Longtones

In the season 2 finale of Longtones, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the remarkable Sasha Romero to delve into her inspiring musical career!

We explored Sasha’s beginning influences and journey through the Texas band program, her audition experiences, philosophy on musical education, thoughts on the current industry, strategies for balancing a busy schedule of teaching and performing, sources of artistic inspiration, and much more.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking insight into how a professional musician navigates a thriving career filled with demanding performances and teaching!

Don’t know much about Sasha? Let’s catch you up:

Hailing from Longview, Texas, Sasha grew up within the acclaimed and robust Texas band system and achieved great musical success at a young age. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Music degree at Baylor University, where she studied with Brent Phillips; and her Master of Music degree at Rice University, studying with Allen Barnhill.

Currently Sasha serves on the trombone faculties at Rutgers University, Mannes School of Music, The Manhattan School of Music, and Bard College Conservatory of Music. A highly sought-after teacher, soloist, and clinician, she has presented solo recitals and masterclasses at numerous colleges, universities, music conservatories, and industry conventions across the United States.

Sasha has also been invited to perform as a guest trombonist with the world’s major orchestras, including: The New York Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, Dallas Symphony, Houston Symphony, and others. She can be heard on Weezer’s OK Human album, as well as the film soundtracks to The Good Liar (2019) and Joker (2019).

In 2018 Sasha Romero was appointed principal trombone of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Prior to her appointment at The MET, she held the position of principal trombone with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra from 2016-2018.

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Welcome to the penultimate episode of season two of Longtones!

In this special episode featuring Josh and Steve, we dove into the ever-changing music retail industry. We discussed topics including the closure of Sam Ash, the rise of new wave businesses, how retail adapted to modern demands, strategies for survival and growth, the pros and cons of having a brick-and-mortar store, and more!

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the inner workings of modern business and the current state of the music retail industry.

Make sure to tune back in on June 10th for our season finale with principal trombonist of the MET Opera Orchestra, Sasha Romero!

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In this episode, we sat down with the talented, dual-threat, trumpeter and comedian, Kellin Hanas, to talk about her unique and exciting musical trajectory.

We discussed Kellin’s start in music, how role-models affected the trajectory of her career, taking the chance on NYC, balancing both trumpet and comedy, how she defines her personal artistic style, how music and social media can benefit a unique career, and more!

This episode was an inspiring conversation, and is a can’t miss listen for someone looking to balance multiple passions while setting up a thriving career in the arts.

Don’t know much about Kellin? Let’s catch you up:

Hailed in the International Trumpet Guild Journal as “one of the best up and coming jazz musicians on the globe”, trumpeter, composer, and comedian Kellin Hanas of Wheaton, Illinois is a Jazz Trumpet BM student at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, studying under legendary trumpeters Ingrid Jensen and Scott Wendholt.

Currently, Hanas splits her time between being a full-time student, performing artist and educator in New York City, touring with celebrities such as Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award Winning Actor Darren Criss, 11x GRAMMY Award winning vocal group The Manhattan Transfer, and fashion designer and actor Isaac Mizrahi. She is the leader of her own band, the Kellin Hanas Quintet, which debuted for the first time in the Summer of 2022 in the upstairs of the iconic Birdland Jazz Club in NYC. Alongside her music, Hanas adds a unique touch of comedy into her shows, and has amassed millions of views for her original comedic content, stories and characters. She has worked with venues such as Carnegie Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center, and has worked with jazz greats such as Sean Jones, Wycliffe Gordon, and Christian McBride. She also is a regular member of the Grace Fox Big Band, and was a featured soloist on the band's debut album "Eleven-O-Seven".

Through social media, Hanas has amassed a following of over 200,000 followers. She hopes to use her platforms to inspire, connect with others and spread joy.

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In this episode, we sat down with trumpet player, vocalist, composer, and educator, Benny Benack III, to dive into the exciting story of his musical career.

We discussed Benny’s start in music and early defining moments, modern challenges for today’s musicians, balancing both vocals and trumpet, the mentor-mentee relationship in jazz, artistry within algorithms, and more — We even went over Benny’s preferred way to grab a coffee!

This episode was such a great hang, and is a can’t miss listen for anyone looking to hear a conversation from a phenomenal musician with a keen eye on today’s music scene.

Don’t know much about Benny? Let’s catch you up:

“By age 33, Emmy-nominated Trumpeter and Vocalist Benny Benack III has already become a leading voice in Jazz for his generation, headlining clubs and festivals around the world on the heels of his latest critically acclaimed album “Third Time’s the Charm” which ascended to #2 on the JazzWeek International Radio Charts in 2023. 

His double-threat credentials were first apparent when he was a finalist in the 2014 Thelonious Monk Competition on trumpet, and then won Third Place in the 2021 Sarah Vaughan Vocal Competition. His resume for both was recently bolstered in Downbeat Magazine’s Critics Poll for 2023, where he appeared in two categories: The #2 Rising Star Male Vocalist and #15 Rising Star Trumpet.

His global recognition has been bolstered by the recent advent of live-streaming concerts, both through his weekly residency at Smalls Jazz Club, as well as frequent appearances at fellow young lion Emmet Cohen’s “Emmet’s Place” online series. He has emerged from the pandemic as one of the most in-demand touring artists in the Jazz world, with a never-ending intercontinental schedule that reflects his love for the music.”

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In this episode, we sat down with principal trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Toby Oft, to dive into the exhilarating journey of his music career.

We discussed Toby’s start in music, how to justify a life in the arts, thoughts on having a career in a creative industry, approach to instrumental aspects like conceptualizing tone and breathing, tips for navigating the industry both as a student and as a professional, and so much more! 

This was one of our favorite episodes yet and is a can’t miss listen for anyone looking to hear a deep and insightful conversation about the world of music!

Don’t know much about Toby? Let’s catch you up:

“Toby Oft, the 12th principal trombonist in Boston Symphony Orchestra's esteemed history, boasts a career spanning nine seasons with the BSO. In addition to his time in the BSO, Toby’s artistry extends beyond orchestral performances to acclaimed solo and chamber appearances worldwide.

Oft's dedication to education is evident through master classes and recitals globally, alongside his roles on the faculties of New England Conservatory and Boston University. In addition to prominent military band and teaching positions, Oft's students have won tenured positions in top orchestras in Detroit, Jacksonville, Toronto, and Puerto Rico, and have also been accepted to such distinguished festivals as the Verbier Festival and Tanglewood Music Center.”

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In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Summer Camargo to dive into the exhilarating journey of her music career.

We discussed Summer’s start in music, her experience as SNL’s newest band member, playing in NYC and beyond with acts like the Mingus Big Band, her debut album “To Whom I Love”, and so much more.

During our Q&A session, we chatted about topics like the behind the scenes of Summer’s first show on SNL, lessons that stood out to her during her time in NYC, and writing music for SNL.

This is a can’t miss episode for anyone looking to hear about the thrilling rise of one of NYC’s most exciting and upcoming brass players!

Don’t know much about Summer? Let’s catch you up:

“Summer Camargo is a native of Hollywood, Florida (USA). She is a Jerome Green Fellowship recipient at the Juilliard School, receiving her Bachelor's Degree in 2023 and presently completing her Masters Degree majoring in Jazz Studies (Trumpet).

Summer regularly performs at notable NYC jazz clubs like Dizzy's, Birdland, with the Mingus Big Band, and in 2022, she became the newest member of the Saturday Night Live House Band.

In the summer of 2023, Summer toured with her sextet throughout Cape Cod in conjunction with JALC and the Cape Symphony, performed with Jon Batiste at the Newport Jazz Festival, and played in the Broadway pit for Disney's Aladdin.

Her debut album To Whom I Love with Blue Engine Records this month, will be available on all streaming platforms on March 15th!”

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Welcome to Episode 12 of Longtones, where we have a special guest, Chris Legaux, the owner of TrumCor Mutes!

Join us as we take a deep dive into Chris’ journey, the development of TrumCor, and what the future holds for the brand. We'll be uncovering the philosophy behind making mutes for the brass world, exploring how they adapt to modern and industry challenges, as well as some fascinating stories about the unique solutions behind certain TrumCor mutes!

During our Q&A session, we'll address topics like how to choose the right mute and share more behind-the-scenes stories. Plus, we'll discuss what lies ahead in the world of mutes.

If you're a gear-head, a brass accessory enthusiast, or simply curious about this vital industry, then this episode is tailor-made for you!

Don’t know much about TrumCor? Let’s catch you up:

“For three decades, TrumCor has been at the forefront of quality and innovation, crafting premier mutes for the world's finest brass players. Handcrafted in Tennessee, these mutes uphold a rich tradition initiated by Frank DePolis and refined by Ted Griffith and Aulos Mutes. TrumCor's acquisition of Aulos Mutes in 1994 further solidified their legacy of excellence.

Today, TrumCor offers a durable lineup of mutes designed to accommodate nearly every brass instrument model and playing style, preserving the unique sound quality of each instrument.”

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Welcome to Longtones Episode 11, featuring special guest Ben Wright!

In this episode, we explore Ben’s journey as a musician, tracing his evolution through various music institutions. Additionally, we delve into his philosophy as an educator, touching upon T5 and the Sound Truth Library. Later, during our Q&A session, we tackle topics such as the concept of 'more air,' behind-the-scenes stories from the BSO on the road, and the process of commissioning pieces from emerging composers.

If you're keen on enhancing your audition skills, mastering excerpt practice, and refining your overall performance as a musician, this is the episode you won't want to miss!

Don’t know much about Ben? Let’s catch you up:

Over the span of two decades in The Boston Symphony (preceded by his time in the Chicago Symphony), and an instructional role at the New England Conservatory, Ben has cultivated expertise in fostering independent thinking, physical efficiency, problem-solving, and instilling a heightened sense of confidence in trumpet playing.  

Throughout the years, Ben has navigated and resolved challenges related to physical injuries, career setbacks, performance anxiety, as well as aspects like flexibility and strength. Eager to impart this approach, he coined it T5 – Training Trumpeters To Teach Themselves — which is a philosophy directed towards highly motivated players who want to expedite their goal attainment. Ben later extended that philosophy into his “Sound Truth Library”, which is a collection of nearly 250 video recordings that span from audition excerpts and video tutorials to the Symphony StageTM selections!

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The first ever host-meetup happened last week at NAMM and it just may be our best episode yet!

Joined by special guest Trent Austin we discussed who NAMM is really for, if there’s still room in this industry for new players, and tips and insights into the music retail industry — we even included a brand new podcast-only segment at the end!!!

This is THE episode to catch if you've ever been curious about NAMM, the music trade show world, or the behind the scenes of the music retail business.

Don’t know much about Trent? Let’s catch you up:

“Renowned trumpet artist and educator, who has received many accolades and

international acclaim for his stellar performances and recordings in jazz and

classical music.

As an in-demand pro, Trent has performed with a lengthy list of music’s Who’s

Who, including Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Joe Williams, Clark Terry, Jack Jones,

Bob Brookmeyer, Maria Schneider, Peter Erskine, Arturo Sandoval, Hal Galper,

Dick Oatts, Marvin Stamm, Red Holloway, Jesse Davis, Dick Johnson, Kenny

Werner, and Bob Wilber. For eleven years, Austin was also a featured trumpet soloist

with the famed Artie Shaw Orchestra. He is currently a first-call performer in the

Boston Metro and Southern New England areas as well as throughout the Midwest.

Fiercely dedicated to the cause and development of music and jazz education, Trent

was a trumpet professor at the University of Southern Maine for nine years and

regularly provides clinics and Master Classes nationwide at various trumpet and brass

conferences, including at the International Trumpet Guild Conference and other

trumpet/brass conferences. Austin also maintains an active teaching studio in Kansas

City, MO and worldwide online via Skype, providing trumpet and jazz improvisation

lessons.”

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Happy listening, friends!

Starting off Season 2 in 2024 with an episode featuring trombonist, educator, and composer James Burton III!

We delved into James' trombone origin story, exploring his musical evolution across various music institutions and alongside legends like Illinois Jacquet to his professional stints on Broadway and in the broader music scene. Beyond his illustrious career, we explored his impactful role as an educator at Juilliard and beyond. Our Q&A session also featured insightful inquiries about setups, what James' has been listening to recently, and the prospect of relocating to NYC to pursue a career in music.

This is THE episode to catch if you've ever been curious about what goes into a vibrant music career in NYC!

Don’t know much about James? Let’s catch you up:

“Trombonist, composer, arranger James Burton III has lent his sound to multiple Grammy Award-winning albums and Tony Award-winning Broadway productions. Born in Queens, now a resident of Harlem, Burton III is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the Jackie McLean Institute at the Hartt School of Music. While earning his Master’s Degree and Artist Diploma from the Juilliard School, Burton held both the Morse and Gluck Fellowships and received the Schuman Prize, an award named for Juilliard’s founding president and given to one graduating Masters Degree candidate annually.
Burton got his professional start playing with many of the great large ensembles; the Illinois Jacquet Big Band, the Dizzy Gillespie All Stars, the Lincoln Center and Vanguard Jazz Orchestras etc. Additionally, the opportunity to perform/record with legends Jimmy Heath, Slide Hampton, Ron Carter and Christian McBride inspired Burton to co-found a 10-piece ensemble called the Uptown Jazz Tentet, which celebrated the release of a second album in late 2020, to much critical acclaim.

Currently, Burton’s playing and original compositions can be heard alongside band mates Jeremy Pelt and Wayne Escoffery in a dynamic new ensemble; Black Art Jazz Collective. BAJC has released three albums since its inception, the latest two reaching the #1 position on the JazzWeek Charts for international radio play.

In the model of jazz education pioneer Jackie McLean, Burton is an avid educator and has been a full time associate professor at both the Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music as well as Director of Jazz Education at New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Burton continues to pass on the legacy of the music via master classes, ensemble coachings and workshops for arts education institutions across the globe.”

Our next live episode will be during the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, later this month and will feature special guest Trent Austin! Stay tuned for airing date and time details by following our social media channels and checking our newsletters.

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Happy listening, friends!