The Trombone Retreat - podcast cover

The Trombone Retreat

Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartzwww.tromboneretreat.com
Universal stories of struggle, inspiration and achievement through the eyes of trombone players. Equal parts thoughtful and hilarious. Hosted by Sebastian Vera, principal trombonist of the Pittsburgh Opera and Nick Schwartz, principal bass trombonist of the New York City Ballet.
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Episodes

Peter Moore Live at the British Trombone Festival!

Send us a text Nick and Sebastian visit jolly England to visit the British Trombone Festival. While there they had a chance to sit down with Peter Moore, the prodigious trombonist whose career drew great attention from the age of only 12 years old! From his beginnings in brass bands to his breakthrough on the BBC Young Musician stage, Peter's story is one of talent, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of musical excellence. We traverse through his early days, the pressures of performing on tele...

Nov 11, 20241 hrEp. 46

Ian Bousfield's Harmonious World

Send us a text We're now on YouTube ! Enjoy this episode with our new enhanced video content on our YouTube channel, please like and subscribe!! Join us for an inspiring conversation with the legendary trombonist Ian Bousfield as we navigate through the vibrant realm of trombone music. Ian shares his incredible journey in an engaging discussion on the transformative power of music in an unforgettable exploration of musical connections and experiences. Our discussion unfolds the unexpected bonds ...

Oct 22, 20241 hr 49 min

Wycliffe Gordon Live at the International Trombone Festival: From Rural Roots to Jazz Fame

Send us a text If you're like us you've been blown away hearing our next guest at some point in your life. Join us for an eye-opening conversation with the legendary Wycliffe Gordon as he shares his musical journey from rural Georgia to performing with the greats like Wynton Marsalis. You’ll learn how early influences, particularly gospel music and church experiences, shaped his unique sound and expressive style. Wycliffe’s captivating stories and personal anecdotes will transport you to his for...

Jun 28, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 44

Tales of Transition, Teaching, and Triumph with Jonathan Whitaker

Send us a text Ever wondered what it's like to pack up your life's work and plant roots in new academic soil? Join me as I chat with the tenacious Jonathan Whitaker about his joys, philosophies and his surprising decision to move from the University of Alabama to the University of Illinois in an episode brimming with stories of growth. This conversation is a candid look into the intricate dance of teaching music. We explore the fascinating dynamics that bond educators and students. Delight in ta...

Mar 28, 20241 hr 50 minEp. 43

A Crossover With Trombone Corner

Send us a text We spider-man meme with the Trombone Corner Podcast, an episode long overdue. Nick and Sebastian greet John Snell and Noah Gladstone and have an amazing discussion on the evolution of their friendship, careers and joys of mouthpiece making. Noah goes in depth about his varies endeavors including the Brass Ark, Hollywood Scoring, his studio career and love of collecting. This is the episode all you gear heads have been waiting for, enjoy! Check out our interview on their podcast ev...

Feb 04, 20241 hr 28 min

Trombone Timo tells us what a TikTok is

Send us a text In his first podcast interview, Trombone Timo aka Tim Maines as we've always known him hangs with Nick and Sebastian and describes his crazy world of trombone in social media. We talk about how he went about building his prodigious following, his goals with his platform (you might be surprised), the power social media can have to galvanize arts organizations and how underutilized it still is! We talk about his summers at the Trombone Retreat getting lost and causing a stir with sm...

Feb 01, 20241 hr 9 min

Talking the Bernstein Movie and Ultimate Cheap Beer Rankings with Chris Van Hof

Send us a text For the first Fifth Position of the new year, Nick and Sebastian are joined by their favorite Michigander Dutchman Chris Van Hof, professor of trombone at Ball State University and Grand Poobah Assistant Manager of the International Trombone Festival. We start by announcing guest artists for this summer's Third Coast Trombone Retreat! We then give our thoughts on the movie "Maestro" as well as debating our top five cheap beers. Ever wondered if Stanley mugs could be the new Beanie...

Jan 16, 20241 hr 12 min

Concert Halls, Mullets and Amish Buffets: An Unconventional Classical Music Trail

Send us a text Can a beard and bow tie truly alter the landscape of a performance? In today's episode, we tackle these questions head-on. We commence on a somber note, sharing news and sending love to our dear friend Lance LaDuke after his scary accejent. We urge you to send your prayers and positive energy his way. Amidst this hardship, we underscore the beauty in finding joy in the smallest of things. Bolo ties, beards, weird gig offers, art deserts, chubby cheeks FUNdamentals, merch ideas, an...

Dec 06, 202334 min

Holidays, Auditions and Finally Naming This Thing

Send us a text Have you ever wondered what happens when two working musicians try to podcast at 8am? Today, Nick and Seba tian take you behind the scenes of these performances, sharing heartwarming stories that made the audience's holiday experience even more meaningful. We also reveal the new title for this short-form series - yes, you've voted and we've listened! We then explore the path of making a career in music and how it can wonderfully translate to other professions. Topics include: chil...

Nov 28, 202327 min

Brawn, Brass and Ball Pits

Send us a text It's just about Thanksgiving so we have another delicious episode to be thankful for! Have you ever been struck by the strength difference between your left and right arm? We also find ourselves reminiscing about childhood experiences of pilfering balls from ball pits and the shock of static electricity from plastic slides. Plus, we're on the hunt for a title for our podcast series, and we want you to be a part of it. Diving further into the trombone world, we share a heartwarming...

Nov 21, 202330 min

The Best Use of Trombone During the Apocalypse

Send us a text Who knew that finding a suitable name for a podcast could take us on a roller coaster of creativity? Nick and Sebastian sift through all of your brilliant suggestions. We also talk about trombone MacGyver moments in the clutch, trombone google keyword news, submitted questions about breaking in a slide, gripe of the week, how a trombone is best used as a weapon, Bach therapy, beauty in the world and most likely more. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/...

Nov 14, 202325 min

Science: Trombonists Make the Best Lovers

Send us a text We're doing something new! What is it? Great question! But it's new! So that's cool, right? Introducing Nick and Sebastian's first new weekly pod where they talk about trombone news, weekly gripes, answer questions and much more! Today we're lifting the lid on the long-debated topic of cut bells on trombones and also call out some bad personnel manager behavior. Lastly, we get into how the world is finally realizing that trombonists are the best lovers. Email us questions and idea...

Nov 07, 202326 min

The Resilient Journey of Musician and Educator, Ava Ordman

Send us a text Nick and Sebastian hang out with Ava Ordman, professor of trombone at Michigan State University and general badass. In our conversation, we delve into the world of music shaped by Ava's experiences. She recounts her struggles with people-pleasing, and the unique challenges of being chosen to perform Donald Erb's trombone concerto. But it goes beyond music; Ava opens up about her personal journey of transformation studying psychology, and how she learned to own her emotions and ass...

Sep 26, 20232 hr 11 minEp. 43

Alan Kaplan and Bill Reichenbach Live at the International Trombone Festival

Send us a text Nick and Sebastian interview LA Studio Legends Alan Kaplan and Bill Reichenbach live at the 2023 International Trombone Festival in Salt Lake City on the campus University of Utah! They talk about their incredible careers recording thousands of movies, how working with Quincy Jones was one of Bill's first big breaks, playing the trombone glisses on Lost and so much more! Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js....

Jul 25, 20231 hr 17 minEp. 42

Steve Turre

Send us a text Nick and Sebastian are joined by jazz legend and trombonist of the Saturday Night Live Band, Steve Turre. Steve talks about four decades with SNL, his discovery of conch shells and the profound relationship and influence JJ Johnson had in his life. Steve Turre's favorite recordings: "Lament" by J.J. Johnson "Misty" w/ Ray Charles from Spur of the Moment Album "Midnight Montuno" from Viewpoint Album "Fire and Ice" featuring Steve Turre "African Shells Second Interlude: The Dream" f...

Jul 09, 20231 hr 33 minEp. 41

Mark Lawrence

Send us a text Nick and Sebastian are joined by Mark Lawrence, former principal trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony of 34 years! We talk about experiencing 4 different music directors, those famous Blomstedt recordings and too many life lessons to mention! Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @b...

Jan 10, 20231 hr 40 minEp. 40

Justin Clark

Send us a text Nick and Sebastian are joined by soloist and bass trombonist of the Bern Symphony Orchestra, Justin Clark! They talked about his unique upbringing catching squid, his love of paragliding and the beautiful art he's creating in his solo projects. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @bas...

Dec 27, 20222 hr 4 minEp. 39

Oscar Diaz

Send us a text Nick and Sebastian hang out with all-star professor Oscar Diaz of Texas A&M Kingsville and talk about how he's built such an incredible program centered around community, his legendary BBQ exploits and continuing to face one of his greatest challenges head on. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and ...

Dec 13, 20221 hr 48 minEp. 38

David Taylor

Send us a text Nick and Sebastian are joined by legendary NYC bass trombonist David Taylor for episode 2 of the new season! 78 years young, Dave shares incredible stories over a many decades career that's still thriving from inspirational voicemails from JJ Johnson, recording with Duke Ellington to how he wanted to be a rodeo clown growing up! Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstromb...

Nov 29, 20221 hr 48 minEp. 37

Carol Jarvis

Send us a text Opening our new season we are joined by English trombonist Carol Jarvis. A multi-award-winning trombonist, keyboard player, arranger, orchestrator, and voiceover artist, she blows us away by the scope of her career touring with the likes of Sting, Michael Bolton and Seal and triumphing over one of the most profound challenges we could ever imagine. We can't wait for you to hear this moving episode as we still have goosebumps thinking about it. Also introducing special features wit...

Nov 15, 20221 hr 48 minEp. 36

Christian Lindberg Live at the International Trombone Festival

Send us a text Nick and Sebastian at last interview one of their heroes, Swedish soloist, conductor and composer, Christian Lindberg, live at the 51st International Trombone Festival at the University of Central Arkansas. They talk about some shocking challenges from his youth, paving a untrodden path when many told him he was crazy and how he looks back at his career now. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) ...

Aug 26, 20221 hr 39 minEp. 35

Richard Stout - Live at the Third Coast Trombone Retreat

Send us a text Nick and Sebastian are back to talk to Richard Stout, second trombonist of the Cleveland Orchestra about what it's like playing in one of the most unique ensembles on the planet, coming back to the trombone after a massive injury and how being a Cleveland Browns fan is even harder. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta) Produced and edited by Sebastian ...

Aug 03, 20221 hr 19 minEp. 34

Trombone Minute: ITF News and Bear Attacks!

Send us a text Welcome to the first installment of Trombone Minute where Sebastian talks about trombone news, events and pop culture in a bite-sized morsel of audio goodness. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta) Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - ...

Jul 10, 20227 min

John Kitzman - Live at UTA

Send us a text Sebastian talks to the legendary John Kitzman, former principal trombonist of the Dallas Symphony of over 40 years and professor of trombone at Southern Methodist University for just short of half a century! On the brink of retiring from teaching, John looks back at his career in this incredibly honest and moving talk. So much wisdom, joy for music and love for his students is shared and we can't wait to share this with you! Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patr...

Mar 14, 20221 hr 58 minEp. 33

Alain Trudel

Send us a text Nick and Sebastian talk to legendary soloist and conductor, Alain Trudel, about coming back to the trombone after an unforeseen life challenge, what it's like to lead an orchestra with a trombonist's mentality and his infectious joy and gratitude for life. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (instagram) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (instagram) Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera Music: Fireho...

Jan 24, 20222 hr 6 minEp. 32

Premiere episode of "Meet Your Maker" with special guest, Christan Griego - Free Preview

Send us a text Welcome to "Meet Your Maker" a special podcast where Sebastian Vera sits down with craftsman to learn about the magic behind their discoveries and nerd out about equipment. For this premiere episode, Sebastian sits down with the quietly brilliant Christan Griego of Edwards Instruments, Griego Mouthpieces and Sota Turntables where they talk about the evolution of the trombone sound, what is being discovered now, and what are the most important things you should be focusing on in yo...

Jan 07, 202217 min

"Now Hearing Candidate 1' an audition podcast with guest, Doug Rosenthal - Free Preview

Send us a text Listen to a free preview of "Now Hearing Candidate 1" an exclusive video podcast breaking down the processes and strategies of audition winners from announcement through audition day! Join host Sebastian Vera as he talks to guest Doug Rosenthal, assistant principal trombonist of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra as he shares his story of becoming the last man standing in two major auditions in the span of a week and what personal hurdles he had to overcome first to get ther...

Dec 22, 202110 min

James Nova

Send us a text Nick and Sebastian talk to James Nova, trombonist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra about turning tragedy into focus and direction, how taking a chance on a new project changed his life and that time John Williams wrote him a letter. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (instagram) and Nick Schwartz - @basstro...

Dec 14, 20211 hr 53 minEp. 31

Gunhild Carling

Send us a text Nick and Sebastian talk to Swedish jazz musician and multi-instrumentalist, Gunhild Carling, about her completely natural music education, how she can play so many different instruments so effortlessly and where musical magic comes from. She's also the first guest that plays for us live! Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (instagram) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (instagram) Produced and edited...

Nov 04, 20211 hr 16 minEp. 30

"Now Hearing Candidate 1' an audition podcast with guest, John Romero - Free Preview

Send us a text Listen to a free preview of "Now Hearing Candidate 1" an exclusive video podcast breaking down the processes and strategies of audition winners from announcement through audition day! Join host Sebastian Vera as he talks to John Romero, principal trombonist of the Metropolitan Opera and formerly Fort Worth Symphony as he shares his audition story and personal discoveries to success. To hear the entire episode and have access to exclusive perks and features, consider becoming a pat...

Oct 14, 20216 min
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