Baylor University Bass Trombonist is Finalist in International Competition

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Bass trombonist Dan Sebastian, a senior performance major at Baylor, has been named one of three international finalists in the Kleinhammer Orchestral Bass Trombone Competition.
The competition is an international event sponsored by the International Trombone Association for bass trombonists ages 25 and younger. Performances required include standard and very difficult orchestral repertoire. Many previous winners have gone on to prestigious careers in major symphony orchestras, association officials said.
The finals will be held at the International Trombone Festival at the University of Texas in mid-July, said Brent Phillips, Sebastian's teacher, an assistant professor of instrumental studies at Baylor.
The first prize is a new bass trombone, valued at approximately $6,000 and sponsored by one of the top three custom instrument makers, Phillips said.
Three finalists were chosen from 23 competitors, a record number of entries, this year. All are from Texas universities.
Other finalists are Joshua Becker of Rice University and Jeremiah Stones from the University of North Texas.
Taped music from the semifinalists was judged by an international committee of professional orchestral musicians.
Phillips said he is confident that Sebastian has the capacity to win the competition. Sebastian also was named a runner-up recently at the Big 12 solo competition at Texas Tech university in Lubbock.
"We in the School of Music are very proud of his accomplishment and the recognition it brings to our program," said Dr. William May, dean of Baylor's School of Music.
The Baylor Trombone Choir has competed in the International Trombone Association Choir Competition in the past two years and received honorable mention, Phillips said. Results for this year's event are pending.

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