Studio Overview
The trombone studio at Colorado State University is a challenging, fulfilling place to study the art of musicianship through the trombone. The studio members are a close-knit group of students who are supportive of each other, enjoy making music together and love playing the trombone! Whether pursuing a performance, music education, music therapy, composition degree, or music minor, students are guided to reach their goals by Dr. Drew Leslie.
Dr. Leslie is passionate about the trombone and music education and brings a wide variety of performing and teaching experience to Colorado State University. His teaching emphasizes great sound, intonation, and musicianship at the highest level and students are encouraged to perform on the trombone with these three things foremost in their minds. Lessons are structured around building a solid foundation in all of the fundamental areas of playing, along with an in-depth study of etudes, solos, orchestral/band excerpts, and jazz.
Studio size is approximately sixteen, with a maximum of four graduate students. A weekly studio class is held where students get the opportunity to perform in front of their peers and receive constructive feedback on their development. There is also the Colorado State University Trombone Choir, an all-trombone ensemble that meets once a week. This group specializes in 4-16-part arrangements and original compositions written specifically for this unique type of ensemble. All styles and time periods of music are covered, and different types of trombones (tenor, bass, alto, etc.) are utilized.
All students are actively encouraged to form trombone quartets and brass quintets to develop their chamber music skills and the ability to make a world-class blended group sound.
The studio owns various instruments for check-out by students. These include an alto trombone, several bass trombones and a contrabass trombone. Students are able to gain experience on these instruments without having to worry about financial burden of purchasing them.
Studio members take part in many other ensembles across campus including the CSU Marching Band, Wind Symphony/Symphonic Bands, Symphony Orchestra, and Jazz Ensembles/Combos.
Alumni of the trombone studio are found throughout the nation making positive contributions to the field of music. Graduates hold positions as music educators, performers, and music therapists (just to name a few!)
Scholarships and assistantships are available and are awarded on merit.
Instruments
- Yamaha Xeno Tenor Trombone
- Yamaha Xeno Bass Trombone
- Yamaha Alto Trombone
- Getzen Custom Series Bass Trombone
- 2 vintage Conn Connstellation Jazz Trombones
- 1 vintage Olds Ambassador Jazz Trombone
- 2 Shires Q-Series Tenor Trombones
- Shires Q-Series Jazz Trombone
- M&W Custom Bass Trombone
Audition Requirements
Auditions to be accepted as a music major or music minor at CSU are performed for the entire brass faculty. Please be prepared to perform music from the categories listed below. There will also be a short interview portion with questions from the brass faculty, as well as a chance for the applicant to ask questions and to learn more about the degree programs and brass department.
I. Scales
The applicant will be asked to perform a few two octave major scales and a chromatic scale of at least two octaves.
- All scales must be performed ascending and descending
- All scales must be performed by memory
IIa. Prepared Music, Undergraduate Tenor Trombone:
A prepared piece of the applicant's choice, featuring differing styles and showcasing the best of their abilities. The applicant may perform two short pieces/etudes, in contrasting styles, if they choose.
Suggested repertoire (not required):
- Morceau Symphonique, Guilmant
- Concertino Op.4, David
- Cavatine, Camille Saint-Saens
- Concerto, Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov
- Melodious Etudes, Bordogni/Rochut
- Any all-district/all-state audition piece, or piece of equal difficulty/quality
Please contact Dr. Drew Leslie, Assistant Professor of Trombone with any questions about repertoire choices.
IIb. Prepared Music, Undergraduate Bass Trombone
A prepared piece of the applicant's choice, featuring differing styles and showcasing the best of their abilities. The applicant may perform two short pieces/etudes, in contrasting styles, if they choose.
Suggested repertoire (not required):
- Concerto Allegro, Lebedev
- Concertino Basso, Lieb
- Cameos, Jacob
- Any all-district/all-state audition piece, or piece of equal difficulty/quality
Please contact Dr. Drew Leslie, Assistant Professor of Trombone with any questions about repertoire choices.
IIc. Prepared Music, Graduate Tenor/Bass Trombone
Please prepare 15-20 minutes of contrasting selections from the candidate’s current repertoire of solos, etudes and/or excerpts. Demonstration from a variety of music periods is suggested (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Twentieth Century, etc.). Material from a senior recital would be highly recommended.
III. Sight-reading
All applicants will be asked to perform a short sight-reading passage.