Baylor Trombone Quartet Wins National Competition

January 16, 2014
Trombone quartet

Courtesy photo:( L to R) Jared Dickerson, Matthew Harris, John Romero and Andrew Crixell

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WACO, Texas (Jan. 16, 2014) - The Baylor School of Music trombone quartet, appropriately named "Bearbones," recently won the Eastern Trombone Workshop's National Trombone Quartet Competition. The quartet members are seniors John Romero and Andrew Crixell, junior Matthew Harris and sophomore Jared Dickerson.
Bearbones submitted their contest recording in November and heard the results from the competition coordinator in December.
"Everyone was really excited," Romero said. "The news came to my email and I texted everyone. I got replies with lots and lots of exclamation points."
Each year, the workshop is hosted by the United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" in Fort Meyer, Va. The distinguished adjudication panel at the workshop was made up of members from the Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra and the National Symphony.
The competition allows both professional and student ensembles to submit recordings and does not have any age restrictions. Entries were also received from major music schools including Yale, Boston University, Louisiana State University, the University of Georgia and the University of Maryland.
"I was really surprised that we won," Romero said. "Not because I thought we couldn't, but because we could have been even more prepared."
The quartet members are all students of Brent Phillips, associate professor of trombone in Baylor's School of Music.
"I am thrilled for them, but I know this is just the beginning," Phillips said. "This group has all the elements of a competitive and exciting young chamber ensemble. They are teachable and hungry for success."
"Each member is a technician on his instrument, but has kept the goal of high artistry and musical expression as the main priority," he said. "They are mentally strong."
As a result of their win, the group has been invited to perform a full recital for a large national and international audience on March 19, 2014, at the Eastern Trombone Workshop conference.
by Kristen Bennett, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

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ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC

The Baylor University School of Music provides transformational experiences that prepare students for careers in music. Our students thrive in a Christian environment characterized by a nurturing resident faculty, an unwavering pursuit of musical excellence, a global perspective, dedication to service, and devotion to faith. They investigate the rich musical and cultural heritage of the past, develop superior musical skills and knowledge in the present, and explore and create new modes of musical expression for the future. While preparing for future leadership roles, the students join with School of Music faculty in enhancing the quality of community life, enriching the larger culture, and making Baylor a place in which heart, mind and soul coalesce. The School of Music of Baylor University is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Texas Association of Music Schools. Degree programs leading to the bachelor of music education degree conform to certification requirements of the Texas Education Agency