Trombone

UNT Jazz Trombone Day to Celebrate Centennial of JJ Johnson and Feature Saturday Night Live’s Steve Turre

Denton, TX – September 11, 2023 – The University of North Texas College of Music is pleased to announce that the UNT Jazz Trombone Day will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024. The day will celebrate the centennial of jazz trombone trailblazer JJ Johnson and feature the legendary jazz trombonist and current member of the Saturday Night Live Band, Steve Turre.

The day will include performances from the UNT Jazz Trombone Ensemble, the U-Tubes, as well as masterclasses from Steve Turre, performances, the Jazz Trombone Competition Finals, sessions from sponsors, and more.

The event is free to attend and will be held at the UNT College of Music (415 Avenue C, Denton, TX 76201) on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 10am until 9pm. Please RSVP here.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the centennial of JJ Johnson and feature Steve Turre at this year’s UNT Jazz Trombone Day,” said Nick Finzer at the UNT College of Music. “This event is a great opportunity for jazz trombone players of all levels to come together, learn from the best, and enjoy some amazing music.”

UNT Jazz Trombone Day is presented by Yamaha, BAC Musical Instruments, and Conn Selmer.

About Steve Turre
Steve Turre is a legendary jazz trombonist, composer, and educator. He is a current member of the Saturday Night Live Band and has performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Herbie Hancock. Turre is also a highly respected educator and has taught at the Juilliard School, the New School for Social Research, and the Manhattan School of Music.

About JJ Johnson
JJ Johnson was a jazz trombonist, composer, and arranger. He is considered one of the most important figures in the development of the jazz trombone and is known for his innovative playing style and his contributions to the bebop and hard bop genres. Johnson recorded with many of the biggest names in jazz, including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis.

About the UNT Jazz Trombone Day
The UNT Jazz Trombone Day is an annual event that celebrates the jazz trombone and features performances, masterclasses, and workshops from some of the world’s leading jazz trombonists. The event is free to attend and open to the public.

Click Here to RSVP for More Information

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 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.