The DePaul trombone studio offers students a learning environment that is small enough for individual attention, yet large enough to create an active group dynamic. Students learn from the world-class faculty in individual lessons as well as through studio classes. The trombone studio gives group, as well as individual and often conducts mock auditions to prepare students for the future.
Join us for a free Trombone Workshop on Saturday, November 9!
Faculty
DePaul Trombone Studio
DePaul trombone faculty members Mark Fisher and Charles Vernon welcome you to the trombone studio page. Our mission in the DePaul trombone studio is to maintain a collegial, professional, challenging, demanding, organized and honest environment of very high standards, designed to enhance the development of each individual student.
Lessons
Trombone students register for and receive an equal number of lessons with Mr. Fisher and Mr. Vernon each quarter. Lessons focus on fundamentals of sound development, breathing and technique, as well as solo and orchestral playing and doubling. Our studio progress and success has thrived as a result of this consistent team teaching system.
Doubling
Each member of the trombone studio is expected to develop secondary instrument or doubling skills, including alto trombone, euphonium, contrabass trombone and bass trumpet.
Weekly studio class and DePaul Trombone Choir
Each Sunday evening, the studio meets with Mark Fisher for trombone studio class and trombone choir rehearsal. This is a great opportunity for the studio to discuss weekly studio logistics, news in the trombone world and to maintain a high level of support and feedback. Topics often covered in studio class include: solo and excerpt playing, performance focus techniques, career building and professional networking. Students perform solo repertoire in preparation for solo recitals and various solo competitions. Mock auditions are often a focus in studio class, preparing the students for professional and summer festival auditions. One hour of time is designated to trombone choir rehearsal. Additional time is often reserved for quartet or orchestral section coaching.
Alumni Accomplishments
Ensembles
Baltimore Symphony
Zurich Opera Orchestra
Houston Grand Opera Orchestra
Kansas City Symphony
Louisville Symphony
Winnipeg Symphony
Charlotte Symphony
Quad Cities Symphony
Kalamazoo Symphony
Orchestra Iowa
Illinois Symphony
Northwest Indiana Symphony
Green Bay Symphony
Kenosha Symphony
Chicago Civic Orchestra
Awards/Competitions
Fulbright Award for study in the Netherlands
Fulbright Award for study in Berlin
Winner- ITA Marstellar Competition
Winner- ITA Kleinhammer Competition
Winner- ETW Bass Trombone Solo Competition
Winners- ETW Trombone Quartet Competition
Winner- Larry Wiehe Competition
Finalist- ITA Yaxley Competition
Finalist- ITA Van Haney Competition
Summer Festivals
National Repertory Orchestra
Alessi Institute
Brevard Music Festival
Menlo Institute
Music Academy of the West
Aspen Music Festival
Bar Harbor Brass Institute
Faculty Positions
Northern Illinois University
Marrowstone Music Festival
Harper College
Birch Creek Music Festival
Elmhurst College
Guest Artists
Joseph Alessi
Jorgen van Rijen
David Finlayson
Steve Witser
Hans Stroecker
Mark Kellogg
Rick Stout
Joseph Rodriguez
Jeremy Moeller
Jon Whitaker