Explore institutional access Explore institutional access

5 min. read

National Trombone Workshop (USA)

In Nashville, Tennessee, from May 31, 1971, through June 4, 1971, the First National Trombone Workshop was held on the campus of Peabody College under the auspices of the Peabody School of Music. Professional trombonists, college students, and trombone teachers came from all parts of the United States and Canada. The faculty consisted of some of the most outstanding artist-teachers available. These artist-teachers represented a wide degree of knowledge, skill, and ideas.

A total of 150 trombonists attended the workshop during its five-day period. Four days were devoted to master classes, special clinics by each of the faculty, ensemble playing, and exposure to an outstanding display of trombones and trombone music. The fifth day of the workshop was devoted to the recognition of Emory Remington, regarded by many as the master trombone teacher of the century. Trombone manufacturers present were:

  • Chicago Musical Instrument Company – Olds Division
  • King Band Instrument Company
  • C. G. Conn Ltd.
  • G. LeBlanc Corporation – Holton Instrument Company Division
  • H. & A. Selmer, Incorporated

In addition to the regular trombone literature, which included total catalogs from every available music publisher, a special display of jazz compositions was presented by Dick Noel, outstanding trombonist from California. He made available not only the music from his albums, but also hard-to-get records of jazz trombone works.

During the week of the Workshop each instructor presented a general sessions clinic. This was either at the end of the morning, or at the beginning of the afternoon. In addition to the general sessions clinic, he also presented two or three master classes per day. The rest of the time was devoted to individual instruction or informal get-togethers with students, or ensemble rehearsals.

Two large choirs were formed, one meeting in the morning and one in the afternoon. These choirs were coordinated by Bernard Pressler and Ernest Lyon. Since the schedule of the faculty involved only three hours per day of teaching at the most, they were invited at any time to conduct one of the large choirs.

At four o’clock each day the students were free to attend the displays, look over available new music, or meet with an instructor for ensemble rehearsal. The ensemble varied from duets to ten-piece jazz groups.

The schedule was developed so that every student attending the workshop would have the opportunity of meeting at least one hour with every instructor. This was on a fixed schedule basis. However, one day was set aside so that the students had a choice of returning to a favorite teacher for a second hour of instruction.

The evenings were devoted to the presentation of invited groups such as the Ball State University Trombone Choir, under the direction of Bernard Pressler, and the East Texas State University Trombone Choir, under the direction of Neill Humfeld.

The evening concerts included ensembles that had rehearsed during the afternoon sessions and faculty recitals. On the morning of the last day a recital was presented by the students who were interested in solo repertoire.

The majority of the last day was dedicated to the recognition of Emory Remington. Mr. Remington conducted the entire workshop in a variety of compositions. The total ensemble on this last day numbered close to 150. This was indeed an event to be long remembered, especially in view of the fact that this famous teacher passed away in December of 1971.

An album was produced that presents excerpts recorded during the performances or rehearsals of the National Trombone Workshop. As much as possible, all comments and discussions were left on the recording to reflect the warm and enthusiastic atmosphere that was present during the entire week. It is a two-record album, with one record devoted mainly to Mr. Remington’s presentation and the other presenting a cross section of the activities that took place that week.

The faculty for the First National Trombone Workshop included:

BUDDY BAKER — played with Indianapolis Philharmonic, instructor at Indiana University and University of Northern Colorado, toured with Stan Kenton, played with Woody Herman, Henry Mancini, and Warren Covington. Taught at Stan Kenton clinics. Currently playing with Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra and Greeley Lab Band. Trombone clinician and adjudicator. Clinician for C. G. Conn, Ltd.

NEILL H. HUMFELD — attended Eastman School of Music, student of Emory Remington, Professor of Music and Chairman of Instrumental Music Division of the Music Department at East Texas State University. Director of Bands, clinician and adjudicator.

ERNEST LYON — student of Emory Remington, graduate of Eastman School of Music, formerly first trombone with Louisville Philharmonic, Professor of trombone at the University of Louisville. Has repeatedly presented new compositions for trombone both in his own recitals and with his students. His students are represented in many orchestras throughout the world. Clinician for Bach Instrument Company.

BERNARD PRESSLER — student of Emory Remington, was a member of the Richmond, Indiana and Hamilton, Ohio symphony orchestras and the Dayton Opera Orchestra. Now first trombonist with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra and a member of the DaCamera Brass Quintet. Assistant Professor, Ball State University. Clinician for C. G. Conn Ltd.

ALAN RAPH — foremost bass trombone player, New York City recording studios; studied with S. Karasick, Gabriel Masson; soloist and clinician. Faculty of Teachers College, Columbia University Music Education Department, New York University. Clinician for King Band Instrument Company.

EMORY REMINGTON — regarded by all as the master trombone teacher of the century. He has, during his teaching at the Eastman School of Music, placed students in practically every major symphony in the United States, as well as a vast number in commercial work. Loved and respected by thousands of trombone students and players in the United States, the “Chief,” as he is known to those who are associated with him, was the guest of honor for the National Trombone Workshop.

GEORGE ROBERTS — played with Stan Kenton, Nelson Riddle, Henry Mancini, Billy May, David Rose, and Frank DeVol. Was on the staff orchestras of NBC, ABC, and CBS television. Is a clinician-soloist and very deserving of the name “Mr. Bass Trombone.” Clinician for F. E. Olds and Son.

LEWIS VAN HANEY — member of LeBlanc artist-clinician staff, bass trombonist with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra for 17 years, on the music faculty of Indiana University, studied with Emory Remington and William Bell, clinician for Holton Instrument Company, Chairman of the Brass Department of the “Music Academy of the West,” Santa Barbara, California. Clinician for Holton Instrument Company, Division of G. LeBlanc Corporation.

A second workshop is being planned for May 29, 1972, through June 2, 1972. Information concerning this workshop is available from our offices. Plans are being formulated to have an International Trombone Workshop this coming summer. All inquiries should be directed to:

Mr. Henry Romersa

Brass Bulletin 2, I / 1972 pages 16–24

All content is protected by copyright © Brass Bulletin 1972–2026

Share this article

Facebook LinkedIn
Loading…

Questions & Answers

How the Digital Edition works

What does the Digital Edition include?

The Digital Edition brings together the articles already digitized as searchable online texts—not simply as scans or PDF files—along with their original illustrations, notes, authorship, issue information, and available translations. Related-article suggestions currently include only this digitized material.

Are the digital articles identical to the originals?

We preserve the original text, language, illustrations, captions, footnotes, and editorial context as faithfully as possible. The presentation is adapted for comfortable online reading, and obvious transcription or scanning errors may be corrected. The substance and character of the published article remain unchanged.

Which languages are available?

Brass Bulletin was published in English, French, and German throughout its history. Italian and Spanish translations were added from issue No. 60 onward.

On the Italian and Spanish sites, articles from issues 1–59 are therefore shown in English by default.

How often are new articles added?

New articles are added almost daily, with approximately one complete issue digitized each week. The pace may vary depending on the preparation, image work, and editorial checking required.

Why aren’t all articles available digitally?

The complete Brass Bulletin collection contains 1,246 articles published between 1971 and 2003. The full index is already available online, allowing readers to discover every article in the collection, including those whose complete text has not yet been digitized.

Digitization began in February 2026. Each article is carefully prepared for online reading, checked, and connected to its issue, authors, subjects, and illustrations. At the current pace of digitization, the complete collection is expected to be available online by February 2028.

Why do some references mention articles that are not available yet?

References in the original articles are preserved even when the material they point to has not yet been digitized. This keeps the historical and editorial record intact. As more issues are added to the Digital Edition, an increasing number of these references will lead to articles that can be read online.

Can I suggest an article or report a transcription error?

Yes. If there is an article you would particularly like to see digitized, or if you notice a possible transcription error or missing detail, please contact us. Reader feedback helps us improve the Digital Edition and prioritize useful connections within the archive.

How can I support Brass Bulletin?

Your support helps fund the preparation, verification, and online publication of the complete collection.

Subscribe to the Digital Edition

Prefer to support us without subscribing?

Make a donation

Search Brass Bulletin.