Islander Trombone Day Brings World Renowned Trombonist to Coastal Bend

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas –In the words of Hector Berlioz, a French romantic composer, trombones can chant like a choir of priests, but they can also break forth into awe-inspiring cries and powerful notes. To share a taste of the many wonders of trombone, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s College of Music is hosting its fourth annual Islander Trombone Day on Saturday, Jan. 26, from noon to 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center (PAC).  

During Islander Trombone Day, trombone enthusiasts and those who are new to the instrument are welcome to participate in any of the event’s activities, including a choir reading session, a master class, and a trombone recital performed by the esteemed Dr. Natalie Mannix. South Texas Music Mart, a locally owned and operated Corpus Christi musical instrument store, will have an exhibit throughout the event.

Mannix is an avid soloist, chamber musician, orchestral trombonist, and a leader in brass pedagogy. She has appeared as a guest
artist and clinician at colleges and conferences throughout North America, including the International Trombone
Festival, the American Trombone Workshop, the International Women’s Brass Conference,
and the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic.

Her recent recordings include a solo album, “Breaking Ground: A Celebration of Women Composers,” and chamber music CDs, including: the Grammy Award-nominated “Interchange: Concertos by Rodrigo and Assad” with the Delaware Symphony and the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet; and “Shadowcatcher: Music for Winds, Brass, and Percussion.”

“Every year, Islander Trombone Day brings a world-class performer to our University and the Coastal Bend,” shared Dr. Rai Morales, associate professor of trombone. “This is an opportunity to learn from one of the best trombonists of our time and it’s a way we can service our community.”

The event is free and open to the public. Trombonists of all ages are invited to attend:

• Registration/Music Mart Exhibit – noon in PAC lobby
• Welcoming Announcements – 12:45 p.m. in PAC Concert Hall
• Warm-up Session with Dr. Natalie Mannix – 1 p.m. in PAC Concert Hall
• Trombone Choir Reading Session with Dr. Rai Morales – 2 p.m. in PAC Concert Hall
• Master class with Dr. Natalie Mannix – 3 p.m. in PAC Concert Hall
• Q&A Session: Becoming a Music Major – 4:30 p.m. in PAC Concert Hall
• Visit Music Mart Exhibit – 5:30 p.m. in PAC lobby
• Featured Guest Artist Recital with Dr. Natalie Mannix – 6:30 p.m. in PAC Concert Hall