Lethbridge trombonists can get “boned up” on their skills this week with the Lethbridge Trombone Festival, April 19-21.
“Trombone players are unsung heroes. We sit at the back and play loud when we’re told to and count rests for the rest of the time,” said University of Lethbridge professor Nick Sullivan who has organized three days of trombone powered excitement including workshops concerts and guest speakers like Allen Jacobson.
“It’s just something we thought we’d try because there are surprisingly a lot of trombone players in Lethbridge,” said Sullivan. Events take place at Long and McQuade, The Gate and University of Lethbridge.
“When I was at the University of Lethbridge around 2000 or 2001, my professor did something similar,” he continued adding there are dozens of trombone players in Lethbridge including at the University and in the community and even more when including high school and grade school bands.
“ It’s a great opportunity for trombone players to get together and have a special guest and play together,” he said.
He is excited to welcome back Allen Jacobson, who he met at last year‘s jazz festival.
“We got along very well, he’s even going to five schools,” he enthused.
Allen Jacobson will play the first concert at the Gate that night.
There will be a bowl full of trombone related seminars throughout the day, April 20-21 including clinics on instrument repair, the history of the trombone, how to apply to be a university music student, auditioning tips, the music business and jobs in the music business plus lots of recitals and jam sessions.
Everything culminates April 21 at McKillop United Church for a trombone choir concert which all participants are able to be part of.
“Hopefully people will come out for it. It’s exciting. there will be lots of great musicians.”
He noted the core of the group have been working for two to three weeks getting everything squared away for the week.
“It’s a chance for us to share our passion,” he said.
Thanks to a variety of generous sponsors, all events are free to attend.
