NIKKI ABISSINicole Abissi is a professional trombonist and teacher living in New York City. She isSecond Trombone of the historic American Symphony Orchestra, PrincipalTrombone and Mentor of the Montclair Orchestra, performs on Broadway and withprofessional orchestras around the world. Nicole is also an inventor. She hascreated an extension handle for the trombone called, Extendabone. As a shorttrombonist, she knew this is a tool that needs to be available for herself, and otherstudents around the world.

Nicole received her Bachelor of Music degree from The Juilliard School under theinstruction of Joseph Alessi, Principal Trombonist of the New York Philharmonic. Shereceived her Master of Music Degree from Stony Brook University under theinstruction of Michael Powell, Principal Trombonist of the Orchestra of St. Luke’sand member of the world renowned American Brass Quintet. Nicole’s other teachersinclude Per Brevig, Warren Deck, Glenn Dodson, Ian Bousfield, and ThomasRiccobono.

In September of 2007, she began the first of two seasons as a fellow the New WorldSymphony. While there, she had the opportunity to work with one of the premierconductors of our time, Michael Tilson Thomas. Nicole won her first professional

position as the Second Trombonist of the Alabama Symphony for the 2009-2012 seasons. In September of 2012 she joined the ColoradoSymphony as the acting Principal trombonist for the 2012-2013 season. In the same year, she also filled in as acting Principal Trombonein the Macon Symphony under the direction of Ward Stare. Nicole has also had the pleasure of performing with the Atlanta SymphonyOrchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, and Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to her performance experience, Nicole is a passionate teacher. Nicole is an instructor of trombone at Montclair State Universityin New Jersey as well as Mannes Prep. She has given clinics at many fine universities as well as music festivals, such as, Georgia StateUniversity, University of Alabama, Interlochen Arts Camp, Southeast Trombone Symposium, University of Kentucky, Jackson StateUniversity, and Youngstown State University. Her students have gone on to study trombone performance at such schools as The JuilliardSchool, Northwestern University, New England Conservatory and Lynn University. Nicole Abissi is an Antoine Courtois Sponsored Artist.

Estela aragonEstela Aragon (she/her) is a trumpet instructor, entrepreneur, masterclass artist, andperformer. She is a former student of Aric Brian, James Ackley, and Allen Vizzutti.Estela holds a master’s degree in Trumpet Performance from the University of SouthCarolina School of Music and a bachelor’s degree in Music and TrumpetPerformance from the University of Tampa. She has spent her post-graduate schoolyears researching trumpet pedagogy, teaching ably in English and Spanish, andinnovating in educational and entrepreneurial strategies.

Aragon is the creator of TrumpetHeadquarters.com and MusicFitAcademy.com, twodifferent programs to teach the trumpet to students of all ages and experiencelevels, through well-founded pedagogical approaches and methods.

An ambassador for the art of education, Estela launched a full-time private trumpetstudio called Music Fit Academy in 2014; a lesson program driven by athleticthinking in which players “workout” to achieve their highest potential. In 2018, shefounded Trumpet Headquarters, a website to serve the trumpet community with anextensive lineup of complementary resources. The website went on to include theTHQ Trumpet Lessons Online course; a recognized achievement in high qualityonline trumpet education.

Estela is often invited to share her ample experience in music education and entrepreneurship in podcasts, music programs, andconference panels. She has been invited the Oklahoma State Trumpet Studio, Shenandoah University Music Entrepreneurship Program,BrassChix Annual Gathering, Denis Wick Artist Summit, TMEA - Mouthpiece Neophobia Panel, Denis Wick Women in Brass Panel,Diversify the Stand Podcast, and the Musician’s Perspective Podcast. Aragon is also a member of the International Trumpet GuildInclusion and Diversity Committee, where she advocates for changes in support of equality. Currently, Estela is honored to be apreliminary judge for the National Trumpet Competition.

Originally from Lima, Peru, she resides in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas with her fiancée and husky. She likes to spend her free timereading, learning languages and building large LEGO structures.

Dr. STACY bakerDr. Stacy Baker is Professor of Music - Tuba/Euphonium at Morehead State University (KY) where she washonored as the 2016-2017 Distinguished Creative Productions Award recipient and the 2014-2015 DistinguishedTeacher. Originally from Harsens Island, MI, she graduated summa cum laude with her B.M. and M.M. degreesfrom the University of Michigan as a James B. Angell scholar and holds a D.M.A. with highest honors from theUniversity of Illinois.

Baker has toured and recorded throughout the United States Europe, and China as a soloist and foundingmember of SymbiosisDuo, the R.S.V.B. and JUNCTION tuba/euphonium quartets, Monarch Brass, the AthenaBrass Band, as a member of the Lexington Brass Band and MSU’s Horizon Brass quintet. Her quartet,JUNCTION, presented the world premiere of the first Concerto for Tuba Quartet and Wind Band by Austriancomposer Franz Cibulka at the prestigious Mid-Europe Festival in Schladming, Austria in 2002. Baker performswith the Brass Band of Battle Creek and Keith Brion’s New Sousa Band. She has also performed as principaltubist with the Warren Symphony, the Allen Park Symphony and as substitute tubist with the Detroit SymphonyOrchestra, the Illinois Symphony, the Champaign/Urbana Symphony, the Danville Symphony, the OwensboroSymphony and the Lexington Philharmonic.

Baker formed the professional tuba euphonium duo, SYMBIOSISDUO, with Dr. Gail Robertson in 2007 toincrease awareness of the tuba/euphonium duo as a performance medium and to promote and disseminate newworks for this unique combination of instruments. The duo chose the name "SYMBIOSISDUO" from the concertduet of that name written for them by composer Chris Sharp. In the program notes for the work he writes:"Symbiosis is defined as, 'A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence . . . The technical and range-requirements for each solo instrument are comparable, suggesting a 'separate but equal' relationship." This is aninnovative and challenging approach to duet writing for tuba and euphonium producing 'the symbiosis effect' asthe tuba is not relegated to an accompanying role, but is equal in all aspects of music with the other voice in theduo, the euphonium.

Her duo’s debut album, SymbiosisDuo, was selected as finalist for the International Tuba Euphonium Association’s 2010 Roger Bobo Award for Recording Excellence in ChamberMusic. The duo’s second album, Playground was released in 2015 including American composer James Grant’s double concerto, Playground, and Franz Cibulka’s Wallstreet. Bothalbums were funded through Morehead State University Creative Production Grants. In 2016, they joined Dr. Deanna Swoboda and SSG Lauren Veronie-Curran to release theR.S.V.B. Tuba/Euphonium Quartet album - Fanfare and Flourish: Celebrating Women Composers. She and Dr. Gail Robertson presented the American premier of the first doubleconcerto for euphonium, tuba and orchestra, The World of Dreams by Spanish composer Eduardo Nogueroles with Orchestra Iowa at the 2019 International Tuba EuphoniumConference at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.

Baker has performed and presented clinics at numerous conferences hosted by the International Tuba/Euphonium Association (ITEA), International Women’s Brass Conference(IWBC), U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Tuba/Euphonium Workshop, International Euphonium Tuba Festival, and the Kentucky, Florida and Michigan Music Educator’sAssociations. A former camper, she was honored to return to Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp as featured tuba artist for the 32nd Annual Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and TubaFestival in 2017 where she and Robertson premiered their commission of American composer Eric Knechtges’ double concerto for euphonium, tuba and wind band, "Twin LakeReflections." She was the featured tuba artist for the 2019 International Women’s Brass Conference at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.

Baker served together with Robertson as co-instrumental advisor and co-curriculum designer for the Pro-Series Elite Practice Systems for Tuba and Euphonium, providing allexercises, instruction and quartet arrangements as well as performing as on-screen talent alongside some of their students for the revolutionary pedagogical series of 10 DVDs for tubaand 10 DVDs for euphonium. The project was fully funded and released by American Product Group, LLC in 2013 along with similar series for each of the wind instruments. She serveson the board of directors of the International Tuba Euphonium Association. She has served on the board of directors of the International Women’s Brass Conference and as co-editor ofthe IWBC Newsletter. Her feature article: “Making and Maintaining a Great Lip-Reed” appeared in the September 2019 edition of the ArbanZone online magazine.

Dr. Hana BeloglavecTrombonist and pedagogue Hana Beloglavec has a dynamic career performing as asoloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician, and teaching at Louisiana StateUniversity. In March 2020, Beloglavec performed the Lars-Erik Larsson TromboneConcertino with the U.S. Army Orchestra as a guest artist of the American TromboneWorkshop. As a soloist, she has been interested in pieces for loop pedal andtrombone and has commissioned two pieces, Chemical Reaction by Marc Mellits,and Give and Take by Molly Joyce.

Beloglavec was a core member of Seraph Brass from 2017-2020 and with the groupperformed and taught across the United States and the world. With Seraph, she wasa guest artist at the 2019 Busan Maru International Music Festival in South Korea,the 2017 and 2018 Lieksa Brass Week in Finland, and the 2019 Artosphere MusicFestival in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Also deeply interested in orchestral music, Beloglavec currently performs as asubstitute trombonist with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and the LouisianaPhilharmonic Orchestra. In summer of 2019 she performed as a substitute for theArmenian National Philharmonic’s production of Verdi’s Otello. She has alsoperformed as a substitute trombonist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under

conductors Charles Dutoit, Sir Mark Elder, Ludovic Morlot, and Esa-Pekka Salonen, as well as the Chicago-based early-music ensembleMusic of the Baroque under Jane Glover and Nicholas Kraemer. Beloglavec also performed as a member of the American Institute ofMusical Studies Festival Orchestra in Graz, Austria.

Hana Beloglavec received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Northwestern University, where she studied with Professors MichaelMulcahy, Douglas Wright, Timothy Higgins, Randall Hawes, and Christopher Davis. She completed her Master of Music degree at YaleUniversity and her Bachelor of Music degree at Western Michigan University, where she studied with Professor Scott Hartman and Dr.Steve Wolfinbarger, respectively. In 2019 she was awarded the Early Career Award from Western Michigan University’s College of FineArts. Hana Beloglavec is currently the assistant professor of music at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where sheteaches trombone and chamber music. Hana Beloglavec is a Shires Artist and an Ultimate Brass Artist.

Monica bensonMonica Benson is a multifaceted artist and music educator. Her love formusic and teaching has led her to be a sought after performer andeducator. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Monica moved to Chicago to attendDePaul University where she earned a Bachelor's and a Master's degreein Music. As a performer, Monica has played with numerous groupsincluding the Brass Band of Battle Creek, The Ides of March, the ChicagoBrass Band and indie rock group The Generationals. Her versatility as aperformer has led to her ongoing residency as the official Bugler at theArlington International Racecourse since 2014. Monica is an ArtistAmbassador for Denis Wick Products.

In 2018 her various passions within music inspired her to commission anew work for unaccompanied trumpet entitled "Out of the Gates" bycomposer Jim Stephenson. This piece is currently set to be performed byMonica at the International Trumpet Guild conference. Due to herexperience as a freelancer and educator, she was an invited guest speakerand lecturer at the International Women's Brass Conference in 2019.

As an educator, Monica believes that each student is brilliant and unique in their own way. This approach focuses oncultivating not only good musicians but also good people. She prioritizes the specific needs of the student and createstailored lesson plans to help them cultivate a love for music and accountability to their goals. Currently, she teaches a widerange of students at various locations. Monica teaches at the Merit School of Music, Lincoln Park High School, andLockport Township High School. Since 2018, she has also been teaching at her former alma mater in the DePaulCommunity Music Division. In the future, Monica hopes to teach trumpet and entrepreneurship at the collegiate level.

In her free time, Monica enjoys photography, spending time with her cats and curling up with a good book and a cup ofcoffee. She currently resides in Chicago, IL. https://monicabensontrumpet.com/

Dr. Carrie blosserDr. Carrie Blosser is a versatile trumpet performer and music educator. Herexperiences range from being a solo performer, a high school band director, directorof a community band program, studio teacher of 60 students, and a militarymusician.

Currently, she is a Trumpet Instrumentalist stationed with Navy Band Great Lakes inChicago, Illinois. Before moving to Chicago, she was a Fleet Forces Brass Quintetand Wind Ensemble member. Dr. Blosser performed over 120 concerts for militaryand diplomatic ceremonies, community events, and clinics per year. In addition toher duties with the U.S. Navy, she teaches private trumpet students of all ages andgives master-classes, lectures, and performances across the country.

Previously she maintained a Colorado-based studio of 65 students, working closelywith multiple schools to deliver weekly clinics, and conducted the Rocky MountainConcert Band. Before starting her doctoral program, Dr. Blosser was the Director ofBands at Cooper, Junior and Senior High School in Cooper, Texas. Her students’achievements include selection to Pennsylvania, Texas, and Colorado All-StateBands and advancement to the semi-finals of the National Trumpet Competition asSoloists and Ensemble Performers.

An active performer, Dr. Blosser, was selected as a semi-finalist at the National Trumpet Competition as a Soloist and Ensemble member.She was also a semi-finalist in the Rocky Mountain Concerto Competition in Greeley, Colorado. Over the past two decades, she hasperformed with numerous orchestras across four states.

Originally from Etters, Pennsylvania, Dr. Blosser received her Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Messiah College, Master ofMusic in Music Education and Trumpet Performance from the University of Northern Colorado, and Doctor of Musical Arts from theUniversity of Colorado-Boulder. Her principal teachers include Dr. William Stowman, Dr. Robert Murray, and Terry Sawchuk.

Dr. Blosser is a recipient of the National Medal of Arts for her service as a musician in the U.S. military “for personifying excellence inmusic and service to country.”

Velvet brownVelvet Brown is profoundly passionate about teaching and is a Distinguished Professor of Musicat the Pennsylvania State University. She teaches applied tuba and euphonium and coordinatesthe brass chamber music program. Many of her students have won prestigious playing andteaching positions and were prizewinners at various regional, national and internationalcompetitions. Brown also serves as the Associate Director of the School of Music for Equity,Diversity and Inclusion.

Velvet Brown enjoys a career as professor, international soloist, chamber ensemble performer,recording artist, conductor, and orchestral player. She has performed and taught in Italy,Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Finland, France, England, Hungary, Slovenia, Russia, Japan,Cuba, Canada and the United States. Ms. Brown is currently the principal tubist of the NewHampshire Music Festival Orchestra. Brown was honored to be principal tuba with the Hope andHarmony Ensemble which recorded a video of fanfares for the 2021 Presidential Inaugurationconducted by Marin Alsop. She has served as principal tuba with the River City Brass band,guest principal with the Lahti Philharmonic in Finland and as substitute or additional tubist withthe Detroit Symphony, Saint Louis Symphony, San Francisco Women’s Philharmonic Orchestra,and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Having performed and worked closely with jazz andcommercial artists regarded as some of the most influential musicians of all time, includingHoward Johnson, Bob Stewart and Doc Severinsen, she felt inspired to explore new territories inher music career. As a consequence, influenced also by some personal experiences, shedecided to explore in music how life events shape one’s creativity and thus started a veritablemusic renaissance, which involves soul-searching musical patterns and a more profound

relationship with the audience. She is the co- founder of MOJATUBA: Tuba and Dance Fusion Project, and is in her 15th year as lead tuba with HowardJohnson's "Gravity" Tuba Jazz Ensemble.

Velvet Brown has been an invited solo artist or tuba solo artist adjudicator at the International Tuba and Euphonium Conferences since 1998. She has alsoserved as guest conductor for festivals in the United States in Maine, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania as well asabroad in Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Japan, and Canada. Brown is also honored to be Visiting Artist Faculty at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University.Prior to her tenure at Penn State, she also taught at Bowling Green State University (Ohio), Ball State University (Indiana), and served as an associatedirector of University Bands at Boston University.

Brown has garnered high praise as a founding and current member of Stiletto Brass Quintet, Monarch Brass Quintet and Brass Ensemble, the Quintet ofAmericas and the Pennsylvania Brassworks. Moreover, she is also a founding board member of the International Women’s Brass Conference.She hasreleased four solo CDs, and has collaborated on several other recordings as a soloist and ensemble member, such as Stiletto Brass Quintet featuring DocSeverinsen, trumpet, on one of her original compositions, Testimony (Howard Johnson and Gravity) as lead tuba, and a solo tuba jazz recording with theCleveland Jazz Ensemble with Paul Ferguson, director. Velvet Brown is a Buffet/Crampon Performing Artist, performing on the MW 2250 and 2182 F tubas,and the MW 2000 and MW 3450 C tubas. She is also a performing artist for Denis Wick mouthpieces, mutes, and accessories.

Dr. Amy cherryAmy Cherry is a freelance musician and trumpet teacher in the Philadelphia area.She holds a B.M. in Trumpet Performance from the University of Illinois and an M.M.and D.M.A. in Trumpet Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

Dr. Cherry served as a visiting professor at Delaware State University in 2016. Shewas an Assistant Professor of Music at Western Carolina University from 2008-2014, and has previously held the position of Instructor of Trumpet at MoreheadState University, Wright State University and East Tennessee State University. In2018 Dr. Cherry became a Teaching Artist with Project 440 in Philadelphia.

She currently performs with the Brandywine Brass Quintet, the Liberty WindEnsemble, and the Maryland Winds. She has served as Principal Trumpet with theAsheville Lyric Opera, Assistant Principal Trumpet with the SpartanburgPhilharmonic, and Third Trumpet with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra. She hasperformed with numerous ensembles including the Chamber Orchestra ofPhiladelphia, Allentown Symphony, Reading Symphony, Kingsport Symphony,Johnson City Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, Dayton PhilharmonicOrchestra, Dayton Opera, Lexington Philharmonic, Winston-Salem Symphony, Flat

Rock Playhouse, Mannheim Steamroller, Monarch Brass Ensemble, Athena Brass Band, and the Summit Brass Ensemble.

Since 2000, Dr. Cherry has been involved with the International Women’s Brass Conference (IWBC), a non-profit organization thatsupports women brass musicians, and currently serves as a Board Member and Secretary of that organization. She also authors abiannual column exploring health and wellness issues for brass players, entitled Brass in Balance, which is published in the IWBCnewsletter.

Amy is an active chamber musician interested in reaching new audiences and expanding the repertoire for brass instruments. To achievethose goals she founded the Balaton Chamber Brass in 2010 with her husband, trombonist Dan Cherry. Their debut album, ChangingTimes & Colorswas released in 2015 on the Albany Records label.

Amanda collinsDescribed as “impressively solid” by the Dallas Morning News, Amanda Collins has quicklybecome a highly sought after performer and educator nationally and abroad.

Ms. Collins is a graduate of the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, Preparatory(certificate), Pennsylvania State University (BM) and Southern Methodist University (MM). Shehas studied under the tutelage of some of the finest living horn players, including GregoryHustis, Lisa Bontrager, Larry Williams, Eli Epstein and Richard Deane.

Ms. Collins is currently third horn with the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra and second horn withthe American Studio Orchestra. In 2017, Ms. Collins was appointed Principal horn of theGateways Festival Orchestra, an ensemble featuring professional musicians of African descent.She has performed with several notable ensembles including the Dallas Symphony Orchestra,Kansas City Symphony, Memphis Symphony, Opera Memphis, Sphinx Symphony Orchestra andthe Lyric Brass Quintet. Ms. Collins recently made her UK debut performing as principal hornwith the Chineke! Orchestra on their 2019 UK tour. A sought after freelancer nationally, sheregularly performs for a variety of musical theaters, gospel and R&B/soul ensembles, popsensembles and opera companies. Performances include Mary Poppins- Hershey Theater,Titanic- Signature Theater, various productions with the Soulful Symphony, Opera NOVA and theWashington Opera Society. Ms. Collins appears regularly as a soloist and guest artist. Adedicated chamber musician, she is a member of the Missouri Quintet and the University ofMissouri Faculty Brass Quintet. Ms. Collins was a featured artist in 2017 and 2018 on thenational radio show, Performance Today, hosted by Fred Child, broadcasted by American Public

Media, performing Francis Poulenc’s Sextet for Piano and Wind Quintet, FP 100 with members of the Gateways Music Festival. Additionally, she performedwith the Gateways Brass Collective on Backstage Pass with Julia Figeras on WXXI, NPR in January of 2019 in Rochester, NY.

Ms. Collins is a passionate educator and is currently Assistant Teaching Professor of French Horn at the University of Missouri. Formerly, she was AdjunctProfessor of French Horn at Montgomery College and the University of the District of Columbia. She also served as Instructor of French Horn at the PeabodyInstitute of the Johns Hopkins University, Preparatory and the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. In addition to private instruction, Ms. Collins has taughtclasses in music theory, chamber music and ensemble playing. A strong supporter of diversity and inclusion in the arts, many of Ms. Collins’ students hailfrom under-served and underrepresented communities. Ms. Collins served on faculty at the Prizm International Chamber Music Festival in 2018 where sheworked with students of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. In addition to performing and teaching, Ms. Collins regularly attends events and conferences,the focus of which is on performing and teaching the French horn, promoting and creating a network of diverse musicians, artists and instructors, andadministrative networking and conversations. In 2017 and 2018, she was selected as a fellow at the Sphinx Connect conference in Detroit, MI. In 2019, Ms.Collins was interviewed on Backstage with Lee Thomas on Detroit Public Television during the 2019 Sphinx Competition. Ms. Collins is routinely a guestspeaker at symposiums and events, discussing a wide range of topics including diversity and inclusion in the arts, college auditioning technique, collegecareer management and entrepreneurship for college students and graduates.

Ms. Collins is affiliated with the American Federation of Musicians and the International Horn Society. She currently plays a Yamaha 867 French horn andLaskey 75G gold plate mouthpiece.

Abbie conantIWBC Pioneer Award Winner, Performance artist and Juilliard trained trombonistAbbie Conant is somewhat of a legend in the orchestral brass world. The story ofher epic fight against egregious gender discrimination in the Munich PhilharmonicOrchestra where she won the position at a screened audition in 1993, inspiredauthor Malcolm Gladwell to write the NY Times Bestseller, Blink where Abbie’s storyis detailed in the last chapter. The 11 year long court battle was documented bycomposer/musicologist/activist, William Osborne in an article entitled, “You SoundLike a Ladies Orchestra.” After winning her lengthy court case, Abbie won a full-tenured Professorship at the University of Music in Trossingen, Germany and left theorchestra in 1993. As part of the severance agreement, the Munich Philhamonic hadto allow her to attend the first International Women’s Brass Conference in St. Louiswhere she was a guest artist. Abbie has performed instrumental music theaterworks with surround sound electronics in over 150 different cities around the world.She has given masterclasses in as many esteemed music institution such as TheJuilliard School, The Eastman School, New England Conservatory, Yale School ofMusic, Indiana University, Royal Northern College of Music, Gotheberg, Sweden,DePaul, CalArts, McGill, Oberlin and many others. While attending National MusicCamp at Interlochen, Michigan in 1970, she won a scholarship to the InterlochenArts Academy. She received her B.M. cum laude at Temple University with Dee

Stewart of the Philadelphia Orchestra then her M.M. at Juilliard with Metropolitan Orchestra Principal, Per Brevig. In addition, she holdsan Artist Diploma from the Cologne University of Music with Branimir Slokar. At the suggestion of her teacher Dr. Karl Hinterbichler, sheattend Tanglewood through the Boston University Tanglewood Institute (where she studied with bass trombonist of the BSO, GordonHallberg). She won the audition for the Colorado Philhamonic (an intensive training orchestra), Yale Summer Chamber Music Institute atNorfolk where she studied with John Swallow, and New College Music Festival as Brass Trio in Residence). The Spoleto Festival dei dueMondi took her to Italy where she studied contemporary music with Vinko Globokar at the L’Accademia Chigiana in Siena. From there,she won her first position as principal trombone of the Royal Opera of Turin, Italy. Her next position was for principal trombone of theMunich Philharmonic for 13 years where she was awarded the official honorable title of Kammersolistin der Stadt Muenchen after 10years of exemplary musical service to the city of Munich, Germany. She has had film roles in the feature film, The Devil’s Triangle,directed by Vadim Glowna and in the epic 13 film story of a German composer’s life and times, Die Zweite Heimat, (The SecondHomeland) by dir. Edgar Reitz. Abbie has students in many different orchestras and teaching positions including, two former students inthe Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, the Stuttgart State Opera, the Southwest German Radio Orchestra, The Hamburg Symphony, theRegensburg Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, to name a few. Her critically acclaimed CD Trombone and Organ is on the Auditelabel and the DVD Music for the End of Time, an hour long tone poem for trombone, video and electronics inspired by six visions of theRevelation of St. John the Divine, and composed by William Osborne, is available through Polymnia Press. The co-composed solo works,Pond, and As it Were of a Trumpet Talking are available per download from http://www.osborne-conanr.org

Cristina cutts doughertyCristina Cutts Dougherty (b. 1998) grew up in South Africa, England, New York, andNew Mexico. She was named as the Young Artist winner of the International Tuba &Euphonium Competition in 2016. That same year, she was unanimously chosen asthe winner of the National Symphony's Summer Music Institute concerto competitionand as a result she performed the Vaughan Williams Tuba Concerto with theorchestra as a soloist in the Kennedy Center. Upon moving to Los Angeles for herundergraduate studies, she was recognized as the “Most Promising Talent," of thePasadena Showcase Instrumental Competition for woodwinds, brass, and strings,and went on in 2017 to win the Grand Prize overall in the same competition - thefirst tubist in the history of the competition to do so, and the youngest candidate inthat year’s final round. Cristina has appeared as a soloist with the Colburn Orchestraand was a National YoungArts Foundation Medalist.

Cristina has played orchestrally as the Principal Tubist of the American YouthSymphony, with the New World Symphony, as a fellow with the National RepertoryOrchestra. She currently holds the position of Principal tuba with Symphony in C, inCamden, NJ, and is the 2020/2021 Tuba Fellow for the Music Academy of the West.She is also a proud recipient of several grants from the Sphinx Organization'sNational Alliance for Audition Support. She has played chamber music with brass

musicians from the New York Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In summer 2019, Cristina was part of the "Full HouseBrass Quintet" at Music From Angel Fire, in Angel Fire New Mexico, where she gave public performances and played nearly 20 outreachshows for schools in Northern New Mexico - continuing her love for sharing music and teaching. In 2020 Cristina joined the guest-artistroster of Seraph Brass, a touring all-female brass quintet.

Cristina graduated with honors from the Interlochen Arts Academy in 2015, where she was a finalist in the concerto competition and apupil of trombonist Thomas Riccobono for two years. In 2019, she received her Bachelor of Music in Tuba Performance from the ColburnSchool, studying with Norman Pearson of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. She is now a student of Craig Knox of the Pittsburgh SymphonyOrchestra and Paul Krzywicki at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia; the first female tubist to attend the Curtis Institute since its founding in1924. Cristina plays on an Eastman 836 CC tuba and a Yamaha 822 F tuba.

Jan dugaJan Duga is a freelance tubist and educator in the Washington,D.C. metropolitan area. She served 30 years in The United StatesAir Force Band, Washington D.C., until her retirement in 2013 as aChief Master Sergeant. In addition to her performing duties, Janwas a tour manager for the Concert Band and in charge of severalorganization-wide duties including personnel, administration,auditions and marketing/outreach.

Jan graduated from The Ohio State University in 1980 with aBachelor of Music Education degree and a Master of Music degreein solo tuba performance from Arizona State University in 1982. Herteachers include, Robert LeBlanc, Raymond Nutaitis, ArnoldJacobs, Michael Bunn and Paul Krzywicki. She also taught in theChillicothe, Ohio public school system. Jan has been a featuredsoloist at both the 1992 and 1998 ITEC. A charter member of the

Board of Directors of the International Women’s Brass Conference (IWBC), she served as secretary for 3years, and was honored at the 2012 conference with the first Lifetime Service Award. She is the currentConference Co-Chair for IWBC and Manager of Monarch Brass.

Amy gilreathAmy Gilreath, a founding member of Stiletto Brass Quintet, has anactive professional career as both a performer and universityprofessor. She is Principal Trumpet with the Illinois SymphonyOrchestra, the Illinois Chamber Orchestra, and serves as theDirector of the Orvieto Musica Trumpet Fest in Orvieto Italy. Amyhas appeared as a soloist with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, theLeyland Brass Band, the Illinois Chamber Orchestra, OrvietoMusica Chamber Orchestra, as well as many university and highschool bands. She has been an invited soloist and clinician at theSounds News Music Festival in Canterbury, England; the HansMarteau Brass Festival in Hof, Germany; and the Exploring theTrumpet Festival in Kalavrita, Greece, the International Women’sBrass Conference, and the International Trumpet GuildConference. In 2010 she appeared as the first woman soloist at theInternational Romantic Trumpet Festival held in St. Petersburg.

Amy has received numerous praises for her solo CD entitled “Enjoying Life”, and can be heard on the Sinfoniada Camera recording “Enescu: Impressions and Chamber Symphony” released by Albany Records. She wasthe featured artist in the December 2009 international magazine “The Brass Herald.”

Amy is currently Professor of Trumpet at Illinois State University and also serves on the Board of Directors forthe International Trumpet Guild. Amy has been co-host of the 2003 and 2006 International Women’s BrassConference. Amy is a B&S Trumpets Performing Artist.

Dr. joanna ross herseyA native Vermonter, tuba and euphonium soloist Joanna Ross Hersey has producedtwo solo albums, O quam mirabilis (2010) and Zigzags (2015), featuring music bycomposers including Hildegard von Bingen and Libby Larson in combination withher own works. Joanna is President of the International Women’s BrassConference, Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at the University of North Carolina atPembroke, and a Yamaha and Parker Mouthpiece Performing Artist. As acomposer, her new Fresh Faces series highlights diverse music for solo andchamber brass, available from her website. Joanna’s newest solo composition,ElevenTwelve, for solo tuba and electronics, takes soloist and audience alike on atour of Hildegard von Bingen’s convent, through a map presented as a graphicscore.

As a member of the Alchemy Tuba-Euphonium Quartet, Joanna performsthroughout North America and Europe and can be heard on the group’s recordingsVillage Dances and Prelude and Groove. For sixteen years Alchemy has been inresidence each February at the Horn-Tuba Workshop in Jever, Germany where thegroup performs recitals, gives master-classes and conducts ensembles. Joannastudied with Dan Perantoni at Arizona State University, received a Master of Musicin Tuba Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music studying with

Chester Schmitz, and earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Tuba Performance from the Hartt School. Beginning her career as PrincipalTubist with the United States Coast Guard Band, Joanna performed throughout the country as a soloist and clinician after winning theposition at the age of nineteen. Joanna has played for three U.S. Presidents, performed at numerous state functions for visitingdignitaries, and has appeared on The Today Show and Good Morning America. In her freelance career she has performed with artistsincluding Placido Domingo, Roberta Flack, Marilyn Horne, Arlo Guthrie, Michael Bolton, Lee Greenwood, Arturo Sandoval and JackNicholson. In collaboration with Parker Mouthpieces, Joanna has debuted the Hersey Artist Model Tuba Mouthpiece, featuring a threecomponent stainless steel design.

Joanna’s research interests focus on brass history and women in 20th Century American music, and her work has been published in theInternational Tuba Euphonium Journal, the International Women’s Brass Conference Newsletter, the Historic Brass Society Journal, theNorth Carolina Music Educator’s Journal and the Journal of Historical Research in Music Education. Joanna has also contributedchapters to three books, Bands of Sisters: U.S. Military Bands During World War II, Women’s Bands in America: Performing Music andGender, and An Early History of Music Education in Universities: The Normal School Years.

Catie hickeyChicago-based musician Catie Hickey leads a multi-faceted careeras a trombonist, educator, and arts advocate. Active as a jazzmusician, soloist, chamber music artist, and orchestral player, herwork has taken her to cities throughout Europe, Africa and theAmericas. Before returning to Chicago, Ms. Hickey was a touringmember of the Foothills Brass Quintet. She has performed with thesymphonies of St. Louis, Calgary, Rochester and Sinaloa, Mexico.Locally, Catie is a guest with groups ranging from Lowdown BrassBand to the Lake Forest Symphony.

Committed to expanding the role of the 21st century musician,Catie's work often takes her beyond the stage and into the broadercommunity. At home in Chicago, she is Instructor of Low Brass forLoyola University, Brass Faculty for the Francis Parker School, anda busy studio instructor in the western suburbs. Each summer,

Catie serves on the faculty of the Eastman Summer Trombone Institute. An alumna of the Youth Orchestra ofthe Americas, she is the Co-Founder of the Taller de Trombones in Panama, Panama. Catie also enjoysassociations with the Trombonanza Festival in Santa Fe, Argentina and the Urubrass Festival in Montevideo,Uruguay. Catie previously taught trombone and jazz studies at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

Ms. Hickey is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and Rice University with degrees in both classicalperformance and jazz studies, as well as obtaining a certificate in Arts Leadership. When not performing orteaching, Catie is working on her Spanish and rooting for the Chicago Cubs.

Bente illevoldBente Illevold (b. 1983) is the euphonium teacher at the NorwegianAcademy of Music in Oslo. She comes from Rendalen inØsterdalen and plays the euphonium. Over the past few years, shehas left her mark as an innovative performer and has gainedrecognition for her performances of several new works for theinstrument, both at home and abroad. She has a master’s degreefrom the Norwegian Academy of Music and has performed withseveral of the country’s professional bands and orchestras. Benteis passionate about expanding the euphonium repertoire andallowing the instrument to unfold in new constellations andcontexts, and has commissioned seven major works for theeuphonium. She works daily as a freelance musician and isregularly invited as a guest teacher at the country’s educationalinstitutions and as a soloist at international festivals. She alsoworks as a school band conductor, and is passionate about her

work with youths. Bente is the euphonium player in the Northern Lights Duo. Bente also arranges music forbrass ensembles and wind bands.

Bente is an international S.E. Shires Company Euphonium artist, and was the company`s first pick as theirfirst female and European euphonium artist. Bente performs on Shires Q41 Euphonium and mouthpiecesfrom Doug Elliott. She also work close and cooperate with the Norwegian dealer Polar Brass.

Dr. Erika izaguirreDr. Erika Izaguirre is an active freelance performer and educator in NewEngland, primarily based in Boston. She enjoys a career forming the mindsof young brass musicians from underrepresented communities through herwork in the Intensive Community Program in collaboration with the BostonYouth Symphony Orchestra. Erika also enjoys performing in local chambergroups, orchestras, and music theaters.

As a soloist, Erika has commissioned and premiered works in New Yorkand abroad by composers John Wallace, Sean William Calhoun, and JorgeBennett. She has also performed at the Fringe Festival and has recordedfor the Blue on Blue Recording Studio and for Blue Lake Public Radio.Additionally, Dr. Izaguirre has soloed with Greece Symphony Orchestraand performed with Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, San AntonioSymphony Orchestra, and Symphoria.

Erika earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Eastman School ofMusic. Her primary teachers have included James Thompson, Wiff Rudd,

Ray Sasaki, Boyde Hood, and Tom Stevens.

Currently, Erika is working on a project that highlights the music of Mexican composers through performances,publications, and presentations. In her spare time, she enjoys a good book, outdoor adventures, and experimenting withMexican recipes.

Allyssa jonesAllyssa Jones (M.M. Music Education, Northern Illinois University) is anaward-winning musician and educator whose career spans nearly 30 yearsin the classroom and on stage. Her work includes positions as ProgramDirector for Performing Arts for Boston Public Schools, Head ofAccessibility & Inclusion for the Institute for Composer Diversity andMember-at-Large within the NAfME Council for Innovations. She alsoserved as Music Department Co-Chair at Boston Arts Academy where shefounded the school’s first vocal jazz ensemble and established courses invocal technique and songwriting. She was the first Advocacy and OutreachChair of the Massachusetts MEA-Eastern District, served as Jazz Chair forACDAMassachusetts, co-facilitated the NAfME Perspectives Group, andserved on Boston’s Handel+Haydn Society Education Planning Team.

A prolific presenter, adjudicator and clinician, Jones has led sessions oncreative leadership, culturally responsive teaching, vocal jazz, classroommanagement, and music and adolescent literacy for numerousorganizations, including the Perrone-Sizer Institute, Cantata Singers,

Berklee College of Music, ACDAMassachusetts, MMEA, RIMEA, International Association for Jazz Education. Herconducting credits include over a decade as Vocal Jazz Director at Boston Arts Academy, as well as appearances with theBoston Children’s Chorus and the MMEA-Northeast District Junior Festival Treble Chorus.

Now a full-time composer and education consultant, Jones’ artistic credits include five solo recordings; music festivals andtheatre productions throughout the Northeast and Midwest; and compositions, sound design and music direction forGreater Boston theatre companies, including the Front Porch Arts Collective, Company One Theatre, SpeakEasy StageCompany, The Lyric Stage Company of Boston, Apollinaire Theatre, and OWLL Theatre Company. Her creative work hasgarnered many awards and honors, including a Surdna Artist-Teacher Fellowship and grants from The Puffin Foundation,the Boston Cultural Council and the Boston Foundation. Jones’ company, Jones Creative & Consulting (JCC), developsmusic projects and resources that support dialogue, collaboration and innovation across sectors and communities. JCC’slatest project is a new print music division, Rising Tide Music Press, created to connect emerging Black, Brown,Indigenous and Asian composers with a national network of performers and educators.

*Alyssa Jones is a Panelist for the 2021 Mentor Program

Ashley killamAshley Killam (she/her) is a trumpet player, educator, drill designer, entrepreneur,and international speaker. Ashley works as the co-founder and owner of Diversifythe Stand and the General Manager for Rising Tide Music Press and has spent herpost-school years researching and presenting across the country.

An advocate for creating change in music, Ashley is passionate about buildingawareness for underrepresented voices in music and providing performers andeducators resources to make ethical and sustainable changes in performing andteaching music. She has presented her lecture, “Fanfare for the Unheard” to collegeand high school courses across the United States and Canada, featuring composersand providing resources to include music by underrepresented composers withinindividual programs. From this, she co-founded Diversify the Stand to listen andlearn from the stories of underrepresented voices in the musical community. Alongwith Diversify the Stand, she manages Rising Tide Music Press; publishing works byBBIA (Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Asian) composers and creators. Ashley alsoco-founded of the new Diversity & Inclusion Committee for the International TrumpetGuild and a member of the ITG New Works Committee.

Ashley has performed in a wide range of ensembles, from chamber music to largebands and orchestras, performing professionally with the North Carolina Brass Band, New Mexico Philharmonic, and the Sandia BrassQuintet.

As an educator, Ashley teaches trumpet lessons, sectionals, full brass rehearsals and has worked with students of all ages and skilllevels. She has taught privately for nearly a decade, and many of her students have been recognized for their excellence. Several ofAshley’s students have participated in honor and All-State classical and jazz bands in New Mexico and North Carolina. She has alsodesigned and recorded a 53-week curriculum for beginning voice and yoga, for an educational organization in Blacksburg.

Ashley also has significant marching band experience as a drill writer, visual instructor, and director. She marched for three years with theMarching Illini at the University of Illinois, appearing in Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2014 and the Macy’s Thanksgiving DayParade in 2015. She has written drill since 2014 and has written shows for the Appalachian State University Marching Band, the MarchingIllini Sousaphone section, and high school bands in Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, writing for ensembles with15 to 150 students.

Ashley currently resides in Radford, Virginia, with her husband and corgi puppy, Biscuit. She holds a Master of Music in TrumpetPerformance from the University of New Mexico and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.Her former instructors include Dr. John Marchiando, Charles Daval, Ron Romm, and Mark Thompson.

Dr. Jacquelyn lankfordJacquelyn Lankford is the Assistant Professor of Trumpet atMcNeese State University, acting principal and second trumpet withthe Monroe Symphony Orchestra, and third trumpet in the LakeCharles Symphony Orchestra. She earned her Doctorate inTrumpet Performance with a related field in Music Education fromthe University of North Texas in 2019, Master’s in TrumpetPerformance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music in2016, and Bachelor’s in Music Education from New Mexico StateUniversity in 2014. Jacquelyn is also the founder of the WomenComposing for Trumpet Competition, which was created in 2020.

Ensembles she has performed with include the Monroe SymphonyOrchestra, Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra, Rory Partin BigBand, Calcasieu Brass Band, Richardson Symphony Orchestra,Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra, Big Band on the Rio Grande,

Eastman Wind Ensemble, UNT Symphony Orchestra, and UNT Wind Symphony. In 2019, she was alsoappointed head of the Lake Charles annual Messiah production, which is one of the longest runningperformances of Messiah in the country.

As a soloist, Jacquelyn was invited to Rouen, France to compete in the Eric Aubier International TrumpetCompetition where she was one of only two United States competitors. She has also competed at theNational Trumpet Competition many times in both the solo and ensemble divisions, and won 3rd place in thelarge ensemble division in 2018 with the UNT large ensemble’s performance of Kevin McKee’s Vuelta delFuego.

Dr. brittany laschAs a winner of the 2019 S&R Foundation Washington Award, Trombonist Brittany Lasch hasappeared as a soloist with ensembles such as the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own”, theRodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, and symphonies around the country. With playingdescribed as “masterful” (Syracuse Post-Standard), Brittany is Assistant Professor of Tromboneat Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. Brittany also performs as PrincipalTrombone of the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra at the Detroit Opera House.

Brittany was a winner of Astral Artist’s 2017 National Auditions. She was also the winner of the2015 National Collegiate Solo Competition hosted by the U.S. Army Band, the 2010 Eisenberg-Fried Brass Concerto Competition, and she was the recipient of the Zulalian Foundation Awardin 2014. Her trombone quartet Boston Based won the 2017 International TromboneAssociation’s Quartet Competition. In early 2018, Brittany was awarded 2nd place in TheAmerican Prize solo instrumentalist competition.

Brittany was a finalist in the 2015 International Trombone Association Frank Smith SoloCompetition and has received prizes from the 2015 Enkor Woodwind, Brass and PercussionCompetition, the 2010 Queens Symphony Young Soloist Competition, and the 2006 InternationalWomen’s Brass Conference Competition, as well as the International Trombone Association’sLarry Wiehe Solo Competition and Gilberto Gagliardi Competition. Upon graduation from theManhattan School of Music, she received the coveted John Clark Award for outstandingaccomplishment in Brass Performance.

Brittany has performed with orchestras nationwide including the Detroit Symphony, Nashville Symphony, The Florida Orchestra, Toledo Symphony Orchestra,ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, Rhode Island Philharmonic, the Oregon Bach Festival Orchestra, the Vermont Symphony, Albany Symphony, Symphoria,and the New World Symphony in Miami Beach. She participated in the Verbier Festival Orchestra for two summers, and has also appeared at the SpoletoUSA Festival, Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan, the Castleton Festival, in the National Repertory Orchestra, and at the Aspen Music Festival. Shehas also been a participant in the prestigious Alessi Trombone Seminar in Fossano, Italy, and in the Summer Trombone Workshop at Temple University.

As an advocate for new music, Brittany has commissioned and performed a number of new pieces for trombone. She recently gave the premiere of theorchestrated version of Martin Kennedy's Theme and Variations for Trombone and Orchestra with the BGSU Philharmonia under the direction of EmilyBrown. She also recorded the work with the BGSU Philharmonia, to be released in 2021 on the Albany Records label. Her most recent premiere performanceof a consortium commissioned work by composer Inez McComas can be viewed here https://youtu.be/SPY0JU1dedk?t=2559

A native of Park Ridge, Illinois, Brittany Lasch earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University, where she received the Brass DepartmentAward. She also holds a Master of Music degree from Yale School of Music. With a deep commitment to education, she has been a featured teacher andperformer at events such as the American Trombone Workshop, the International Women’s Brass Conference, the UW Whitewater Trombone Day, theUniversity of Arkansas Trombone Workshop, and Midwest Trombone Tuba Euphonium Conference at Eastern Illinois University. She has presentedmasterclasses at universities across the country and at pre-collegiate programs such as the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. Her principal teachersinclude Toby Oft, Scott Hartman, and Steve Norrell. Brittany Lasch is an Edwards Trombone Performing Artist. Brittany also proudly uses and endorsesChopSaver Lip Care.

Dr. Jeannie littleTrombonist and conductor Dr. Jeannie Little joined the BozemanSymphony Orchestra as Principal trombonist, and the MontanaState University School of Music in 2015 as Low Brass Professorand Director of the University Band. Jeannie earned her Doctor ofMusical Arts degree in Performance and Pedagogy at the EastmanSchool of Music, a Master’s degree in Music Performance fromNorthwestern University and a Bachelor’s degree in MusicPerformance from the Florida State University.

As a soloist and clinician, Dr. Little is active presenting recitals andmaster classes throughout the country, with recent performancesand clinics at the International Trombone Festival, the InternationalWomen's Brass Conference, and the American TromboneWorkshop. She has also earned a reputation as an outstanding,dynamic and inspiring conductor having served as the Music

Director of the Brighton Symphony Orchestra and assistant conductor of the legendary Eastman TromboneChoir.

Dr. Little’s orchestral experiences include Principal Trombone of the Bozeman Symphony, CharlottesvilleSymphony, the Illinois Chamber Symphony, Chicago Sinfonietta, and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Inaddition, she has performed with the Syracuse, Honolulu, Long Beach, Alabama, Chautauqua, New Mexicoand Detroit Symphony Orchestras and the Louisiana Philharmonic. Other highlights include touring andrecording with the Chicago Symphony under Leonard Bernstein. Additionally, she has performed with suchjazz greats as Doc Severinson, Ella Fitzgerald, and Natalie Cole. Previous teaching positions includeTrombone Professor at Louisiana State University, James Madison University, and Instructor of Low Brass atthe Interlochen Arts Academy and the University of Hawaii.

Kana madarameBorn in Mito, Ibaraki, Japan, Kana Madarame is active as both aperformer and a teacher mainly around Tokyo. She is an adjunctprofessor at Tokyo Gakugei University, Senzoku Gakuen College ofMusic and Shobi College of Music, where she teaches trumpet,British brass and trumpet ensemble. She also coaches high schoolbands in Tokyo. Ms. Madarame often volunteers to give recitals tosupport and spread music education and culture in her hometown,Mito, Ibaraki, Japan.

Ms. Madarame is principal cornet of the Japan Ladies’ Brass Bandand Tokyo Brass Society, the first professional British-style brassband in Japan. She is currently a board member of InternationalWomen’s Brass Conference and Japanese Band DirectorsAssociation. She has appeared and won in several solocompetitions in Japan. Her successful music achievement is not

only in Japan but also throughout North America, Europe and Malaysia. In 2003, she won second prize atInternational Women’s Brass Conference.

Ms. Madarame received her Master of Music in trumpet performance from Tokyo University of Fine Arts andMusic in addition to a Bachelor of Music Education and Performance from Tokyo Gakugei University. Ms.Madarame’s primary teachers include Mineo Sugiki, Yukihiro Sekiyama and Pierre Thibaud.

Dr. Natalie mannixNatalie Mannix is an avid soloist, chamber musician, orchestral performerand educator. She is currently Associate Professor of Trombone at theUniversity of North Texas and trombonist with the Stiletto Brass Quintet.Previously, she was Principal Trombone in the Delaware Symphony for 14years, and a member of the United States Navy Band in Washington, DCfor over nine years where she performed with the brass quintet, concertand ceremonial band.

Dr. Mannix has appeared as guest artist and clinician at colleges andconferences throughout North America, including the 2018, 2016 and 2013International Trombone Festival, the International Women’s BrassConference, the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic and the AmericanTrombone Workshop. She has performed with the Dallas Symphony,Dallas Opera, Baltimore Symphony, National Symphony, the WashingtonOpera and Kennedy Center Orchestras, the Washington TromboneEnsemble, the Monarch Brass, and several regional orchestras and brassensembles. A new music advocate, she has commissioned several works

for trombone and continues to perform and promote music by emerging composers.

Her recent recordings include a solo album, Breaking Ground: A Celebration of Women Composers and chamber musicCDs: Scarpe! with the Stiletto Brass Quintet, And If All Were Dark with Dave Taylor and the Washington TromboneEnsemble, Mozart’s Requiem with the Dallas Chamber Choir and Orchestra, the grammy-nominated Interchange:Concertos by Rodrigo and Assad with the Delaware Symphony and LA Guitar Quartet; and Shadowcatcher: Music forWinds, Brass and Percussion.

An avid brass pedagogue, Natalie has adjudicated international solo and ensemble competitions and serves on theExecutive Board and as chair of the Advisory Council for Diversity for the International Trombone Association and on theBoard of Directors for the International Women’s Brass Conference

Natalie received her degrees from the University of Michigan, The Juilliard School and her Doctor of Musical Arts degreefrom Catholic University. She is a performing artist for the Edwards Instrument Company.

Jennifer marottaJennifer Marotta is a Los Angeles based musician who teachestrumpet at the University of Southern California’s Thornton Schoolof Music. As an active freelance musician, she regularly performswith the Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, SanDiego Symphony, Los Angeles Opera, Los Angeles ChamberOrchestra, Los Angeles Master Chorale, and the St. LouisSymphony.

Marotta is currently a member of the Grand Teton Music Festivaland the Music of the Baroque in Chicago. She was a member of“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band from 2001 to2005.

Originally from Naperville, Illinois, Jennifer earned her Bachelor ofMusic degree from Northwestern University and her Master of

Music degree from DePaul University, where she studied with Barbara Butler and John Hagstrom.

Marotta was a visiting trumpet professor at UCLA in 2016 and was Assistant Professor of Trumpet atKennesaw State University from 2006 to 2012. She was also a visiting professor at Illinois State University in2006 and was an artist-in-residence at Emory University from 2006 to 2010.

Jennifer, along with Thomas Hooten, is the most recent editor for Arban’s Complete Conservatory Method forTrumpet, published by Carl Fischer. Jennifer is a Yamaha Artist.

Dr. Wendy matthewsDr. Wendy K. Matthews is an Associate Professor of Music Education and Director of Bands atKent State University. She holds degrees from the Peabody Institute of the Johns HopkinsUniversity, Conservatory of Music, University of Maryland-College Park, and George MasonUniversity. Prior to joining the faculty at Kent State University, Dr. Matthews led the musicdepartment at Northern Virginia Community College as Assistant Dean as well as directed theAlexandria Campus Band, Orchestra, and Chamber Winds. She has also taught undergraduateand graduate courses and conducted ensembles at Georgetown University, University ofMaryland, George Mason University, and Wayne State University. She is the recipient of theWSU College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts College of Fine, Performing, andCommunication Arts Teaching Award, Ph.D. Academic Award for the Outstanding Dissertationfrom the George Mason University College of Education and Human Development, and theGraduate Student Research Award (Studying and Self-Regulated Learning SIG) of the AmericanEducational Research Association. Her college ensembles have performed at the KennedyCenter Millennium Stage, DAR Constitution Hall, in Washington, D.C., the Michigan MusicConference, and the 2013, 2014 and 2015 International Trumpet Guild InternationalConferences. Additionally, Dr. Matthews taught elementary and secondary school instrumentalmusic in Virginia and Maryland.

Dr. Matthews' research interests include oral histories of the first women brass players inprofessional orchestras and military bands, research in self-regulation. group dynamics in largeensembles, and various topics in music teacher education. She is the co-author of the BasicConducting Techniques (Seventh Edition) published by Routledge Music. She has published in

numerous journals including the Journal of Research in Music Education, Psychology of Music, International Journal of Music Education, Journal of BandResearch, College Music Symposium, Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, Research and Issues in Music Education Journal,The International Journal of Educational and Psychological Assessment and the International Trumpet Guild Journal. Dr. Matthews has presented research,professional development, and historical sessions at national and international conferences throughout the world including Symposium on Music TeacherEducation Conferences, International Society for Music Education World Conferences, the National Association for Music Education Conference, CollegeMusic Society Conferences, and the American Educational Research Association as well as numerous state and collegiate conferences including TMEA,OMEA, KMEA, CASMEC, NCMEA, and MMC. She is proud to be serving IWBC on the conference awards committee and as the co-chair of the SusanSlaughter International Solo Competition for Brass & Ginger Turner Ensemble Competition for Brass.

Dr. Matthews is in demand throughout the world as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator most recently conducting in New Delhi. India for theAmerican Schools Honor Band, the 257th Army Band (the "Band of the Nation's Capital"), American School Band Director Association Honor Band-OhioChapter, Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District XVI and III, and the New Music in Brass Reading Session at the International Women inBrass Conference. Dr. Matthews has served as an adjudicator for the International Susan Slaughter Solo Brass Competition and the National TrumpetCompetition, as well as the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association, Festivals of Music, andMusic in the Parks.

Theresa mayTheresa J. May is a native of Shaker Heights, Ohio. She receivedher Masters degree in trumpet performance from the University ofCincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and her Bachelor ofMusic from the University of Dayton. Theresa keeps a vigorousteaching and performance schedule.

Ms. May is adjunct faculty at Cuyahoga Community College whereshe teaches Applied Trumpet and World Music. She is also adjunctfaculty at John Carroll University where she teaches World Music.As a private lesson instructor, Ms. May teaches at Academy Music,Olmsted Falls schools, Conservatory of Music at HudsonMontessori, and provides house lessons in and the around the cityof Cleveland. She has most recently became a member of BlackClassical Music Educators (BCME) and is also a new teachingartist for the Roots of American Music (ROAM).

Ms. May performs regularly with Gabriel’s Horns, Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Mourning [A] BLKstar and theCleveland Brassworks. She continues to perform in the Colour of Music Festival, a festival for Black classicalmusicians, and has also recently began performing with Kyle Kidd & Company and is always looking for newopportunities to perform. Past performance experience includes Cleveland Opera Theater Orchestra andDIVA Jazz Orchestra- under the direction of Sherrie Maricle, in the month-long production of Maurice Hines’Tappin’ Thru Life at the Cleveland Playhouse. She has also been featured as a guest artist in the AlumniRecital Series at the University of Dayton.

Amy mccabeWhether playing suspended in midair on the Broadway stage orsoloing on the Symphony Hall stage in Chicago, Amy McCabe isready to perform in a variety of capacities. She was recently asoloist with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain inLondon’s Regent Hall, at the International Trumpet Guildconference, and appeared on a recital for the Kennedy Center’sreopening of the Terrace Theater with the Emerson String Quartet.Amy is currently a trumpet/cornetist with The “President’s Own”United States Marine Band, and has completed two nationalconcert tours as a soloist in addition to her duties at ArlingtonNational Cemetery and the White House. She is also an activechamber musician, having recorded with Seraph Brass and TheBarclay Brass. In addition, Amy has also performed with the NewYork Philharmonic, the National Symphony, the St. LouisSymphony, and The Brass Band of Battle Creek. Amy was a

featured soloist in the first National and Japan touring cast of the Tony and Emmy-award winning show,“Blast!” in addition to touring with pop artist Michael Bolton on a national tour. Amy’s interest in passing thelove of music on to others is found through her work with Sound Impact and the Boulanger Initiative. Sheholds a degree in elementary education from Illinois Wesleyan University and a Master’s degree in trumpetperformance from Northwestern University, studying with Barbara Butler and Charles Geyer.

Misa meadMisa was born in the city of Kumamoto, in the south west of Japan. Shegraduated from Tokyo College of Music in 2008. At both high school anduniversity she was a scholarship student.

Misa won the unanimous Gold Medal at the European Solo Competition forYoung Soloists in Luxembourg 2011, as well winning the first prize at the4th All-Japan Junior High and Senior High School Students WindInstruments Solo Contest, 2000, and the 25th All-Kyushu MusicCompetition Gold Award 2001. At the highly prestigious Jeju InternationalWind and Percussion Solo Competition 2012 and 2014, South Korea, shewon third prize. Misa graduated with Honors at the Conservatory atregional radiation of Paris 2012.

Misa appeared as a guest artist in March 2013 at Tubamania Festivals inThailand and May 2013 at the South West Region Tuba EuphoniumConference (SWRTEC) in California, USA, performing her owncompositions. In 2013 she was appointed High School Performance

Assistant at the Tokyo College of Music. She also worked closely with the Tokyo-based Spiel Kammerensemble.

Since July 2013, Misa moved to the UK, and performed many concerts in more than twenty countries. She married thefamous British euphonium artist Steven Mead in March 2014, and changed her name from Misa Akahoshi to Misa Mead.Her debut CD Journey, was released to great critical acclaim.

Misa is an active as freelance composer and orchestrator. Many of her works are published by ASKS Winds (Japan) andBocchino Music (UK) distributed world-wide. Misa is a Besson Euphonium Artist represents the Buffet Group around theworld with her solo activities.

Dr. Stacie mickensStacie Mickens joined the UNT College of Music faculty as an associate professor ofhorn in August 2018. Prior to her appointment, she was associate professor at theDana School of Music, Youngstown State University, and also previously served onthe faculties of Luther College (Decorah, IA) and Winona State University (Winona,MN). She completed her doctorate of musical arts at the University of Michigan as arecipient of the Rackham Fellowship Award. There she studied with formerPhiladelphia Orchestra member and jazz musician Adam Unsworth and with DetroitSymphony member Bryan Kennedy. She holds a master of music degree from theUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied with renowned hornpedagogue Douglas Hill. She received a bachelor of arts degree in music andEnglish from Luther College, studying horn with Patricia Brown and piano with JohnStrauss.

As an orchestral musician, Mickens has performed with Dallas SymphonyOrchestra, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Plano Symphony Orchestra, PittsburghOpera, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Chamber Winds, Blossom MusicFestival, Monarch Brass, Madison Symphony Orchestra, and Wisconsin ChamberOrchestra. She previously held positions in the following symphony orchestras:Akron, Wheeling, Youngstown, Lansing, Dearborn, Southwest Michigan, La Crosse,

Waterloo-Cedar Falls, and Dubuque.

Representing the University of Michigan, Mickens performed in recital at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. as part of theMillennium Stage’s Conservatory Project. In 2011 and 2012, she was invited to perform at the Thy Chamber Music Festival, and gaveseveral concerts in the northwest region of Denmark. David Morgan composed When Penguins Fly (concerto for horn and windensemble) for her in 2018. The piece was premiered at the 2018 Ohio Music Education Association Convention (OMEA) in Columbus,OH by Mickens and the YSU Wind Ensemble. She has enjoyed additional concerto performances with the following groups: UNT WindSymphony, UNT Symphony Orchestra, UNT Concert Orchestra, Luther College Symphony Orchestra, Akron Symphony, Erie YoungArtists’ Debut Orchestra, Packard Band, and Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony.

Mickens performed and presented at the 50th International Horn Symposium in 2018 and at the International Women’s BrassConferences in 2019 and 2017. She has been a regional guest artist at the 2018 Mid-South Horn Workshop, the 2015 and 2016Northeast Horn Workshops, the 2013 Southeast Horn Workshop, and the 2006 Midwest Horn Workshop. As a young musician, Mickensparticipated in drum and bugle corps and marching arts activities. She was a member of Star of Indiana’s Brass Theater, world championCadets, and Colts.

*Dr. Mickens is a Panelist for the 2021 Mentor Program

Lynn mostollerLynn Mostoller joined the Santa Fe Symphony in 2004, where shecurrently serves as second trombonist. From 1991 to 2001 sheserved as principal trombonist of the Tulsa Philharmonic. Prior toher appointment in Tulsa, Ms. Mostoller performed regularly withthe Women’s Philharmonic, the Santa Cruz Symphony, and theSanta Rosa Symphony. She has also performed with the SanFrancisco Symphony, the St. Louis Symphony, the Kansas CitySymphony, the New Mexico Symphony, the Santa Fe OperaOrchestra, and the Monarch Brass Ensemble. She holds aBachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music and aMaster of Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. In2004 she completed a Juris Doctor at the University of New MexicoSchool of Law. Ms. Mostoller served as law clerk to the HonorableHarris Hartz of the United States Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit forthe 2004-2005 term. She is an attorney with the Albuquerque law

firm, Sutin Thayer & Browne, P.C., where her practice focuses primarily on commercial litigation, appeals, andemployment law. Ms. Mostoller is one of five lawyers to receive the 2014 Guardian of Liberty Award from theACLU of New Mexico for her work on Griego v. Oliver, which challenged New Mexico’s ban on same-sexmarriage.

Andrea neumannGerman born trombonist Andrea Neumann Rodriguez has been anactive freelance musician in the New York area since 2010. Inaddition to being a member of Local 802, she is active onBroadway as well as participation in ensembles including theAmerican Symphony Orchestra, The Radio City ChristmasSpectacular, The Orchestra Now, The Big Apple Circus, the MetGala, as well as several jazz, salsa, and chamber ensembles.Using her native German as a teaching tool, Andrea has enjoyedan ongoing relationship with the only full German inclusion DayCare in Manhattan, keeping German culture and traditions alivethrough singing/playing/movement of nursery songs and stories.She is also a founding member of Phoenix, a new quartet project.

Before arriving in NYC, Miss Neumann has been a member of orperformed with the Orquesta Sinaloa de los Artes, the Dallas

Symphony Orchestra, the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, a soloist with the Dallas Metropolitan Winds,Garland/Las Colinas Symphonies, Longview, San Angelo, and Shreveport Orchestras. In her nativeGermany, she has performed in Munich, Frankfurt, and throw out the Black Forest, while also playing summerfestivals in Switzerland.

An avid international clinician and educator in Europe, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States, shehas led a successful studio comprised of Trombone, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba students since1993.

Current credits include recordings and performances with artists such as Ana Gasteyer, Diana DeGarmo,Michelle Dowdy, Collin Raye, Lisa Loeb, Frank Ocean, Il Divo, Adele, and several other independent labelartists. Miss Neumann, an Edwards Artist, received her Bachelor of Music Education from New Mexico StateUniversity and Masters Degree in Performance from Southern Methodist University.

Laurel ohlsonNational Symphony Orchestra Associate Principal Horn LaurelBennert Ohlson has appeared as a concerto soloist with theNational Symphony Orchestra and Eclipse Chamber Orchestra andin numerous solo engagements across the U.S. and SouthAmerica. Appointed by Mstislav Rostropovich, she has had thepleasure of performing with the NSO in the finest concert halls inEurope, Russia, China, Japan, Korea, South America, the U.S.,and Oman.

She premiered Truman Harris’ Concertino for Horn and ChamberOrchestra with Eclipse Chamber Orchestra in 1999, and recordedthe work in 2006. Ms. Ohlson is on the faculty of The CatholicUniversity of America, and has been an active performer andteacher through the NSO’s Youth Fellowship Program, SummerMusic Institute, and the American Residencies. She also conducts

master classes and Wagner tuba clinics at International Horn Society Symposiums and International Women'sBrass Conferences (IWBC).

Ms. Ohlson presents “History of the Horn” lecture-demonstrations, playing on at least a dozen horn-relatedinstruments including the alphorn, shofar, natural horn, Wagner tuba, and the ever-popular garden hose. Shehas been on the Board of Directors of the IWBC since its founding in 1991.

Ava ordmanAfter twenty-four years as principal trombone with the Grand Rapids Symphony – a job sheattained at the age of 19 – Ava Ordman moved to the Detroit area to work as a psychologist andcontinue as a freelance trombonist. While working in Grand Rapids at age 41, Ordman returnedto school to pursue a degree in Counseling Psychology. Armed with her new MA, LLP, shebegan work at the Guidance Center in Southgate while also working as a substitute trombonistwith the Detroit Symphony and Michigan Opera Theater orchestras and teaching low brass atOakland University.

Ordman had taught at several colleges and universities in the Grand Rapids area while in theorchestra, but it had never been in her mindset to pursue a full-time position at the universitylevel. That changed when the professorship in trombone opened at Michigan State University in2002. Ordman decided to “go for it” with the possibility of once again making another careershift. Chosen as the Professor of Trombone at Michigan State University later that year, it didn’ttake long for Ordman to know that this was where she was supposed to be.

In addition to her professorial duties, Ordman continues to pursue and enjoy a varied life as aperformer. She is principal trombone of both the Lansing Symphony and the Cabrillo Festival ofContemporary Music Orchestra. She also performs regularly with the Beaumont Brass, which isthe faculty brass quintet at Michigan State University, and the Monarch Brass, which is theflagship brass ensemble of the International Women’s Brass Conference. Yet perhaps whatOrdman enjoys most is performing as a soloist.

She has been a featured soloist with many orchestras throughout the United States, including her solo debut at Carnegie Hall with the American Symphonyperforming Donald Erb’s Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra. Ordman has been a featured artist at several International Trombone Festivals; theInternational Brassfest in Bloomington, IN; the American Trombone Workshop in Fort Myer, VA; and many International Women's Brass Conferences heldthroughout the United States. Ordman also performed the world premieres of Steven Smith's Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra with the EugeneSymphony and Libby Larsen's Mary Cassatt for Mezzo-Soprano, Trombone, and Orchestra with the Grand Rapids Symphony. Both of these works werewritten for Ordman and, along with Donald Erb’s Concerto, have been performed by her throughout the United States. Ordman’s most recent venture,however, has been to form a consortium of trombonists and conductors to commission a new trombone concerto by David Biedenbender. This work “TheirEyes are Fireflies,” received its world premiere on March 22, 2018 with the Michigan State University Wind Ensemble and was performed again by Ordmanin the 2018-19 season with the Lansing Symphony, Michigan Philharmonic and Grand Rapids Symphony.

Another recent milestone for Ordman was the release of her first solo CD in January 2017 entitled, It’s About Time: Music for Trombone by WomenComposers” on the Blue Griffin label. She is also the featured trombone soloist on a Koss Classics' CD of concertos by Donald Erb and on the CD entitledSimple Gifts, the Music of Frank Ticheli. In February of 2018, Professor Ordman was named the recipient of the 2018 Neill Humfeld Award for “Excellence inTeaching” by the International Trombone Association. When asked what is most important to Ordman in her life as a teacher, she says, “I consider it aprivilege to be involved in the lives of young people who are developing and evolving as both musicians and as people. I hope that I have been able to helpthem in some way on their journey, because they have certainly enriched mine.” Ordman earned her Bachelor and Master degrees in Trombone Performancefrom the University of Michigan in 1975 and her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University in 1998. Her primary teachers wereMark McDunn, Frank Crisafuli, Glenn P. Smith, Glenn Dodson and Arnold Jacobs. Ordman is a Bach Performing Artist.

Donna parkesAustralian trombonist Donna Parkes has been Principal Tromboneof the Louisville Orchestra since 2008 and has been PrincipalTrombone of the Colorado Music Festival since 2009. Prior to thisyear, she played the 2012-13 season with the Utah Symphony andthe 2007-8 season with the San Francisco Symphony. Parkes wasa member of the Virginia Symphony from 2001-2007 and was amember of the New World Symphony under Michael TilsonThomas for two years. She has performed with many orchestrasincluding the Los Angeles Philharmonic, London Symphony, SanDiego Symphony, Oregon Symphony, National Symphony,Baltimore Symphony, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra,Singapore Symphony, Sydney Symphony, and the AustralianChamber Orchestra. Parkes has performed at the ArizonaMusicfest, the Marlboro Festival, and the Grand Tetons Festivaland in 2016 toured with the Australian World Orchestra. Solo

competition successes include winning the Australian National Trombone Competition, the BrisbaneInternational Brass Competition, and finalist in the Jeju Brass Competition in Korea. She has appeared as asoloist or clinician at the International Women’s Brass Conference, International Trombone Festival and theMelbourne International Festival of Brass. Parkes received her Masters Degree studying under CharlesVernon at DePaul University and other primary teachers include Michael Mulcahy and Ron Prussing.

Marquita reefMarquita Reef received her degrees in Trombone Performancefrom the University of Denver-Lamont School of Music(BM), andBrooklyn College(MM); participant in the Keystone Brass Instituteand The Aspen Music Festival. Music educator in the St LouisPublic School District at Metro Academic and Classical High Schoolwhere she teaches a variety of subjects including Concert Band,Beginning Winds and Percussion, I.B. Music, Music History, JazzHistory, Piano and Classical Guitar. At Webster University’sCommunity Music School as part of the faculty teaching Trombone,Euphonium and Tuba to Middle, High and College level students.

The recipient of SLPS’s first Music Educator of the Year Award, thePettus Award for Excellence in Education, Outstanding MusicEducator Award in the St. Louis Metro District #8 and the Local 2-197 Musicians’ Union George Smith Diversity Award.

On the Board of Directors for the International Women’s Brass Conference (IWBC) and the St. Louis LowBrass Collective, Board Multi Cultural Chair for the St Louis Metro District #8, Representative Delegate forMusicians Association of St Louis Local 2-197 at American Federation of Musicians Conventions in Las Vegasand presently the President of the St Louis Low Brass Collective. On the RIDE Committee (Racism InclusionDiversity Equity) for MAAE (Missouri Alliance for Arts Education) in sessions about racial inclusion inMissouri’s professional arts education organizations.

Plays with the area brass musicians every year for the Holiday Brass Concerts (IWBC), other local orchestrasand jazz bands in the St. Louis area. Conn-Selmer VIP and in January 2019 featured in an article, MeetMarquita in St. Louis.( https://www.conn-selmer.com/application/files/5915/6476/0576/TouchPoint_534_January_2019.pdf )

Carole dawn reinhartCarole Dawn Reinhart was born in Roselle, New Jersey on Dec. 20th, 1941. Her mother playedtrombone and started her daughter on the slide cornet at age two and a half. By the timeReinhart was 7, she was playing duets in concert with her older brother, who was anaccomplished trumpeter. At age 10, she received a scholarship to study with Edward Treutel atthe Juilliard School of Music in New York. She was first chair in New Jersey's All-State Bandsand Orchestras. At age 16, she was commissioned as the youngest and only womanbandmaster in the Salvation Army, and made her first international appearance as guest soloistand conductor at a youth congress in Toronto, Canada.

After graduating from high school, Reinhart received a symphony orchestra scholarship to theUniversity of Miami, where she worked under Fabian Sevitzky and graduated cum laude with aBachelor of Arts. A Fulbright scholarship then took her to study with Helmut Wobisch in Vienna,where she was the first woman brass player to achieve the coveted "Reifezeugnis" with honors.Reinhart then returned to New York to complete her education at the Juilliard School of Music,where she was first trumpet in the Juilliard Orchestra and received her Bachelor of Music andMaster of Science degrees. Following graduation, Reinhart played regularly in the orchestra atRadio City Music Hall and in Leopold Stokowski's American Symphony Orchestra. Shecontinued as a Getzen clinician soloing with high school and college bands and variousorchestras, and appeared on numerous TV shows, including the "Tonight Show", the "MikeDouglas Show" and several Al Hirt "Fanfare" shows. In 1968, she performed for Americanservicemen on a USO tour of Asia during the Vietnam war.

In 1971, Reinhart moved to Berlin, Germany where she played studio sessions, filled in as principal trumpet at the "Deutsche Oper", and built up her solocareer with symphony and chamber orchestras, averaging 125 concerts a year, as well as television performances and radio recordings. In addition shemade solo albums for Deutsche Grammophon and BASF with the Munich Philharmonic, German Bach Soloists, Amsterdam Chamber Orchestra andWuerttemberg Chamber Orchestra. Her concert tours have taken her throughout Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, the United States, Canada, and Australia,where she performed in Melbourne with the Australian Symphony for over 100,000 people with "live" national television coverage.

In 1983, Reinhart was offered a professorship at the prestigious University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. In 1994, the Vienna University Presspublished the book, "Carole Dawn Reinhart – Aspects of a Career", which is now available from IWBC in an updated 3rd edition with CD.(<generalmanager@myiwbc.org> Proceeds go to IWBC) After a 40 year performance career, Reinhart ceased concertizing in 1996 but continues to be activeteaching at the university in Vienna, giving master classes around the world, and serving as a juror for competitions. In 2009, with the dissertation theme,"Women Brass Musicians", (also available at <generalmanager@myiwbc.org>), she earned her PhD.

Reinhart, a founding member of ITG who served on the ITG Board of Directors and performed at the 1st International Brass Conference held in Montreux,Switzerland in 1976, is the longest affiliated Getzen artist, since "Doc" Severinson gave her a Getzen trumpet on the "Tonight Show" in 1964. She hasattended and participated in every IWBC conference since 1993, when she performed several solos and her Carole Reinhart Trio played a concert. She wasa member of Monarch Brass on its inaugural tour in 1996 and received the Pioneer Award in 2003.

Susan riderTrumpeter, Susan Rider, currently resides in the Washington, D.C.metropolitan area. In the region, she has performed with variousensembles to include the Annapolis Chorale and ChamberOrchestra, Columbia Pro Cantare Festival Orchestra, AlexandriaSymphony, Concert Artists of Baltimore, Harrisburg Symphony,Snark Ensemble and the Cathedral Choral Society Orchestra. Sheis a member of the Stiletto Brass Quintet, Monarch Brass and “ThePresident’s Own” United States Marine Band.

Susan grew up in the state of Iowa. Prior to moving to Washington,D.C., she lived in the southern part of Indiana and West Texas.Previously she performed as a member of the Waterloo/Cedar FallsSymphony, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, OwensboroSymphony, Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra, Midland/OdessaSymphony and Lone Star Brass Quintet. Additionally, she has

performed with the Evansville Philharmonic and New World Symphony.

As a soloist, Susan has performed in recital and has been a featured soloist with several ensembles toinclude The Hannaford Street Silver Brass Band, The Volga Band, Ars Nova Chamber Orchestra, AtlantaYouth Wind Symphony, Fort Dodge Area Orchestra and The United States Marine Band. Additionally, she hasperformed at several conferences to include The Midwest Clinic, International Women’s Brass Conferenceand International Trumpet Guild.

As an educator, Susan has held positions as an Associate Instructor at Indiana University; as adjunct facultyat Purdue University and Shenandoah University; and as a private trumpet/cornet teacher for the EctorCounty Independent School District in Odessa, Texas. Her educational outreach has included giving masterclasses nationally and internationally, and she maintains a private teaching studio in Northern Virginia. Susancompleted her musical education at the University of Northern Iowa (B.M.) and the Indiana University JacobsSchool of Music (M.M. and D.M.). She is grateful to have studied under the tutelage of master trumpetteachers Keith Johnson, Randy Grabowski, Charles Gorham and Edmund Cord.

Dr. Gail robertsonDr. Gail Robertson has a distinguished reputation as a euphonium artist and teacher, soloist, and clinician. Shehas also garnered worldwide attention for leadership, her work as composer/arranger, and as a musical talent.Robertson serves as Associate Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at the University of Central Arkansas. She isthe former head of the jazz area where she coordinated jazz events and conducted the top jazz ensemble. Inaddition to teaching, she performs as tubist in the faculty brass quintet, Pinnacle Brass.

Robertson earned her B.A. degree from the University of Central Florida and a M.M. from Indiana Universitywhere she served as graduate assistant to Harvey Phillips. She postponed her doctoral studies at the Universityof Maryland with Dr. Brian Bowman to perform for ten years with the world-famous Tubafours at Walt DisneyWorld, Orlando, where she was musical supervisor/chief arranger and produced a highly acclaimed CD, TubasUnder the Boardwalk. Gail completed her D.M.A. as a University Distinguished Fellow at Michigan StateUniversity (studies with Phil Sinder and Ava Ordman). Dr. Robertson has taught on the faculties of EasternMichigan University, the University of Central Florida, Bethune-Cookman University, the University of Florida,and remains active as a teacher, adjudicator, jazz clinician, composer, arranger and free-lance artist, bothnationally and internationally.

Dr. Robertson is President of the International Tuba and Euphonium Association (ITEA). She was elected for asix-year term that began July 1, 2017. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Leonard FalconeTuba and Euphonium Festival. She is Past President of the International Women’s Brass Conference (IWBC)and co-hosted two international conferences. Robertson was Chair/Chief Editor of the International Tuba andEuphonium Press (2012-2017). She also served as Euphonium and Membership Coordinator of the ITEA andwas the featured artist on the cover of the ITEA Journal (Vol. 38:1, Fall 2010). Dr. Robertson and Dr. Stacy Bakertour and perform as a SYMBIOSISDUO. They have recorded two CDs: SymbiosisDuo and Playground. The duohas commissioned many works by well-known composers (including Franz Cibulka, Jim Self, James Grant,Christopher Marshall, Brian Balmages, Chris Sharp, Kimberly Archer, T.O. Sterrett, and Phillip Bimstein). Gail

Robertson and Stacy Baker were honored to be the featured guest artists for the 2019 Leonard Falcone Tuba and Euphonium Festival where they commissioned and premiered EricKnechtges’ double concerto for wind band, Twin Lake Reflections. They were also recently featured soloists with Orchestra Iowa at the 2019 International Tuba and EuphoniumConference in Iowa City, where they performed the U.S. premiere of Eduardo Nogueroles’ The World of Dreams.

Dr. Robertson partnered with Dr. Baker as Co-Instrumental Advisor and Co-Curriculum Designer for the Pro-Series Elite Practice Systems for Tuba and Euphonium – providing allexercises, instruction, and quartet arrangements, as well as performing as on-screen talent alongside student musicians for the revolutionary pedagogical series of 10 DVDs for tubaand 10 DVDs for euphonium. The project was fully funded and released by American Product Group, LLC. In 2016, Robertson recorded a CD with The R.S.V.B. Quartet (Robertson,Dr. Deanna Swoboda, SFC Lauren Veronie-Curran and Dr. Stacy Baker) called Fanfare and Flourish. This recording premiered several of Dr. Robertson’s original compositions: OktoFlourish, Psychedelic Dances, and In A Funk.Robertson is a recipient of Tau Beta Sigma’s highest honor, the Outstanding Service to Music Award. She was awarded the ITEA’s CliffordBevan Award for Excellence in Research for her research manuscript, “Restoring the Euphonium’s Legacy as Cello of the Wind Band.” This research was featured in the ITEA Journal(Vol. 46:1, Fall 2018). Recently, Dr. Robertson was one of the featured artists on the cover of the Brass Herald magazine, issue 77/April 2019. This issue also included her article,“Ladies of Brass – Tuba and Euphonium.” Robertson has published articles, reviews, and compositions in British Brass Band World, Bandworld, and the International Tuba EuphoniumAssociation’s, ITEA Journal

Dr. Robertson recently became a member of the acclaimed touring brass ensemble, Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass. Gail alternates with Dr. Brian Bowman as EuphoniumClinician for the elite Master’s degree program at the American Band College in Ashland, Oregon. She has joined the faculty as a Brass Coach for the Brass Chamber Music Workshopat Humboldt State University, in Arcata, California. For the past several years, Robertson has been the principal euphoniumist of The Cleveland Orchestra’s Blossom Festival Band. Dr.Robertson was featured soloist at the 2019 United States Army Tuba-Euphonium Workshop, where she performed the orchestral world premiere of Barbara York’s EuphoniumConcerto Creative States with the U. S. Army Orchestra. This workshop also featured the University of Central Arkansas’s Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble and Walt Disney’s Tubafours(30th Anniversary performance). Robertson was also the 2019 International Women’s Brass Conference featured Euphonium Artist at Arizona State University in Tempe, Az.

Robertson has toured the United States, Europe, Korea, China, and Japan with various ensembles. She has been a longtime member of the Brass Band of Battle Creek, Keith Brion’sNew Sousa Band, and Monarch Brass. Dr. Robertson has been a clinician for the MIDWEST Band and Orchestra Clinic (2006) and has performed four times: as a member of TheMonarch Brass (2016), The Brass Band of Battle Creek (2017) and Keith Brion’s New Sousa Band (2009 and 2018). Gail has also performed as a featured euphonium soloist atCarnegie Hall with Purdue University’s Wind Ensemble. She has performed as tenor tubist/tubist/bass trumpet with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra,Sarasota Orchestra/Sarasota Ballet, the Arkansas Symphony, and Cincinnati Symphony.Dr. Robertson’s published works and arrangements are available through GAR MUSIC,Euphonium.com, and Cimarron Press. As a Willson Euphonium Artist, Robertson’s euphonium of choice is a Willson 2950TA with a bronze Warburton/Gail Robertson mouthpiece.

Dr. Lauren RudzinskasDr. Lauren Rudzinskas is the Executive Director and Founder of theVirtual Trombone Workshop and General Manager of theInternational Women’s Brass Conference. She was the part timeprofessor of trombone and euphonium at Mansfield University inPennsylvania until Fall 2020. Rudzinskas earned a doctorate ofmusical arts in Trombone Performance and Literature with a minorin Pedagogy, an Advanced Certificate in College Teaching, andPerformer's Certificate at the Eastman School of Music. Laurenwas recently a finalist for the Assistant Professor of Trombone andEuphonium position at the University of Denver and Professor ofTrombone at SUNY Potsdam. Rudzinskas is a regular substitute inSymphoria (formerly the Syracuse Symphony) and has beeninvited to perform with the inaugural International Women’sTrombone Choir at the 2021 International Trombone Festival whereshe will also give two presentations.

A strong advocate for music education, Dr. Rudzinskas was the 2016 recipient for the Jack L. Frank Award forExcellence in Teaching and the 2016 Frank Faculty Development Research Grant. She taught tenortrombone, bass trombone, and euphonium at the Eastman Community Music School. She has publishedarticles, received grants, and released a CD. Rudzinskas recently gave a presentation on diverse chambermusic featuring her arrangements at the New York State School Music Association Conference. She hasgiven masterclasses at Hamilton College, Youngstown State University, Ithaca College, and others.

Lauren’s performance credits include playing with IWBC’s Holiday Brass and the Diva Jazz Orchestra in theCleveland Playhouse production of Maurice Hines is Tappin’ Thru Life. She is a member of the SPH JazzOrchestra. Lauren has held positions as principal trombonist with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra,Rochester Women’s Philharmonic, and Youngstown Scoring Stage, and performed as lead trombonist in theFirst Class Big Band. She has also premiered and commissioned numerous works and is sponsored by musicsoftware company, Blackbinder.

Dr. Raquel rodriguez samayoaRaquel Samayoa leads a dynamic and engaging career as a teacher, chambermusician, recitalist, adjudicator and solo performer. She currently serves asAssistant Professor of Trumpet, and Co-Conductor of the UNT Brass Band at theUniversity of North Texas College of Music, where she has taught since 2018. Dr.Samayoa additionally performs with Lantana Trio, a Brass Trio comprised of UNTBrass Faculty. Dr. Samayoa was previously on faculty at Tennessee Tech Universityand Northern Kentucky University.

Her performances have taken her to leading venues in the United States, Russia,Finland, Australia, China, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. As a member of theaward-winning Seraph Brass, she frequently tours the US and abroad performingconcerts and engaging in educational outreach performances. A passionateeducator, Dr. Samayoa is also on the brass staff for the Mandarins Drum and BugleCorps. Dr. Samayoa is a Yamaha Artist and a Denis Wick Artist and Clinician.

Raquel is the co-editor of the International Women’s Brass Conference (IWBC)Newsletter and will be a co-host for the 2022 IWBC hosted at UNT. She hasadditionally served as an adjudicator at the National Trumpet Competition and ITGConference. Raquel’s scholarly activities have resulted in articles published in The

Instrumentalist and International Trumpet Guild Journal. She recently presented sessions at the College Music Society SouthernConference, Midwest Clinic, Historic Brass Society Symposium, and the International Trumpet Guild Conference.

Dr. Samayoa has been invited as a guest artist and clinician at several universities and conferences across the country. Raquel wasrecently a guest artist at the Brass Day of the Moscow Conservatory (RUS), Brass Day of the Melbourne Conservatorium (AU), SouthTexas Brass Symposium, 2019 Dallas Trumpet Workshop, and will serve as a guest artist at the 2021 Interlochen Trumpet Institute.

In 2013, Raquel recorded “Cincinnati Virtuosity – The Cornet Solos of Frank Simon and Herman Bellstedt” which is available on Amazonand iTunes. In January 2020, Dr. Samayoa released her first publication with Mountain Peak Music entitled Dueling Fundamentals forTwo Trumpets. Dr. Samayoa holds the DMA in Trumpet Performance from the University of North Texas where she studied with renownedtrumpet pedagogue, Keith Johnson. She earned the MA and Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from West Texas A&M Universitywhere she studied trumpet with Mr. David Ritter and Wind Conducting with Dr. Gary Garner.

Dr. Faye-ellen silvermanFaye-Ellen Silverman began studying at the Dalcroze School ofMusic shortly before her fourth birthday. At age 13 she won theParents League composition contest, judged by LeopoldStokowski, resulting in her Carnegie Hall debut. Her compositions(about 100) are published by Seesaw Music/Subito, and recordedon several music labels, including Albany records. ThomasPfotenhauer (trumpet), Ann Ellsworth and David Jolley (horn),trombonist Lisa Albrecht, and Andrew Bove, Velvet Brown, andJoanna Ross Hersey (tuba) have recorded several of her brassworks. She has received numerous awards, including residenciesin Spain, Italy, and France, and numerous commissions, includingone from the Fromm Foundation. The Baltimore Symphony, theBrooklyn Philharmonic, the Greater Bridgeport Symphony, the NewOrleans Philharmonic, the International Experimental MusicFestival in Bourges, ISCM - Korea section, Nieuwe Oogst

(Belgium), Grupo Musica Hoje (Brazil), the Corona Guitar Quartet (Denmark), Jauna Muzika (Lithuania), theMonday Evening Concert series (Los Angeles), Voices of Change (Dallas) and the Aspen Music Festival aresome of the groups that have performed Dr. Silverman’s works. Silverman is a Founding composer member ofMusic Under Construction and a Founding Board Member of the International Women’s Brass Conference.She is currently on the faculties of Juilliard Evening Division and New York University’s Steinhardt School andalso teaches privately. For further information, please go to her Web site: www.fayeellensilverman.com.

Susan slaughterSusan Slaughter joined the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra inl969 and four years later became the first woman ever to be namedPrincipal Trumpet of a major symphony orchestra. She has been onthe faculty of the Grand Teton Orchestra Seminar, the NationalOrchestra Institute, The Texas Music Festival, and the Aspen MusicFestival.

In 1992 Ms. Slaughter founded the International Women’s BrassConference, an organization dedicated to provide opportunities andrecognition for women brass musicians. As a fund-raising effort tosupport the International Women’s Brass Conference, Ms.Slaughter organized and has produced the very popular HolidayBrass concerts, which are now in their third decade, and areperformed each December. Additionally, Baltimore, MD alsoproduces a Holiday Brass concert to help support the ever growing

International Women’s Brass Conference.

In 1996, Ms. Slaughter founded Monarch Brass, an all female brass ensemble which has performed in theUnited States and Europe to critical acclaim. In 2003, they released their first recording titled ‘MonarchBrass.’

For more information about the International Women’s Brass Conference and the Holiday Brass Concerts,visit www.myiwbc.org, and www.holidaybrass.com respectively.

Ms. Slaughter retired as Principal Trumpet from the Saint Louis Symphony on September 1, 2010.

Jessica sneeringerJessica Sneeringer is a graduate of The Ohio State Universityearning Bachelor's Degrees in Music Education and TrombonePerformance as well as a Master’s Degree in Music Education.Jessica is currently in her 21st year of teaching, 16th year as theDirector of Bands at Columbus Academy in Gahanna, Ohio, and isthe Chair of the Performing Arts Department. A member of theCentral Ohio Brass Band since 1999, she was a soloist andprinciple trombone until 2005, when she stepped onto the podium.Over her 16 years as COBB’s conductor the group has enjoyedmuch growth, success, and critical acclaim, having won the 1stSection of the North American Brass Band Association a record 5times. Her last performance with COBB was in July of 2019, wherethe group performed at the International Trombone Festival to greatacclaim with brass band and trombone super star Brett Baker.

Also a freelance trombonist, Jessica has the privilege of playing with many fine groups including The AthenaBrass Band (which she is fortunate to have the opportunity to now conduct), the Columbus Jazz Orchestra,the Central Ohio Symphony Orchestra, the Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra, and a variety of otherensembles in and around Central Ohio. Over the years, Ms. Sneeringer has performed with the DisneyCollegiate All-Star Band, Monarch Brass, Phil Smith, Allen Vizzutti, Nancy Wilson, Jiggs Whigham, and FrankFoster, among many other artists.

Jessica is a member of Phi Beta Mu (The Bandmasters Fraternity) and has been a clinician, adjudicator, andcoach for several colleges, conferences, online events, and outstanding student groups including The OhioState University Marching Band, Capital University’s Junior Winds, Ohio State Fair Band, the Ohio MusicEducator’s Association All-State Band, and Tuba Christmas Columbus 2018. She is currently the instructorfor the Columbus Youth Jazz Ensemble, an audition-only honors group which performs year-round. Shemakes her home in Central Ohio with her son Joshua and daughter Jordan.

Marie spezialeMarie Speziale, Professor Emerita of Trumpet and Chair of the Brass Department at the Shepherd School ofMusic at Rice University, is acknowledged as the first woman trumpeter in a major symphony orchestra. Ms.Speziale retired in 1996 after having served as Associate Principal Trumpet of the Cincinnati Symphony forthirty-two years (1964-1996). A graduate of the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, Ms. Spezialestudied with Robert Price, Robert Braunagel, Eugene Blee and Arnold Jacobs. Her tenure with the CincinnatiSymphony Orchestra included playing with the Cincinnati Opera Orchestra, Cincinnati May Festival Orchestra,Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. Ms. Speziale performed under the batons of suchgreats as Igor Stravinsky, George Szell, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Eugene Ormandy, Eric Leinsdorf,James Levine and Max Rudolf. Her very extensive performance experience includes solo appearances on theNBC Dave Garroway Today Show, with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra,Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, with Duke Ellington and with Dave Brubeck on the Johnny Carson NBC TonightShow, on the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra European tour and at the Interlochen Arts Academy. Soon afterjoining the Cincinnati Symphony, she was engaged to record sound tracks for James Brown, whose career waslaunched by the historic King Records in Cincinnati.

Since retiring from the orchestra, she has remained active as a performer, teacher and clinician. She served asVisiting Principal, Associate Principal and Second Trumpet of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, including theirEuropean tour, Carnegie Hall concerts and recordings. She toured with DIVA (the women’s jazz band) and theFlorida Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and the LouisianaPhilharmonic. She performed with the Monarch Brass Quintet and Monarch Brass Ensemble, which she alsoconducted at the 1997 and 2014 International Women’s Brass Conferences, and at the 2015 ITG Conference.She recorded for the Star Trek TV Series: Voyager and Deep Space Nine, at Paramount and 20th Century Foxstudios. In 1999, she was one of six Americans (and the only woman among the Americans) to be invited by theTokyo International Music Festival to perform in its first Super World Orchestra.

Ms. Speziale has been an active participant in numerous conferences and leader of master classes in Europe, Japan and throughout the United States. She was a featured guest artistat the 1993, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2010 and 2014 International Women’s Brass Conferences and the 1998, 1999, 2001, 2014 and 2015 International Trumpet Guild Conferences. She hasserved as artist faculty at the 1998, 1999 and 2000 Summit Brass Mendez Institute, performing with Summit Brass, coaching ensembles, presenting master classes and conductingbrass orchestral repertoire reading sessions. She has adjudicated the Fischoff National Chamber Music, the International Women’s Brass Conference, International Trumpet Guild,Interlochen Concerto and National Trumpet Competitions. From 1979 to 2002 she was Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, andwas Professor of Music at Indiana University from 1999 to 2002. In 2001, she was appointed Professor of Trumpet and Brass Department Chair at the prestigious Shepherd School ofMusic at Rice University. While at Rice, she conducted the Rice Brass Choir, performed regularly with the Houston Grand Opera and frequently with the Houston Symphony Orchestra,Houston Ballet Orchestra and Houston Pops. In addition to serving as President of the International Women’s Brass Conference, she served on its Board of Directors, and hosted their2000 conference at the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Northern Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, and on the editorialcommittee of the American Music Teacher, the official journal of the Music Teachers National Association. A member of the American Federation of Musicians, Ms. Speziale served asSecretary and on the Board of Directors of Local #1 in Cincinnati, OH. She is a member of the International Conference of Opera and Symphony Musicians, International TrumpetGuild, Pi Kappa Lambda and Cincinnati MacDowell Society. As a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, she has held the offices of Province President and Director of Instrumental Activities.She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Classical Music Hall of Fame. Ms. Speziale has won many awards and honors, including Leading Women in the ArtsAward from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition of Women’s Organizations, the Outstanding Woman of the Year in Music Award from the Tampa Tribune, the Sigma Alpha Iota Chapter,Province and National Leadership Awards, the Pioneer Award from the International Women's Brass Conference, the Golden Rose Award from the Women Band Director International,the Woman of Excellence Award from the Italian Club of Tampa, the Outstanding Alumni Award from the University of Cincinnati, and the Distinguished Alumna Award from the College-Conservatory of Music. In April of 2018, she was inducted into the Cincinnati Jazz Hall of Fame as part of their recognition of the Symphony Jazz Quintet, of which she was a foundingmember.

She has been a brass coach at the New World Symphony, serving on the audition adversity training panel and conducting their brass ensemble in concert. She served on the faculty ofthe University of Cincinnati College- Conservatory of Music’s Opera Theatre and Music Festival both in Lucca, Italy and Spoleto, Italy, where she conducted the brass choir, taughtbrass orchestral repertoire classes and served as brass chamber music coach. She has coached and conducted the brass sections of Washington, DC’s premiere bands .... the US AirForce Band, US Air Force Ceremonial Brass and the US Army Field Band. A member of the faculty at the Round Top Festival Institute since 2011, she conducts their Brass Ensembleevery summer. From 2014-2016, Ms. Speziale supervised the graduate brass chamber music program at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music. In 2016, she was invited by theMidwest Board of Directors to present a master class at their 70th Anniversary Conference. In 2017, she travelled to Uruguay to conduct the Banda Sinfonica de Montevideo inconcerts commemorating Women’s History Month. In 2017, Ms. Speziale served as Visiting Professor of Trumpet at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, and in 2018 at theButler School of Music at The University of Texas at Austin. In 2018 she was presented with the prestigious Honorary Award from the International Trumpet Guild. In 2019, Ms. Spezialewas one of 100 women recognized by Cincinnati Arts Wave in their Celebration of Women in the Arts: Power of Her. Ms. Speziale’s biography will be included in Dr. Daniel Thrower’snew book, The 100 Most Influential Trumpeters.

Dr. Sarah stonebackDr. Sarah Stoneback is an innovative and exuberant performer, with over twentyyears professional performance experience. Dr. Stoneback is an active trumpetsoloist, chamber musician and orchestral performer who has frequented stagesthroughout the United States, Europe and China. She has been featured withgroups including; the National Brass Quintet, the InterHarmony InternationalChamber Music Festival (Acqui Terme, Italy), Eurobrass, the Denver MunicipalBand, the Montana State University Band and numerous high school bandsthroughout the Midwest.

Currently, Dr. Stoneback serves as the Assistant Professor of Trumpet at MontanaState University School of Music and holds the position of Principal Trumpet with theBozeman Symphony. Dr. Stoneback is one of the founding members of The BobcatBrass Trio, comprised of the trumpet, horn and trombone professors in the MontanaState University School of Music at Montana State University School of Music.Sarah is an active Conn-Selmer Bach clinician and artist and is passionate aboutconnecting and supporting others in their musical endeavors.

Sarah’s dedication and love for music can be traced to her early experiences,performing and traveling with Stoneback Sisters and Brass. Comprised of a triplet

trumpet trio, trumpet quartet & brass quintet, this ensemble has presented over 2,000 educational seminars and residency programs.They frequently solo with bands and orchestras throughout the United States and Europe, including; the Saint Louis SymphonyOrchestra, The John Philip Sousa Band, the South Dakota Symphony, the Texas Christian University and the United States Air ForceBand of the West. In Spring 2018, Sarah and her triplet sisters and father were featured trumpet soloists in an evening of classic trumpettrios with the MSU Wind Symphony as part of Montana State’s 125th Birthday Celebration.

Dr. Stoneback holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Performance and Pedagogy and Masters of Music from CU Boulder, under ProfessorTerry Sawchuk. Dr. Stoneback has a bachelor’s degree in trumpet performance from Arizona State University where she studied withRegent’s Professor David Hickman. She is a 2000 graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, where she studied with Dr. StanleyFriedman.

Dr. Stoneback’s approach to teaching incorporates her evidence-based research in applying the Kolb Learning Style Inventory. Herresearch provides her a unique understanding about how undergraduate and graduate trumpet majors learn the trumpet, literature, andfoundational elements of music most effectively. A portion of her research results can be found in the International Trumpet Guild Journalpublished, Summer 2017. Her Dissertation can be found published at: http://scholar.colorado.edu/brap_gradetds/1/.

Shanyse stricklandShanyse Strickland is a multi-instrumentalist who specializes inboth jazz and classical genres. While French horn is primary herinstrument, Ms. Strickland plays a variety of woodwind and brassinstruments.

Originally from Akron, OH, Shanyse recently obtained her Master ofMusic at Duquesne University with emphasis in the French Horn.While attending Duquesne, Shanyse studied with Zach Smith,assistant principal horn of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.Shanyse received her Bachelor of Music degree at YoungstownState University, where she studied with the late great Bill Slocum,previous principal horn of the New York Philharmonic andCleveland Orchestra.

Shanyse has performed with a variety of ensembles and continuesto freelance in the greater Pittsburgh area. While pursuing her undergrad at Youngstown State University, shewrote horn lines and played trombone and flute for the reuniting Ohio Players, the famous funk group from the70s. She was the winner of the 2016 Jazz division at the International Horn Symposium (IHS), where she wasable to perform with jazz composer David Amram and a host of other jazz hornist. She currently is the flutefeature of a local group the Level Up Band, where she performs a variety of genres including new-soul, jazzand R&B. Staying true to her classical music roots, she goes on yearly tours with the Colour of Music Festival,on orchestra compiled of musicians with African decent from all over the world.

Shanyse aims to bridge the world of classical and jazz music together, while also bridging the gap that existsbetween the African American community and the classical music. In order to achieve both sides of thespectrum, Shanyse plans to release original EP that takes excerpts from Classical music and surrounds themin a neo-soul/jazz context, giving the best of both worlds. Using elements of the Western European tradition,Shanyse aims to show that African Americans possess the ability to execute classical music well, in a waythat does not eliminate the soulful joy that naturally stems from the skin that they are in. Be on the lookout forher EP release titled “Perspectives”.

Dr. Deanna swobodaDr. Deanna Swoboda is Associate Professor of Tuba and Euphonium atArizona State University, where she teaches tuba and euphonium,Entrepreneurship and Music courses, coaches chamber music, anddesigns creative music performances.

Prior to joining the ASU music faculty, Swoboda was Associate Professorof Tuba and Euphonium at Western Michigan University where she was afull time member of the Western Brass Quintet. Prior to WMU, Ms.Swoboda was tubist of the Dallas Brass, a 6-piece ensemble that travelsthe United States and Europe presenting hundreds of concerts each yearand working extensively in the public schools and at colleges anduniversities. Swoboda is also the creator and performer of a motivationalrecruiting video and music workshop called “Band Blast Off.”

Swoboda has taught at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, at theUniversity of Northern Iowa, and University of Idaho. As an internationalperformer and clinician she has been a guest at the National Conservatory

of Madrid (Spain), Deutschen Tubaforum–Hammelberg (Germany), The Higher School for the Arts in Porto, Portugal, andthe St Petersburg Conservatory in St Petersburg, Russia. As a clinician and performer, Swoboda has appeared at thenational and northwest regional conventions of Music Educators National Conference (MENC) on numerous occasions,the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, International Women’s Brass Conference, The Army Band Tuba EuphoniumConference, International Tuba-Euphonium Conferences, and for state music educator associations. Deanna Swoboda isa Past President for I.T.E.A., the International Tuba Euphonium Association. Her mentors are Roberts Spevacek, RexMartin and Sam Pilafian.

Her solo CD, “Deanna’s Wonderland,” was released on Summit Records in 1999. Her solo CD is entitled “ShamanicJourney” and features the music of women composers. “Table for Three” is a new CD featuring music for low brass trio,recorded with ASU brass colleagues John Ericson and Douglas Yeo. It is available at Summit Records. “Fanfare andFlourish” is a quartet recording featuring the music of women composers. It is published by Potenza Music.

Nancy taylorNancy Taylor is the trumpet professor at University of Texas at ElPaso. She holds a bachelor of music degree in performance fromArizona State University where she was a student of DavidHickman, and a master of music from Indiana University where shestudied with Allan Dean. She also studied extensively with VincediMartino. Before joining the music faculty at UTEP in 2008, Taylorwas a member of the United States Marine Band, “The President’sOwn.” She holds the unique distinction of having been the firstfemale to win a position with the cornet/trumpet section in thenearly 200-year history of the organization. While a member of ThePresident’s Own, Taylor performed at The White House, Pentagon,and for three national concert tours.

She currently plays principal trumpet with the El Paso WindSymphony and the Quintessential Brass Quintet in addition to

performing with the El Paso Opera and El Paso Symphony Orchestra. Taylor performs regularly at UTEP andat numerous other venues in the greater El Paso area.

In addition to being a professional musician, Ms. Taylor is a board-certified Occupational Therapistspecializing in injury treatment and prevention of musicians. Comfortable as a performer and a clinician hasgiven clinics on musician’s wellness at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic Convention, Texas MusicEducators Convention, Texas Bandmasters Association, and the Pennsylvania Music Educators Convention.Taylor is also on the faculty of the Conn-Selmer Institute as a specialist in injury prevention for musicians. Shehas also served as clinician to musicians of the United States Air Force Band and The President’s Own UnitedStates Marine Band.

Her book, Teaching Healthy Musicianship: The Music Educators Guide to Injury Prevention and Wellness(Oxford University Press) is available on Amazon.com.

Ginger turnerGinger Turner recently retired from 27 year tenure performing withThe United States Army Field Band. Her career has includedplaying principal trumpet, performing featured solos with theconcert band, leading a brass quintet and presenting numerousmaster classes nationwide. She was the designer and coordinatorof the widely-used instructional video, A Trumpeter’s Resource.Turner also developed the program “Building a Better BrassSection through the development of the Brass Quintet” which hasbeen presented at major music conferences around the country.This program has created opportunities for students to excel whileproviding leadership training in one lesson plan, emphasizingindividual responsibility in learning. A longstanding and activemember of Monarch Brass, Turner has enjoyed playing and touringwith the ensemble since 2008.

Passionate about education, Turner has been involved with the International Women’s Brass Conferencesince 2003. She currently serves as a board member, chair of the Susan Slaughter Solo Competition and theGinger Turner Ensemble Competition, and annually produces the Holiday Brass Concert in Baltimore,Maryland.

Ms. Turner has studied with greats of the trumpet world such as Marie Speziale, Susan Slaughter and RenéHernandez. She holds a Bachelors degree in Music Education and a Masters Degree in TrumpetPerformance from Arizona State, studying with David Hickman.Turner is a Conn-Selmer Educational Artist.

Dr. Danielle VantuinenDr. Danielle VanTuinen joined the faculty of the University of Florida in August 2019as Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium. Danielle is a performer, educator,and entrepreneur based in Rochester, New Hampshire. She currently serves asVisiting Lecturer of Music at Plymouth State University where she teaches low brassmethods and applied low brass lessons. She also serves as brass faculty at thePortland Conservatory of Music, adjunct staff for the marching band at the Universityof New Hampshire, Educational Representative with Music and Arts, and a privatelessons instructor at Timberlane High School and throughout northern New England.Danielle is the co-founder of the Moreau | VanTuinen Duo and an active presenter,clinician, and performing artist throughout the United States and Europe.

Prior to her work in New England, Danielle was the low brass instructor for thePhoenix Youth Symphony. Her responsibilities included small group and ensemblecoaching for middle and high school students participating in the organization’sbands and orchestras. During the 2016-2017 academic year, she coached theArizona State University concert band low brass section, comprised of first-year andnon-major performers. Danielle has been invited to adjudicate at a variety offestivals, including the New Hampshire MEA Solo & Ensemble Competition, the Paull. Willwerth Brass Competition at Central Michigan University, the Maine and Arizona

All-State Festivals, and the AETYB Young Artist Competition in Spain. As a strong proponent of new music, she has actively participatedas a member and coordinator of several commissioning projects for both solo euphonium/tuba and percussion/euphonium repertoire. Thispassion has resulted in over 15 new works from 2016-2019, three of which will be premiered by her in 2019.

Dr. VanTuinen has performed with several ensembles throughout Arizona, Michigan and the New England areas, including the PhoenixBallet, West Valley Symphony Orchestra, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Salt River Brass Band, and the New England Brass Band. Asa co- founder of the Moreau | VanTuinen Duo, she has been invited to perform at the International Alliance for Women in Music, theInternational Tuba Euphonium Conference, Spanish Association of Tubas and Euphoniums, Northern Arizona University, Ithaca College,the Miraphone Academy of the Southwest, the United States Pershing’s Own Army Band Tuba- Euphonium Workshop, and theInternational Women’s Brass Conference as a guest artist and educational presenter.

Danielle earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Performance from Arizona State University. Her culminating doctoral project,“Euphonium and Live Interactive Electronics: A Performer’s Examination of Three New Works”, sought to provide historical context andexpand the electroacoustic repertoire for low brass. She holds a Master of Music degree in Music Performance from Arizona StateUniversity and a Bachelors of Music degree in Music Performance from Central Michigan University. Her principal mentors include Dr.Deanna Swoboda, Professor Douglas Yeo, Dr. Mark Cox, and Professor Scott Hanson. Danielle is an active member of the InternationalTuba Euphonium Association and the International Women’s Brass Conference. Dr. VanTuinen is a Willson Performing Artist.

Lauren veronie UrquhartLauren Veronie Urquhart is a Master Sergeant with theU.S. Army Field Band in Washington, D.C. She spent 11years touring the United States as part of “The MusicalAmbassadors of the Army,” and now supports the ArmyField Band’s mission in strategic communications andfuture operations. She is passionate about storytellingand using music to make real connections withpeople—both in-person and online. She is a graduate ofthe University of North Texas where she studiedeuphonium with Dr. Brian L. Bowman. She is the winnerof the 2004 Potomac International EuphoniumCompetition. Lauren is a Soldier, a busy mom of three

boys, and in her free time enjoys birdwatching and Cajun cooking.

Kelly watkinsConductor, educator, and trumpet player Kelly Watkins hails fromthe great state of Texas. A member of the United States CoastGuard Band since 2003, she has appeared as a featured soloist onnational concert tours and traveled extensively across the UnitedStates, and abroad to Taiwan and Japan. Kelly also serves on thefaculty of Eastern Connecticut State University where she directsthe Eastern Concert Band and has taught courses in conducting,Brass Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, and arts leadership. Guestconducting engagements include ensembles at Gustavus AdolphusCollege (MN), Appalachian State University (NC), the University ofDelaware, and several United States Coast Guard Band andChamber Players performances, as well as regional and districthonor ensembles in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

From 2013-2016 she served as the Artistic Director and Conductorof the Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps Symphonic Band in New York City. In this post she led an ensembleof 100+ musicians of varying musical abilities in concerts and outreach initiatives across Manhattan, includingcollaborations with Randy Graff (Les Miserables), Liz Callaway (Broadway, Tony nominee) and Carol Jantsch(Philadelphia Orchestra).

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Music from Northwestern State University of Louisiana, a Master of Music fromIllinois State University and has pursued studies in Arts Administration at Boston University. Additionally, shecurrently serves as the Connecticut State Chair in the Eastern Division of the College Band Directors NationalAssociation, as a member of the International Trumpet Guild, and on the Board of Directors for theInternational Women’s Brass Conference (IWBC).

Jennifer whartonJennifer Wharton is a low brass specialist based in New York City.Though getting her start classically, Jen has deep roots in jazz,commercial, chamber and Broadway music. Like a virus, she won’tstop until she has conquered the world!

These days, Jennifer can be found leading her trombone-forwardensemble, Bonegasm, and performing in West Side Story but hasalso held positions at King Kong, Beautiful, The Gershwin’s Porgyand Bess, Jekyll and Hyde, Scandalous, Wonderland, 9 to 5 andCurtains, as well as performing as a substitute in over a dozenother Broadway productions.

Jen is a member of two multiple Grammy-nominated ensembles,Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society and Alan Ferber Big Band.She has also performed on the Grammy-nominated cast albums for

The Gershwins’ Porgy & Bess, 9 to 5 The Musical and Curtains The Musical as well as the Grammy-winningrecording of Beautiful The Carole King Musical.

She has performed and/or recorded with ensembles including the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Dizzy GillespieAll Star Band, Ken Peplowski Big Band, Miggy Augmented Jazz Orchestra, DIVA Jazz Orchestra, ArturoO’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, Birdland Big Band, Ayn Inserto Jazz Orchestra, Woody HermanOrchestra, Terraza 7 Big Band, John Yao and His 17 Piece Instrument, Walking Distance, South Florida JazzOrchestra, new Alchemy Jazz Orchestra, Steven Feifke Big Band, and the BMI Jazz Composers’ Workshop.Jennifer is an XO Professional Brass artist and plays the 1240-LT bass trombone. She teaches basstrombone at Montclair State University in New Jersey.

Dr. Dan burdickDaniel Burdick, Associate Professor of Low Brass at EdinboroUniversity, has performed with the Canadian Brass, the DetroitSymphony Orchestra, Keith Brion’s New Sousa Band, andnumerous professional brass quintets. Concerts have includedappearances at the British Institute Library in Florence, Italy, theStaatliche Hochschule für Musik in Trossingen, Germany, theEdinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, and a series of 15 concertsat the Banff Centre for the Arts in Alberta, Canada. The concertswere described as, “…interesting… moving…deeply emotional…”as well as, “Maestro Daniel Burdick made the tuba come alive….”He has taught at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, theUniversity of Missouri-Kansas City, the University of Kentucky atLexington, and the Interlochen Center for the Arts. He received thedegree Doctor of Musical Arts in tuba performance from theUniversity of Michigan. He is the Principal Tuba of the Erie

Chamber Orchestra, has performed with the Erie Philharmonic, and has made numerous presentations at thePennsylvania Music Educators Association state conferences. Dr. Burdick participated in both the MusicHistory Pedagogy Institute at The Julliard School sponsored by the College Music Society and the Meditationfor Musicians workshop at Karmê Chöling in Vermont taught by Madeline Bruser. He was a panelist at theAmerican Musicological Society’s Teaching Music History Day at DePauw University.

Gerry paganoOriginally from Athens Georgia, Gerry studied music education atthe University of Georgia, before joining Atlanta based entertainerCody Marshall. He traveled extensively during this time, to suchplaces as Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Saudi Arabia, playing dance/show music. The next four years were spent free lancing inPhoenix, Az. and gaining more experience, playing shows likeAnnie, Chorus Line, Sammy Davis Jr. and Liberace. While in Az. hestarted auditioning for orchestras, and determined more study wasneeded. His next three years were spent studying in New York, atJuilliard, where he graduated with a Bachelors and Masters in1987. While there, he had the opportunity to perform with the MetOpera, sub with the NY Philharmonic, and other regionalorchestras.

In 1987, he won a position as Bass Trombone in the S.F. BalletOrchestra, a position he held until winning the St Louis Symphony Bass Trombone position in 1995. He hasspent the last few summers teaching at the Interlochen Arts Camp. He is a founding member of the St LouisLow Brass Collective, and the Trombones of the St Louis Symphony, as well as a frequent clinician andrecitalist around the country. Gerry is an Edwards Instrument Artist.