Trombone

2023 Buckeye Brass & Winds Trombone Day

Ohio University Trombone Ensemble

A successful event is sometimes determined by whether the event will occur in consecutive years. Such was the case for the Second Annual Buckeye Brass & Winds Trombone Day.

The event took place in Plain City, Ohio, a suburb of the state’s Capital City at Buckeye Brass & Winds, and houses a full-service and sales instrument shop that focuses on high-end instrument sales plus high-quality repairs on your instrument.

Tony Weikel Masterclass

Last year’s inaugural event certainly tested the waters of hosting an instrument event at a sales shop. The draw was not only the opportunity to play-test brands such as Bach, Conn, Edwards/Getzen, XO Brass, and others but also to simply hear and experience trombone music.

This year’s event saw the same experience with the addition of guest artist John Fedchock. A masterclass on jazz trombone not only focused on the necessity of chord centers and chord changes but also the importance of a smooth air stream through long phrases when playing legato passages.

Exhibits Area

Tony Weikel (Capital University) and Sterling Tanner (The Ohio State University) both contributed their expertise through masterclasses and a dual recital of music that included works by Merkowitz, Sulek, Brubeck, Bozza, Candillari, and others.

Another added bonus to this year’s event was the Ohio University Trombone Ensemble traveling to Plain City to perform in the trombone choir showcase. Both Capital and Ohio State featured their studios with performances ranging from small ensembles to large multi-choir groups. Classic works and new premieres occurred throughout the feature of some of Ohio’s best collegiate talent.

OSU High Street Bones with John Fedchock

The OSU High Street Bones also joined John Fedchock for several tunes, that again featured the smooth slide action of the Buckeye alum. A real treat to hear in person. The event concluded with a mass trombone choir reading that brought everyone together on the stage to play in a lively setting.

An Ohio jazz trombone legend, multiple university ensembles, and professors, and a strong showing of ages with a wide variety of trombone manufacturers all allow for a rewarding and refreshing hang for friends and colleagues. One can only hope this annual event continues for many years to come.

Mass Trombone Choir Reading

More photos coming soon!

Jeremy Smith

Jeremy E. Smith is the Founder and Editor of Last Row Music. He received music degrees from Grace College, Carnegie Mellon University, and The Ohio State University. Currently, Jeremy is the bass trombonist of the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, the Huntington Symphony Orchestra, and performs throughout Ohio, where he lives with his wife and two sons. Smith is a member of the International Trombone Association and the Jazz Journalists Association.