Big 12 Trombone Conference
January 16-18, 2009
January 16-18, 2009
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James T. Decker Host
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
Brian Allen
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
Jacob Koller and Hernan Hecht, duos with Koller and 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, University of North Texas, and with Roswell Rudd.
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. In the fall of 2008, Brian will be giving solo recitals and
masterclasses at several colleges
and universities on a national tour.
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.
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
Jacob Koller and Hernan Hecht, duos with Koller and 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, University of North Texas, and with Roswell Rudd.
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. In the fall of 2008, Brian will be giving solo recitals and
masterclasses at several colleges
and universities on a national tour.
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.
Steve Wilson
Steve Wilson received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and holds both a
Masters degree and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Trombone Performance from the University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Dr. Wilson has been active in the El Paso community as a performer. He is the bass trombonist with the
UAJE Orchestra Juarez and has performed with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and the El Paso Wind
Symphony. Dr. Wilson has given many low brass clinics, solo and chamber recitals and master classes
at UTEP and for students in the El Paso, Ysleta, and Socorro school districts.
Dr. Wilson has been active nationally and internationally both as a soloist and as a member of the
Continental Trombone Quartet, having given recitals and master classes at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago,
the International Association of Jazz Educators National Conference in Los Angeles, the International
Trombone Festivals in Brazil and China, the Eastern Trombone Workshop in Washington, D.C., the
International College Music Society Conference in Spain, the International Vernacular Congress in Mexico,
the Texas Band Masters Association Convention in San Antonio, and performances at many universities
across the United States.
The CTQ can be heard on Albany Reords on Cindy Cox's CD-Nature Is and on their upcoming CD to be
released in Fall 2008.
Steve Wilson received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and holds both a
Masters degree and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Trombone Performance from the University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Dr. Wilson has been active in the El Paso community as a performer. He is the bass trombonist with the
UAJE Orchestra Juarez and has performed with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and the El Paso Wind
Symphony. Dr. Wilson has given many low brass clinics, solo and chamber recitals and master classes
at UTEP and for students in the El Paso, Ysleta, and Socorro school districts.
Dr. Wilson has been active nationally and internationally both as a soloist and as a member of the
Continental Trombone Quartet, having given recitals and master classes at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago,
the International Association of Jazz Educators National Conference in Los Angeles, the International
Trombone Festivals in Brazil and China, the Eastern Trombone Workshop in Washington, D.C., the
International College Music Society Conference in Spain, the International Vernacular Congress in Mexico,
the Texas Band Masters Association Convention in San Antonio, and performances at many universities
across the United States.
The CTQ can be heard on Albany Reords on Cindy Cox's CD-Nature Is and on their upcoming CD to be
released in Fall 2008.
Donny Pinson
Trombonist Donny Pinson is currently based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area where he has performed
extensively in classical and jazz styles. He performs regularly with both the Richardson Symphony
Orchestra and the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, and his orchestral experience also includes
appearances with many other ensembles such as the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Fort Worth
Symphony Orchestra, and Dallas Wind Symphony. In addition to the alto and tenor trombone, he is
also experienced performing early music on the sackbut, most notably as part of the Festivalensemble
Stuttgart (Germany) in August-September 2006.
Active as a chamber musician and soloist, Dr. Pinson has performed at several universities, regional
conferences, churches, and other public venues. He has taken particular interest in performing the
literature for solo trombone and organ, completing his doctoral dissertation on this extensive but
largely unknown repertoire, and he performs regularly with organist Damin Spritzer.
In addition to his performance activities, Dr. Pinson maintains a large private teaching studio and is in
demand as a clinician and adjudicator. He teaches all levels, from middle school beginners through
college music majors, having taught low brass students at the University of North Texas, the University
of Texas at Arlington, Brookhaven College, and the Grapevine-Colleyville and Lewisville school
districts. His students regularly earn places in the All-Region and All-State bands, and he has several
former students now teaching music as public school band directors.
Dr. Pinson has earned degrees from the University of North Texas (DMA), Southern Methodist
University (MM), and Texas Christian University (BME), studying with Vern Kagarice, John Kitzman,
Dennis Bubert, and Barney McCollum.
Trombonist Donny Pinson is currently based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area where he has performed
extensively in classical and jazz styles. He performs regularly with both the Richardson Symphony
Orchestra and the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, and his orchestral experience also includes
appearances with many other ensembles such as the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Fort Worth
Symphony Orchestra, and Dallas Wind Symphony. In addition to the alto and tenor trombone, he is
also experienced performing early music on the sackbut, most notably as part of the Festivalensemble
Stuttgart (Germany) in August-September 2006.
Active as a chamber musician and soloist, Dr. Pinson has performed at several universities, regional
conferences, churches, and other public venues. He has taken particular interest in performing the
literature for solo trombone and organ, completing his doctoral dissertation on this extensive but
largely unknown repertoire, and he performs regularly with organist Damin Spritzer.
In addition to his performance activities, Dr. Pinson maintains a large private teaching studio and is in
demand as a clinician and adjudicator. He teaches all levels, from middle school beginners through
college music majors, having taught low brass students at the University of North Texas, the University
of Texas at Arlington, Brookhaven College, and the Grapevine-Colleyville and Lewisville school
districts. His students regularly earn places in the All-Region and All-State bands, and he has several
former students now teaching music as public school band directors.
Dr. Pinson has earned degrees from the University of North Texas (DMA), Southern Methodist
University (MM), and Texas Christian University (BME), studying with Vern Kagarice, John Kitzman,
Dennis Bubert, and Barney McCollum.
Dr. Thomas W Zugger
Dr. Thomas W Zugger is currently the Associate Professor of Trombone and Euphonium at the Capital
University Conservatory of Music. Prior to his appointment at Capital University, Dr. Zugger taught at
Adrian College in Adrian MI and was also an assistant band director in the Walled Lake Michigan public
schools.
As a trombonist and euphonium player, Dr. Zugger has performed extensively. He is currently
principal trombone in the Newark/Granville, OH symphony as well as appearing with the Columbus
Symphony, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, the Richmond, Indiana Symphony, Jimmy Dorsey
Orchestra, and at the 18th Macau China International Music Festival. He has performed in orchestras
for national tours of numerous Broadway musicals and has backed many popular performers. Dr.
Zugger also keeps a busy schedule as a clinician. Recent appearances include the Midwest Band and
Orchestra Clinic, state conferences in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, North Dakota,
Tennessee, Maine, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, West Virginia, College
Music Society Great Lakes Chapter Convention, Bowling Green University Contemporary Trombone
Festival, and many colleges and universities. Dr. Zugger is an artist/clinician for Edwards Trombones.
As a published composer and arranger Zugger’s works are regularly performed by artists
nationally and internationally, and have been featured at both the International Trombone Association
and International Clarinet Association annual conventions. He is a member of the ASCAP and is listed
in Marquis Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Education, and Who’s Who International.
He is on the International Trombone Association’s ITA Press Board and also frequently contributes
literature reviews to the ITA journal through the ITA literature review committee. His compositions are
published through Brixton Publications, TAP Music, Timber Ridge Publications, Warwick Music, and the
International Trombone Association Press. Dr. Zugger holds degrees from the University of Michigan,
Michigan State University, and a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in Trombone Performance from The
Ohio State University. Dr. Zugger is also an avid marathoner having completed 30 marathons and 3
ultra marathons to date. In his spare time Dr. Zugger is also an avid hiker, photographer, and traveler
with his wonderful and patient wife, clarinet Professor Dr. Gail L Zugger.
Dr. Thomas W Zugger is currently the Associate Professor of Trombone and Euphonium at the Capital
University Conservatory of Music. Prior to his appointment at Capital University, Dr. Zugger taught at
Adrian College in Adrian MI and was also an assistant band director in the Walled Lake Michigan public
schools.
As a trombonist and euphonium player, Dr. Zugger has performed extensively. He is currently
principal trombone in the Newark/Granville, OH symphony as well as appearing with the Columbus
Symphony, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, the Richmond, Indiana Symphony, Jimmy Dorsey
Orchestra, and at the 18th Macau China International Music Festival. He has performed in orchestras
for national tours of numerous Broadway musicals and has backed many popular performers. Dr.
Zugger also keeps a busy schedule as a clinician. Recent appearances include the Midwest Band and
Orchestra Clinic, state conferences in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, North Dakota,
Tennessee, Maine, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, West Virginia, College
Music Society Great Lakes Chapter Convention, Bowling Green University Contemporary Trombone
Festival, and many colleges and universities. Dr. Zugger is an artist/clinician for Edwards Trombones.
As a published composer and arranger Zugger’s works are regularly performed by artists
nationally and internationally, and have been featured at both the International Trombone Association
and International Clarinet Association annual conventions. He is a member of the ASCAP and is listed
in Marquis Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Education, and Who’s Who International.
He is on the International Trombone Association’s ITA Press Board and also frequently contributes
literature reviews to the ITA journal through the ITA literature review committee. His compositions are
published through Brixton Publications, TAP Music, Timber Ridge Publications, Warwick Music, and the
International Trombone Association Press. Dr. Zugger holds degrees from the University of Michigan,
Michigan State University, and a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in Trombone Performance from The
Ohio State University. Dr. Zugger is also an avid marathoner having completed 30 marathons and 3
ultra marathons to date. In his spare time Dr. Zugger is also an avid hiker, photographer, and traveler
with his wonderful and patient wife, clarinet Professor Dr. Gail L Zugger.
Dr. Jeffrey Cottrell
Dr. Cottrell is an active performer, teacher and award winning composer. He currently teaches at Hardin
Simmons University and Abilene Christian University. 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.
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.
Dr. Jeffrey Cottrell has recently been selected to represent a new professional model trombone designed
by Walter Nirschl. Meister Walter Nirschl is the brand reserved for the instruments continuing in the J.W.
York and Sons tradition in the shop in Geretsried, Bavaria. These instruments are played in some of the
finest orchestras in the World. Many of the design and playing characteristics have been duplicated in the
instruments produced under the W. Nirschl brand, such as the new H-700-LQ trombone that Dr. Cottrell
has been asked to represent.
Dr. Cottrell is an active performer, teacher and award winning composer. He currently teaches at Hardin
Simmons University and Abilene Christian University. 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.
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.
Dr. Jeffrey Cottrell has recently been selected to represent a new professional model trombone designed
by Walter Nirschl. Meister Walter Nirschl is the brand reserved for the instruments continuing in the J.W.
York and Sons tradition in the shop in Geretsried, Bavaria. These instruments are played in some of the
finest orchestras in the World. Many of the design and playing characteristics have been duplicated in the
instruments produced under the W. Nirschl brand, such as the new H-700-LQ trombone that Dr. Cottrell
has been asked to represent.