The Kansas City Trombone Workshop

 For my final blog  post, I wanted to post about something personal, and what I think embodies a great way of getting the general public engaged in playing brass music. 

This video is from a summer concert, performed by the mentors at the Kansas City Trombone Workshop (KCTW) https://youtu.be/aX55Of6ivfU?feature=shared 

KCTW is a summer workshop for young trombone players started up by some local trombone teachers in the Kansas City area. This is a workshop open to trombone players of all age ranges, anywhere from middle school to working professionals. The workshop is held weekly over the summer, and rehearsals are split between large choir rehearsals and chamber music rehearsals. 

What I really like about this format is how open it is. There is a fee yes, but besides that anyone who lives in the area can do it, and it’s a great opportunity for young players to get to work with professionals and older students in the area. College age students are also given the opportunity to mentor students and work on their teaching skills. 

I think this workshop embodies what this blog is about because it’s open to anyone. The concerts that are put on are free, and while they may not be the equivalent to an all-star personell concert you’d hear at a large summer camp, it’s a way to get non musicians and musicians excited about playing trombone choir music. I remember as a high schooler being so excited to go to rehearsals every Sunday just to go and play with the Adults in the group. I think I would like to get something like this started wherever I end up in my career. I’m curious what you all think about this. 

Regardless, I hope you all have enjoyed my blog, and thank you for reading.