Trombone in the Bachelor of Music (BMus)

When you join Laurier's trombone studio, you are quickly immersed in a collegial, supportive, nurturing environment of students all working towards a common goal: to improve and grow not just as musicians but as overall awesome humans!

Careers

Orchestra musician (symphony, ballet, opera, community)
Freelance musician (musicals, jingles)
Chamber musician (brass quintet, quartet, trio and many other configurations)
High school or public-school teacher
University professor
Arts administrator
Conductorr

Alumni have successfully pursued law, medicine, business, music therapy and community music.

Auditions

Requirements

Audition repertoire should be performed at a Grade 8 RCM level or higher. RCM formal training and exams are not required.

Perform a study that demonstrates your highest level of technical and musical ability.

Choose a fast and contrasting slow movement.
Prepare major and minor scales.
Sight-reading will be given.

Suggested solos written for tenor trombone:

A. Guilmant, Morceau Symphonique
J. E. Barat, Andante and Allegro
P V de la Nux, Concert Piece
S, Rousseau, Piece Concertante

Transcriptions for tenor trombone:

Galliard, Sonatas
Marcello, Sonatas

Suggested solos written for bass trombone:

Boutry, Tubaroque
Lieb, Concertino Basso

Transcriptions for bass trombone:

Galliard, Sonata #5
Vivaldi, Cello Sonata #3

Audition Advice

Practice, practice, practice! Ensure that the repertoire you choose is within your technical ability. Request a lesson with the resident trombone professor or any musical professional.

Contact our trombone instructor Rachel Thomas before your audition for a complimentary lesson and audition tips.

Program Details

First-Year Courses

MU100: Music at its Contexts
MU181: Ensemble
MU136/137: Musical Skills
MU161/162: Music Theory
MU190A: Applied Study (lessons and masterclass)
three elective courses

Laurier Ensemble and Performance Opportunities

chamber music ensembles
community outreach performances
concerto competitions
Improvisation Concerts Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble
Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Youth Orchestra
student composer concerts
student recitals
Symphony Orchestra
Trombone Choir
Wind Orchestra

Trombone Instructor

Rachel Thomas

Trombone Guest Artists

Alastair Kay, world-renowned jazz trombonist
David Martin, associate professor, head of Brass at Universite de Montreal
Jeffrey Hall, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Joseph Alessi, New York Philharmonic
Trevor Dix (BMus ’96), principal bass trombone, Orchestre Métropolitain
Vanessa Fralick, Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Additional Trombone Facts

Facilities and Equipment

There is a bass trombone for tenor players wishing to branch out and a couple of sackbuts for those at the level to explore early music.
The studio is equipped to provide a seamless transition to remote learning, if needed. Students that may be unable to attend a lesson or studio class in person will have the option to participate in a live remote event or request a recording of the class.

Health and Well-being

You will be a part of a small community of supportive peers and teachers. During you studies, your teacher will help you find an appropriate work-life balance and give you the tools necessary to make sustainable and healthy progress.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Students will have the opportunity to form chamber music groups amongst their peers to perform on student recitals and in the community.
Students are encouraged to apply for summer music programs each year. These programs are located around Canada and throughout the world. Students will receive guidance in putting together their audition packages and applications for each program. Programs range from volunteer teaching to performance music festivals.
Many students are actively preparing for auditions. These auditions range from summer festivals to professional orchestra auditions. Many students also have projects such as arranging, composition, and other groups that they perform with.
Students will be able to take part in performances around the southern Ontario region, participate in masterclasses from industry professionals and have opportunities to play mock auditions to prepare them for professional audition taking.
Joining a brass quintet or quartet is a fantastic way to hone your chamber music skills.
Improvisation Concerts Ensemble (ICE) to explore extended techniques.
Add Jazz Band to your regular ensemble to develop and expand jazz style and improvisation
Trombonists at Laurier are encouraged to work on interesting and innovative chamber repertoire on their own time to perform for the class.
Students are welcome to audit other studios' classes as schedules permit.