Being a trombone player at APA is an experience that opens players to a wide variety of styles and disciplines. We cover all the basics - good technique, precise rhythm, tuning, aspects of ensemble playing, and so on - and students work on both classical and jazz styles, performing in Brass Ensemble, Big Band and often in small jazz combos that perform both at APA and in the community.

Exposure to international standards is important, and this was the focus of a recent APA Trombone Studio trip to New York City to attend the International Trombone Festival (ITF) at the Linclon Centre. This festival featured some of the biggest names in the trombone world such as Urbie Green, Wycliff Gordon and Jo Alessi.

Trombonists in Trinidad

The festival consisted of four days of concerts and masterclasses from some of the world's finest classical and jazz trombone players. The venue was well-equipped to hold performances, showcase trombone manufacturers and host the four hundred trombonists attending. The Lincoln Centre's proximity to a number of great other venues also added to the attraction of the festival which coordinated a number of external performances featuring the trombone.

The festival started with an attempt to set a new world record for the largest trombone choir ever assembled. APA's trombone professor Aidan Chamberlain and trombone student Kevin Inniss participated in this record-breaking event that was broadcast on CNBC news showing 370 trombonists from around the world performing music by Bernstein and Wagner.

Jo Alessi, ITF President, conducts the mass trombone choir at the Lincoln Center

As part of the festival, Professor Chamberlain and Kevin Innis attended a performance by the New York Philharmonic which featured Principal Trombone Jo Alessi performing the world premiere of the Trombone Concerto by William Bolcom.  This was a highlight of the trip and, in Kevin's words, "My eyes were opened to this level of musicianship."

Kevin had the opportunity to meet jazz legend Steve Turre in close quarters at the Smoke Jazz and Supper Club on Broadway which hosted the Bones of Art. The group consisted of a rhythm section and three very fine trombonists: Steve Turre, Steve Davis and Ku-umba Frank Lacy.  Kevin recalls the performance:

"At these late night jazz sessions I got to experience and interact with some of the top jazz trombonists in New York. One song that really stood out for me was called Settegast Strut: through the harmonies and the mood of the song, the musicians told a powerful story."

Packed into the intimate surroundings were many other top trombone players, some of whom joined in with the group later in the evening.

Kevin Inniss with jazz legend Steve Turre

"Bones of Art" jazz ensemble

If you are interested in joining the APA as a trombonist - or on any other instrument - apply today at www.u.tt by clicking "Apply Now" and select Artist Diploma in Music Performance or Bachelor of Fine Arts in the Performing Arts.