he is Tuba
Artist in Residence and Music Historian at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Dr. Shearer has toured
the United States, Europe, and the Far East as a member of the Eastman Wind Ensemble and soloist with many other
ensembles both large and small. Having recorded with both the Eastman Wind Ensemble, and the Creole Dixieland Jazz Band,
Jim demonstrates equal familiarity in both settings. James Shearer is a Yamaha Performing Artist.
