8th Position

For our second to last episode this season, we have the most subbed brass musician on YouTube, Christopher Bill. Originally building his brand on YouTube in the 2010s and expanding to several other social medias, Chris started his channel with all-trombone arrangements of popular songs and has gained serious popularity since then. Now known internationally for his arrangements, compositions, and his album Half Man, Half Machine, Christopher Bill has one of the most unique careers of nearly any musician out there, giving us a great unique interview full of experiences we have yet to hear.

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Transition Music #1: Power Down, Christopher Bill

Instagram: @8thposition @dbaldwin903 @_mehurst_

Exciting episode today, as we have an international guest on the podcast today, interviewing Ilan Morgenstern! Ilan has experienced such a spectacular orchestral and solo playing career. He has subbed with numerous top orchestras across the United States and even overseas in Israel such as Israel Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, Detroit Symphony, and many more. He has won many awards from internationally renowned competitions including the Jeju International Brass and Percussion Competition, Zellmer-Minnesota Orchestra Competition, and the National Repertory Orchestra’s Concerto Competition. His official positions in the past include San Antonio Symphony, Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony, and Kansas City Symphony. Originally from Rehovot, Israel, Ilan has unique stories about his time growing up in Israel, how he eventually moved to the United States for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and continue through his progression as one of the top bass trombonists in North America up until his present day position in the Vancouver Symphony.

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Transition Music #1: Ballade for Bass Trombone Strings and Harp, Eric Ewazen, featuring Ilan Morgenstern, Rachel Ferris and the San Antonio Symphony

Instagram: @8thposition @dbaldwin903 @_mehurst_

Continuing on with the second half of season 4, our guest today is Dr. Joshua Bynum, Professor of Trombone at the University of Georgia (Athens). We have a new record breaker set with this one as this is now the longest episode we have done so far, and it is absolutely full of truly incredible information and wisdom, for all ages, especially those who are getting into the collegiate teaching world. Dr. Bynum has had phenomenal teachings and pedagogy throughout his college years studying at Jacksonville State University, Temple University, and the University of Iowa. He is recognized as a great trombone professor and trombone player, giving clinics and performances at the Eastern Trombone Workshop, International Trombone Festival, Georgia Music Educators Association Conference, JanFest, and various workshops across the nation. Dr. Bynum’s regular duties outside of Professor of Trombone include the Georgia Brass Quintet, the MOD[ular] Contemporary Chamber Ensemble and the Resonant Projection trombone quartet. In this episode we discuss his early life, his thoughts on college football, how he got into the teaching world, and how he has developed a fantastic studio over the years at the University of Georgia.

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Transition Music #1: Georgia On My Mind, Arr. Sammy Nestico, featuring the UGA Trombone Choir

Transition Music #2: Reflection & Celebration, David Wilborn, featuring the UGA Trombone Choir

Instagram: @8thposition @dbaldwin903 @_mehurst_

It’s time for us to begin the second half of season 4 and today for our guest, we have the amazing Myles Blakemore! Myles serves as trombonist in the US Navy Band and is also the Professor of Trombone at Howard University. Prior to those positions he has held a position with New World Symphony, was the inaugural Minnesota Orchestra fellow, and participated in National Repertory Orchestra, Aspen Music Festival and Brevard Music Center. Performing on international stages such as Baltimore Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Malaysian Philharmonic, International Trombone Festival, American Trombone Workshop and many more, he has an incredibly rich story for us today, and its nowhere near the end! We naturally talk about his beginnings as a trombonist, exploring his earliest starts to being a fellow at New World Symphony, and his current life in the US Navy Band. We even discuss his process of making his album that is out now and is entitled "Bach-Ish," we highly recommend checking out after this interview to show your love for this terrific musician!

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Transition Music #1: The Gift of Little G for Trombone and Piano, featuring Myles Blakemore

Transition Music #2: Hommage a Bach pour Trombone et Piano, featuring Myles Blakemore

Instagram: @8thposition @dbaldwin903 @_mehurst_

It’s time for our mid-season finale and today for our guest, we have one of the greatest bass trombonists out there, Mr. George Curran! Mr. Curran became the bass trombonist of the New York Philharmonic in 2013 and prior to that he was a member of Atlanta Symphony, and a fellow with the New World Symphony. Due to his terrific personality and incredible skills on the trombone, he has performed with numerous orchestras such as the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Detroit, Hong Kong Philharmonic, and many more. In addition to his impressive orchestral career, Mr. Curran is a renowned soloist performing solos in two International Trombone Festivals, being featured for the United States Air Force Band, and even the Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival in South Korea. With such a great resume and history in the trombone world, we get right down to how he got into music by diving into the story of how he quit engineering to pursue music, how he transitioned from euphonium to bass trombone, how his orchestral career has progressed through the years and of course, we hit him with some rapid fire questions resulting in one of the most controversial responses yet!

Fun Fact: When I (Darien) was first trying to start this Podcast with Lawson, I was studying with Mr. Curran at the time and asked him if this podcast was a good idea and how we should go about it. He supported the idea fully and told me how to reach out to all these wonderful musicians for these interviews! Without Mr. Curran's support and advice, this Podcast wouldn't have been possible!

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Transition Music #1: Barnacle Bill, Steven Frank, United States Air Force Band featuring George Curran 

Transition Music #2: Rolling Thunder March, Henry Fillmore, Schwob Wind Ensemble featuring George Curran

Instagram: @8thposition @dbaldwin903 @_mehurst_

For our third episode this season, we have a near record breaker with this interview being our second longest interview yet! But it is absolutely nothing short of great stories, great laughs, and incredible inspiration from one of the biggest trombonists in the music industry, Alex Iles. Mr. Iles has enjoyed a varied and successful career in numerous musical settings performing in the musically diverse area of the Southern California freelance performing and recording community. As a very in-demand performer, recording artist and educator he has performed/recorded with Zubin Mehta, Hans Zimmer, Michael Giacchino, The Tonight Show, Danny Elfman, John Williams, Paul McCartney, Fallout Boy, Prince, and many jazz artists/bands such as Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson, Bob Florence’s Limited Edition and even the Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band. With such an incredible musical career in the jazz world, orchestral world, and recording world, Mr. Iles talks about his present projects, his upbringing in music and the interesting approach of how he learned to improve as a musician, and we of course hit him with some rapid fire questions to find out who the real Alex Iles is! By the way, look up his page, I guarantee if you have watched any movies in the past 20 years, he’s recorded for it!

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Transition Music #1: Remembering, Dave Slonaker, Alex Iles

Transition Music #2: Count Bubba, Gordon Goodwind’s Big Phat Band

Instagram: @8thposition @dbaldwin903 @_mehurst_

For our second episode of season 4, we are bringing you a great interview with Tony Baker, Professor of Trombone at University of North Texas! Tony Baker is probably the most diverse and versatile trombonist out there being a great jazz musician, phenomenal orchestral musician, a beautiful soloist, and a well known teacher throughout the world of trombone. As a soloist, Mr. Baker has established an international reputation by performing in Birmingham, UK at ITF 2007, was a soloist at the 2000 Festival International D’Art Lyrique, and in the states he’s performed as a soloist with the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own”, Ohio Valley Symphony, and many more. Currently as an orchestral player he is a member of the Dallas Opera Orchestra. In the world of jazz he’s performed with the Woody Herman Band and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. In this interview we truly learn the great story of Tony Baker as we go through his early life, collegiate life, his time learning to balance marriage with a career in music, and eventually how he landed his teaching positions. 

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Transition Music: Georgia On My Mind, Hoagy Carmichael/Goff Richards, Tony Baker

Instagram: @8thposition @dbaldwin903 @_mehurst_

It's time to kick off our fourth season for the 8th Position Podcast! This season we start off with a great new cohost as Lawson Gardner has left the podcast! Our new co-host is Michael Hurst and he will be joining Darien Baldwin for the fourth season!

Achilles Liarmakopoulos is very well known not only in the world of trombone, but in the world of brass as he has been the trombonist for the Canadian Brass since 2011. Achilles walks us through his incredible upbringing as a musician throughout his time in Greece, in California, Yale University, and Curtis. He continues to walk us through his life, sharing the story of how he got into the world famous brass quintet, the Canadian Brass. Once we've covered the past, we discuss his activities for the present and future. As a decorated soloist, orchestral musician, and chamber musician, Achilles is nothing short of great stories and lessons in this episode of 8th Position Podcast!

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Transition Music: Trombonsillo, Carolina Calvache, Achilles Liarmakopoulos

Instagram: @8thposition @dbaldwin903 @_mehurst_

For our final episode of season 3, we are bringing you an interview with Dr. Martin McCain, Artist/Teacher of Trombone at Texas State University. Dr. McCain is an incredibly accomplished soloist performing recitals frequently with his wife as the McCain Duo. He lives as a versatile performer being a recording artist, chamber, orchestral, jazz/commercial musician and educator. He is a four-time winner of the Global Music Awards and is the master of all grills/smokers when it comes to barbecue, especially in the trombone world! We discuss his early life and collegiate life heavily to find out what inspired and educated Dr. McCain to get him to where he is today. 

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Intro Music: Pure Imagination, Arr. Marcus Wilcher, McCain Duo

Outro Music: Prelude in Eb Minor, Shostakovich Arr. Robert H. Reynolds, Schwob Wind Ensemble

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.gardner.music

This week we’re bringing you an interview with Dr. Justin Cook, Assistant Professor of Trombone at the University of Central Arkansas. Dr. Cook is an accomplished soloist and freelance artist, playing recitals and subbing in orchestras all over the country. Also a brilliant pedagogue, Dr. Cook has taught many masterclasses at universities and festivals in the US and abroad, and has tripled the size of the UCA trombone studio since his arrival. We talked at length in this interview about his experience hosting the 2022 International Trombone Festival, as well as how to help cultivate a positive studio culture and set students up for success. 

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Transition Music: Florida Concerto: I. Vivace, Frigyes Hidas, Justin Cook

Intro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Vanderbilt Trombone Quartet

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.gardner.music

This week we interviewed Alexis Smith, product specialist for SE Shires and principal trombonist of the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. One of the most recognizable faces in the trombone community, Alexis has fitted countless musicians for their custom Shires instruments. We had the pleasure of asking her about his history and work at the SE Shires company, as well as hearing some various other highlights from her collegiate and professional careers.

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Transition music: Quintet, Michael Kamen, Seraph Brass

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Vanderbilt Trombone Quartet

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.gardner.music

For episode 2 of our third season, we’re bringing you a fantastic interview with Sean Reusch, trombonist and educator in the greater San Diego area. Mr. Reusch is a current member of the Nittany Trombone Quartet, has an extensive private teaching studio in Southern California, and is the founder and curator of Trombone101.com. He’s also written several books on low brass pedagogy, including Trombone and Euphonium Essentials. In this interview, we discussed the way his bachelor’s degree in psychology influences his teaching philosophy, what to consider when approaching younger students, and the resources offered on Trombone 101. 

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Transition music: Lullabye, Billy Joel, Sean Reusch and Scott Sutherland

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Vanderbilt Trombone Quartet

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.gardner.music

Kicking off the third season of 8th Position with an interview with John Fedchock, Grammy-nominated composer and arranger and former lead trombonist and chief arranger of the Woody Herman Orchestra. This world-class jazz trombone soloist took us through his illustrious four-decade career and outlined some of his most notable experiences, including his time touring and recording with Woody Herman, the genesis of his New York Big Band project, and his personal friendship with the great Carl Fontana.

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Transition music: My Shining Hour, Harold Arlen, John Fedchock & Carl Fontana

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Vanderbilt Trombone Quartet

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.gardner.music

This week on the podcast we welcome Mrs. Jennifer Wharton, NYC commercial bass trombonist and bandleader of Bonegasm. Jen has been a prominent name on the Broadway scene for several decades and has strong roots in the classical tradition despite her current jazz-centric endeavors. As an incredibly well-rounded musician and outgoing person, Jen is hard not to love as a person and a player all around.

We had a fun time talking with her about her move to New York and her freelancing beginnings, the formation of her group Bonegasm, her experiences playing on Broadway.

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Transition music: Tricotism, Oscar Pettiford, Jennifer Wharton & Bonegasm

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.gardner2

This week on the podcast we interview Mr. Austin Pancner, CEO and founder of The Functional Musician and bass trombonist for The Orchestra Now. Austin is one of the most prominent and pioneering musician injury coaches on the scene right now, and is consistently breaking new ground with his injury prevention and recovery methods. While he is a trombonist, his philosophies and insights are applicable to all instruments, and even other disciplines. With a strong focus on a holistic approach to personal health and wellness as it relates to your instrument, he walks us through his “Four Pillars to Performing Without Pain” and offers advice and resources to those in different stages of an injury cycle.

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Transition music: Pines of Rome, Ottorino Respighi, Alan Gilbert & New York Philharmonic

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.gardner2

This week on the podcast we interview Dr. Bradley Palmer,professor of trombone at Columbus State University and principal trombone of the LaGrange Symphony. Dr. Palmer's impact on the world of trombone pedagogy and low brass music cannot be understated. As the commissioner of many new works for trombone ensemble, a prominent recording engineer for solo and choir albums, and one of the most brilliant pedagogues of any brass instrument, he has had a large part in redefining many parts of the trombone world in the past 25 years. His vibrant career and personable disposition set him apart as not only a great trombonist, but a great musician and human being. 

We had the opportunity to speak with him about his pedagogical philosophies, his many career highlights, and some strong advice he would have for young students trying to break through. 

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Transition music: The Planet Krypton Fanfare/Superman March, John Williams arr. Nova, Bradley Palmer & STS Professors Choir 2015

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.gardner2

This week on the podcast we’re joined by Matthew Neff, bass trombone of the North Carolina Symphony. As a musician with a long and diverse career in the US Navy bands, Matt is an incredibly skilled musician in a plethora of different styles. From the Commodores to subbing in symphony orchestras, and everything in between, he has a lofty amount of insight to share without losing touch with his sense of humor.

We got an opportunity to talk about his early life with music, his experiences playing with various military bands throughout the years, and the various auditions he’s taken.

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Transition music: Make our Garden Grow, Leonard Bernstein arr. Slutter, Matt Neff & Mark Lusk with the Penn State Trombone Choir

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.gardner2

Returning with the second half of season 2 with an interview with Prof. Nick Finzer, professor of jazz trombone at the University of North Texas, prolific composer and recording artist, and prominent online educator. As a top call freelance jazz musician in New York City, Nick established himself in the 2010s as one of the fiery new voices on the jazz trombone scene, making powerful connections with musicians like Wycliffe Gordon and Steve Turre to facilitate his success. Nick always seems to be balancing ten things at once in his career, but his decisive execution makes it look easy as he navigates through new terrain as an educational and artistic innovator. 

In this interview, we spoke to him about his early experiences with music, what it was like to take the plunge into the NYC music scene, and some of his strangest experiences with freelance playing. We also discussed his extensive discography, including but not limited to his upcoming album "Out of Focus," as well as the inner workings of his record label Outside In Music. 

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Transition music: Lit by Lightning, Nick Finzer 2013

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.gardner2

For our Season 2 midseason finale, we come to you with an interview with Dr. Michael Wilkinson, Assistant Professor of trombone at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Wilkinson has extensive performance and teaching experience in both classical and jazz, throughout many different age groups and many different instruments. Exemplifying versatility at its finest, he is an outstanding player and educator that has some funny stories and down-to-earth advice to share.

For this interview, he walks us through his early life and how he got into so many scenes, his experience and thought process behind his 2016 solo album, and some interesting accounts of his weirdest freelance gigs.

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Transition music: Can I?, Michael Wilkinson

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.gardner2

This week we interview Dr. Megan Boutin, visiting professor at Murray State University, experienced freelance trombonist and prominent private lesson teacher in the greater Austin area. Dr. Boutin is a phenomenal pedagogue and wonderful human being, acting as a great role model for many young players through her mannerisms and musicianship alike. Also a leading figure in the ITA's initiative for female representation, she was heavily involved in the International Women's Trombone Choir and associated mentorship program in 2021. In yet another attempt at giving voice to an underrepresented musician and facilitating an opportunity to share their stories, we hope you enjoy this interview with such a fun and genuine person. 

We spoke with her at length about her time earning all three of her degrees and grappling with burnout while attempting to kick off a career in performance, along with her perspective on evolving gender relations in classical music and reasons why her cat is secretly a dog. 

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Transition music: A Caged Bird, Barbara York, Megan Boutin

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.gardner2

For this week’s interview, we talk with Mr. Brian Wendel, principal trombone of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia. He is one of the newest voices on the classical music scene, but has wasted no time in demonstrating that he’s a force to be reckoned with. Due to his pedagogical maturity and outstanding command over the instrument, Brian is an inspirational figure for many young trombonists hoping to launch an orchestral career. His enthusiasm for teaching motivated students and an active presence on social media have proven to be invaluable assets in passing on his knowledge, and we enjoyed hearing his unique perspectives on facilitating personal growth and beginning a career in music.

In this talk, we hear about Brian’s time studying with Norman Bolter and Joe Alessi in his early years, his experience taking auditions and what it felt like to finally achieve his dream of winning an orchestra position, and detailed specifics on how students should be approaching their practice.

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Transition music: Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: VI. Dance of the Knights, Sergei Prokofiev, Brian Wendel & Carter Johnson

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.gardner2

Coming to you this week with an insightful interview with Ms. Natalie Cressman, top call multi-genre trombonist and singer-songwriter in NYC and the Bay Area, touring trombonist for Trey Anastasio, and leader of six studio albums. Ms. Cressman has deep roots in the jazz community in San Fransisco but was able to quickly establish herself as a versatile and employable trombonist in New York. Drawing influence from many different cultures and traditions to craft her own musical voice, Natalie is one of the finest musicians on the scene.

In this interview, we explore the breadth and effects of the brutal misogyny and prejudice that many young women are forced to grapple with when starting their careers, and the best ways to use your influence to make a difference and promote diversity. We also discussed the creation of her upcoming album, some fun and interesting stories from touring and freelancing, and how to take the word “should” out of your vocabulary when studying music.

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Transition music: Already There, Natalie Cressman & Ian Faquini

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.gardner2

For this episode we interview Mr. Christopher Bassett, principal bass trombone of Jacksonville Symphony and Sante Fe Opera Orchestra. Winning two jobs right out of college, Chris is quickly establishing himself as a rising star in the trombone world and has a unique approach to pedagogy that sets him apart from the competition. He is a winner of several international competitions through various organizations, including the ITA Kleinhammer Orchestral Bass Trombone Competition, and a substitute with the Cleveland and Boston symphonies on several occasions.

In this interview, he walks us through his philosophy on sustaining productivity and discipline, and how it relates to human psychology. We also discuss his involvement with the Santa Fe Trombone Summit and his brand new seminar First Position, and how essential it is to your craft to go out and experience different cultures.

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Transition music: Sagittarius2 for Bass Trombone and Piano, Norman Bolter, Christopher Bassett

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.gardner2

Piloting our second season with an incredible interview with Mr. Nathan Zgonc, utility trombone and acting principal of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. After winning this job in 2011, Zgonc quickly made a name for himself as one of the single greatest players and pedagogues currently on the scene. As the quintessential orchestral player and a unique solo voice, he sets an excellent example for young players around the world and continues to reach new horizons every day.

In this interview, we spoke with him about his highly effective audition preparation process, his philosophy on staying in shape and handling extended breaks, and his new mouthpiece line about to hit markets. We hope you enjoy this lighthearted episode to kick off the brand new season!

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Transition music: Mahler 3 opening solo, Jay Friedman, Nathan Zgonc & STS Professor's Choir

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.gardner2

For our Season 1 finale, we interview Mr. Brian Hecht! As the (former) bass trombonist of the Atlanta Symphony, brand new utility trombonist for the Dallas Symphony, and a world-renown soloist, he had some excellent insight and advice to share with us about how to know when it's time to take your career in a new direction. We also had some more lighthearted conversations about his non-music hobbies, and talked about his nearly-one-year-old teaching service Slide School. We hope you enjoy this final interview of the season!

Fun fact: friend of the podcast Evan Williams was also featured in the transition music for this episode! Worlds collide!

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Transition music: Concert Allegro, Alexei Lebedev, Brian Hecht & UT Trombone Choir 2016

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.does.trombone

This week on the podcast we interview Jonathan Tang, founder of the Cincinnati Brass Academy and recent graduate of the College-Conservatory of music. As another particularly young guest, he walked us through his still-occurring origin story, as we discussed his time in school thus far. We also heard some of his pedagogical hot takes from the perspective of a student and a teacher, and talked about the importance of non-music hobbies and inspirations. As our season begins to wrap up, we hope you enjoy this second-to-last episode!

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Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dbaldwin903 @lawson.does.trombone

Switching gears a little this week and talking to a more jazz-oriented guest, Mr. Wes Funderburk! As a faculty member of Kennesaw State University and an established composer and performer in Atlanta, Wes has extensive freelance experience and has some great stories to share. He's also just a genuinely funny guy and a joy to talk to, with our conversation spanning from his early inspirational figures and jazz trombone idols to some questionable jokes he shared with an unsuspecting elderly audience... yikes. We hope you find this as entertaining as we did!

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Transition music: Chicago Blues, Kenny Dorham, Wes Funderburk & Joe Gransden Big Band 2013

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dbaldwin903 @lawson.does.trombone

We greet you this weekend with an excellent interview with Dr. Zsolt Szabo, Assistant Professor of Trombone and Euphonium at Western Carolina University and freelancer with considerable substitute experience. At the risk of giving too much away about this insightful conversation, we talked with him about his childhood and schooling in Romania, as well as some important pedagogical concepts and orchestral performance stories. The duration of this interview followed an exponential path of inspiration, and we hope it’s as valuable to you as it was for us!

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Transition music: Concertino for 4 Trombones & Piano, Jan Koetsier, American Trombone Quartet 2020

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dbaldwin903 @lawson.does.trombone

This week we spoke with Dr. Mark Whitfield,principal trombone of the Wilmington Symphony, Assistant Professor of Trombone and Euphonium at Eastern Carolina University, and Darien's very first private teacher! He had some great stories to share about his 5 years in Carolina Crown, offered some inspirational insight into his wearisome doctoral studies, and an awesome account of his time recording with a musical hero... we hope you enjoy this episode!

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Transition music: Elegy, Joe Buono, Mark Whitfield 2021

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.does.trombone

Coming to you this week with a more lighthearted interview with Ms. Sarah Goldberg, a member of NYO2, a National YoungArts winner, and current student at Interlochen Center for the Arts. Her Instagram practice page, @sarahplaystrombone, has accrued over 22,000 followers over the course of two years, making her a trombone icon on social media. We discussed her musical upbringing, social media experiences with positivity and toxicity alike, and some wonderful insight into her college application process. We hope you enjoy this episode!

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Transition music: Sonatine pour Trombone and Piano, Jacques Castérède, Sarah Goldberg

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.does.trombone

We come to you this week with an interview with Mr. Andrew Shelton, an incredible pedagogue and soloist based in the greater Asheville area. We spend some time talking with him about his upbringing and time in school, what he looks for in a teacher and studio, his experience winning the ITA Larry Wehie Solo Competition, and some fun stories from his freelancing days. We hope you enjoy this episode!

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Transition music: Blue Bells of Scotland, Arthur Pryor, Joseph Alessi 2011

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.does.trombone

Today we’re joined by Mr. Wesley Shores (or @westhetrombonist on Instagram and many of you may know him)! As a recent graduate of the Schwob School of Music and in the process of applying to graduate schools, college is fresh on his mind and he’s able to give some excellent insight into how it helped him grow as a trombonist and person. We dive deep into topics of motivation and self-discovery, as well as discuss lighter topics of hobbies and fun stories from childhood. (And yes we did touch on some trombone pedagogy… we couldn’t help ourselves.) We hope you enjoy this interview!

Transition music: The Christmas Song, Nat King Cole, Wesley Shores 2020

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.does.trombone

Welcoming back our listeners with episode 2, talking with Mr. Evan Williams! He’s currently the Principal Trombone of the Richmond Symphony, a doctoral student at UT, and the winner of multiple competitions through the International Trombone Association. In this episode, we tackle alleviation of performance anxiety, discuss audition preparation and experiences, and consider how one can develop good habits as a freelancer. We hope this has as much of a profound impact on you as it did on us!

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Transition music: Cello Sonata in E minor op. 38, Johannes Brahms, Evan Williams & Mirim Kim 2019

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dbaldwin903 @lawson.does.trombone

Kicking off the series with an interview with Mr. John Ilika, Principal Trombone of the North Carolina Symphony and trombone professor at UNC School of the Arts, where we both study with him privately. In this episode, Mr. Ilika recounts some of his early musical experiences, tells some cool stories about his time freelancing in Venezuela, and shares his strong feelings about how the pandemic has affected musicians and performers. 

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Transition music: Sonata Vox Gabrieli, Stjepan Sulek, John Ilika & Ashley Clasen 2017

Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner

Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.does.trombone