The Trombone Retreat

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For the first Fifth Position of the new year, Nick and Sebastian are joined by their favorite Michigander Dutchman Chris Van Hof, professor of trombone at Ball State University and Grand Poobah Assistant Manager of the International Trombone Festival.

We start by announcing guest artists for this summer's Third Coast Trombone Retreat! We then give our thoughts on the movie "Maestro" as well as debating our top five cheap beers. Ever wondered if Stanley mugs could be the new Beanie Babies? Wrapping things up, we muse over the perks of social media sabbaticals, the bygone era of messenger pigeons, and the thrills of performing a co-commissioned concerto. It's an episode peppered with Tex-Mex cravings, an invitation to connect (don't be shy to share your own stories!), and a warm reminder of the camaraderie within our music-filled world.

Lastly, we pay tribute to our late colleague Lance LaDuke, whose impact on our community will be missed immeasurably.

Check out the International Trombone Festival at www.internationaltrombonefestival.com

Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat

Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat
 
Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta)

Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera

Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz

Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com

Support the show

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Can a beard and bow tie truly alter the landscape of a performance? In today's episode, we tackle these questions head-on. We commence on a somber note, sharing news and sending love to our dear friend Lance LaDuke after his scary accejent. We urge you to send your prayers and positive energy his way. Amidst this hardship, we underscore the beauty in finding joy in the smallest of things.

Bolo ties, beards, weird gig offers, art deserts, chubby cheeks FUNdamentals, merch ideas, and gratitude in this wee 's Fifth Position. 

Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat

Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat
 
Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta)

Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera

Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz

Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever wondered what happens when two working musicians try to podcast at 8am? Today, Nick and Seba tian take you behind the scenes of these performances, sharing heartwarming stories that made the audience's holiday experience even more meaningful. We also reveal the new title for this short-form series - yes, you've voted and we've listened! 

We then explore the path of making a career in music and how it can wonderfully translate to other professions. Topics include: children interacting with tubas, what to say to people after an audition, what to do if your colleague is lacking, answering listener questions, Sebastian's obsession with first class and more! 

Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat

Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat
 
Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta)

Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera

Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz

Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

It's just about Thanksgiving so we have another delicious episode to be thankful for! Have you ever been struck by the strength difference between your left and right arm?  We also find ourselves reminiscing about childhood experiences of pilfering balls from ball pits and the shock of static electricity from plastic slides. Plus, we're on the hunt for a title for our podcast series, and we want you to be a part of it. 

Diving further into the trombone world, we share a heartwarming story of a septuagenarian who took up the trombone following a dream. Not to mention, we tackle a listener questions and the amazing trombone quora of the week. 

As we gear up for Thanksgiving, the conversation turns to the challenges trombone players face in orchestras and our frustrations over conductors failing to make the best use of our time and round it out with new gratitude. Lastly, we bring you up to speed on our podcast updates. Lesssgo! 

Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat

Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat
 
Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta)

Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera

Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz

Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Who knew that finding a suitable name for a podcast could take us on a roller coaster of creativity? Nick and Sebastian sift through all of your brilliant suggestions.  We also talk about trombone MacGyver moments in the clutch, trombone google keyword news, submitted questions about breaking in a slide, gripe of the week, how a trombone is best used as a weapon, Bach therapy, beauty in the world and most likely more. 

Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat

Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat
 
Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta)

Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera

Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz

Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

We're doing something new! What is it? Great question! But it's new! So that's cool, right? Introducing Nick and Sebastian's first new weekly pod where they talk about trombone news, weekly gripes, answer questions and much more! Today we're lifting the lid on the long-debated topic of cut bells on trombones and also call out some bad personnel manager behavior. Lastly, we get into how the world is finally realizing that trombonists are the best lovers. 

Email us questions and ideas at [email protected]

Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat

Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat
 
Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta)

Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera

Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz

Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Nick and Sebastian hang out with Ava Ordman, professor of trombone at Michigan State University and general badass.  In our conversation, we delve into the world of music shaped by Ava's experiences. She recounts her struggles with people-pleasing, and the unique challenges of being chosen to perform Donald Erb's trombone concerto. But it goes beyond music; Ava opens up about her personal journey of transformation studying psychology, and how she learned to own her emotions and assert her boundaries. Listen, as Ava shares her wisdom on navigating the complex dynamics of teaching, including the importance of maintaining healthy teacher-student relationships.

As we wrap up, Ava takes us through her journey at Michigan State University, and her decision to retire. Her story is a vivid illustration of the psychology of teaching and the importance of honesty, self-confidence, and setting boundaries. But the central theme in our conversation is the power of relationships - from her relationship with her therapist to her connections in the music world. From the physical to the emotional, from the trials to the triumphs, Ava's story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of passion.

Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat

Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat
 
Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta)

Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera

Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz

Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Nick and Sebastian interview LA Studio Legends Alan Kaplan and Bill Reichenbach live at the 2023 International Trombone Festival in Salt Lake City on the campus University of Utah! They talk about their incredible careers recording thousands of movies, how working with Quincy Jones was one of Bill's first big breaks, playing the trombone glisses on Lost and so much more!

Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat
 
Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta)

Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera

Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz

Learn more about the Trombone Retreat here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat

Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat

Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat
 
Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta)

Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera

Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz

Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Nick and Sebastian are joined by jazz legend and trombonist of the Saturday Night Live Band, Steve Turre. Steve talks about four decades with SNL, his discovery of conch shells and the profound relationship and influence JJ Johnson had in his life.

Steve Turre's favorite recordings:
"Lament" by J.J. Johnson
"Misty" w/ Ray Charles from Spur of the Moment Album
"Midnight Montuno" from Viewpoint Album
"Fire and Ice" featuring Steve Turre
"African Shells Second Interlude: The Dream" from Santified Shells Album
"No Regrets" - The Very Thought of You Album

All solos transcribed in his book "The Steve Turre Collection" Amazon

Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat

Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat
 
Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta)

Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera

Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz

San Francisco sounds: https://freesound.org/people/graihwing/sounds/578082/

Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com
.

Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat

Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat
 
Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta)

Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera

Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz

Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Nick and Sebastian are joined by Mark Lawrence, former principal trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony of 34 years! We talk about experiencing 4 different music directors, those famous Blomstedt recordings and too many life lessons to mention!

Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat

Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat
 
Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta)

Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera

Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz

San Francisco sounds: https://freesound.org/people/graihwing/sounds/578082/

Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com

Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat

Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat
 
Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta)

Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera

Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz

Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com

Support the show