2026 ITF Presenters

The foundation of ITF programming, our presenters represent top pedagogues, performing artists, and researchers from around the globe. Chosen through an adjudicated application process, Presenters bring a broad range of perspectives and genres to the ITF stage, with sessions ranging from new music and innovative repertoire, to the latest research in teaching, wellness, and more. Be sure to look for these amazing artists on the ITF program!

Special thanks to our selection committee!

Dr. Christopher Sharpe
Assistant Professor of Trombone, Murray State University

Dr. Timothy M. Owner
Assistant Professor of Trombone, the University of North Texas

Elise Jacquemettaz

"Câlin baume au coeur" - ("A hug, a balm for the heart")

A delicate encounter between sung poetry and orchestrated flourishes, featuring arrangements of compositions by singer-songwriter Johanna Baget performed by a 14-member collective.

Crossbones Trombones

A fusion of classical, jazz, pop, and film music by a genre-defying Belgian collective that reimagines the trombone as a versatile voice for the 21st century.

Slide’n Five
Trombone from the Americas

Denis Jiron
University of Western Ontario

A traditional classical recital featuring music by composers from the Americas, including works by Piazzolla and York, to bring awareness to these composers for international audiences.

Jemmie Robertson
University of Florida

Digital Counterpoint: Trombone and Fixed Media

An exploration of the vibrant repertoire for trombone and fixed electronic media, tracing the genre's evolution from the 1980s to the present day.

Jonatan Samayoa

The Mexican Trombone: The Union of Two Worlds

An exploration of the trombone's role in Mexican music, demonstrating how European influences blended with Mexican cultural identity to shape a unique sound.

Andrés Santín

New Works for Bass Trombone and Piano by Mexican Composers

A showcase of contemporary repertoire by Mexican composers intended to broaden the options for bass trombonists while promoting cultural diversity.

John Tarr
Växjö Kulturskola

The Adaptable Trombonist: Rethinking Trombone Practice Through Ecological Dynamics

An introduction to skill acquisition theory that prioritizes adaptability and context-sensitive learning over traditional repetitive drills.

Jarek Meisner
Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music

Determinants of artistic creation

An exploration of six core areas, including awareness and mastery, that serve as essential tools for performers to enhance the depth of their interpretations.

Alciomar Oliveira

A musical "memory" premiered at the festival that alludes to the sounds of the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

DUO Alciomar Oliveira & Alla Dadaian: 
Cosmopolitan Trombone I

Andrés Santín

New Works for Bass Trombone and Piano by Mexican Composers

A showcase of contemporary repertoire by Mexican composers intended to broaden the options for bass trombonists while promoting cultural diversity.

Polish Trombone Impressions

Wojciech Jeliński
I. J. Paderewski Academy of Music

A recital of works for trombone and piano by Polish composers, featuring pieces by Zygmunt Stojowski, Feliks Nowowiejski, and Ewa Fabiańska-Jelińska.

Katie Noll

The role of the pelvic floor in respiration and considerations for brass pedagogy

A physiological study on how pelvic floor muscles contribute to a relaxed breath and the implications for brass pedagogy and various pathologies.

Jon Roskilly
Kuopio Symphony Orchestra

Finnish Music for Solo Trombone

A concert of colorful and virtuosic music for solo trombone by Finnish composers, including Einar Englund and Kalevi Aho.

THE TROMBONE GUY´S STORY

Elias Faingersh

A hilarious stand-up performance about family life and fatherhood, using live-looping technology to create orchestral soundscapes with a single trombone.

Brian Woodbury

Brian Woodbury Jazz Quartet

A dynamic performance of original compositions blending modern jazz with classical, blues, and world music influences.

Bill Haugeberg
Pedro Martinez
Jason Hausback James Decker

ReBL Trombone Quartet

A performance dedicated to new and original works for trombones, including a world premiere of Justin Writer's Outlaws.

Nathan Surquin

A jazz performance based on the album Ambre, exploring cultural dialogue and the meeting of diverse musicians through distinctive soundscapes.

Ambre
Mt SAC Faculty Brass

With Walter Simonsen, Lori Stuntz, and Barbara Laronga

Karen Marston
Mt San Antonio College

A recital inspired by the legacy of Los Angeles film scoring, featuring high-energy original works and new arrangements that celebrate modern commercial brass writing.

Kevin Jones
Florida State University

Jazz Duo: Kevin Jones and Bill Peterson

A showcase of challenging original repertoire and the "extraordinary interplay" between trombone and piano, featuring music from their albums.

Jason Sulliman
Troy University

It's Not Just a Flex - The Critical Components of Flexibility Training

A presentation applying movement science, kinematics, and speed training to develop agility and functional flexibility on brass instruments.

Altin Sencalar

Connecting the Dots; Effective Ways to Incorporate Commercial Trombone Playing into your warm up routine

An interactive pedagogy session demonstrating a modular warmup method that translates seamlessly across classical, jazz, and commercial settings.

Working with neurodivergent students in the applied lessons studio

Jonathan Allen
University of Iowa

A discussion on existing research regarding how neurodivergent individuals acquire skills and how to adapt applied lessons to better serve this population.

Timothy Dueppen
The Tephra Collective

Impressions of a New Dawn - The Tephra Collective

A musical journey drawing from African traditions, European art music, and American soundtracks to celebrate the unifying power of music across borders.

Cory Mixdorf
University of Arkansas

Brass & Ivory Trio

A recital highlighting the small but diverse canon of original repertoire for trumpet, trombone, and piano, including music from Bulgaria, France, and Latin America.

Jessica Butler
Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Trailblazers in Swing: How the International Sweethearts of Rhythm Broke Barriers and Made History

A research presentation examining the cultural impact and social challenges faced by the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, a trailblazing all-woman big band.

The Italian Trombone sound

Fabio De Cataldo
Mascoulisse Quartet

An exploration of the 19th-century Italian trombone sound using period-appropriate small-bore rotary valve instruments to perform traditional opera arias.

Dan Hinman
Kansas State University

The Trombone Music of Carolina Calvache

A celebration of the works of Colombian jazz composer Carolina Calvache, featuring performances for solo tenor and bass trombone and chamber music.