The UA School of Music is very pleased to be the site for the 2011 Alessi Seminar!
This nine-day event, hosted by the New York Philharmonic’s principal trombonist, is one of the most comprehensive trombone events available and as one would expect is attributable to its inspirational host, Joseph Alessi. Mr. Alessi’s vision to create an event that elevates both trombone playing and pedagogy to the highest level has been fostered through the exchange of information. This process is made possible through the welcoming atmosphere and spirit of collegiality and mutual respect displayed among all in attendance each year. Those who have attended the Seminar will attest to the fact that the information shared is absolutely the most crucial to success on the instrument.
The Seminar this year takes place at the University of Alabama, having previously been held at the University of New Mexico and Nyack College. The first seminar took place in 1999 and occurs bi-annually in the US. Additionally, the “Seminar” as it has become to be known, takes place in Italy in the non-US years. Those chosen to be performers at the Seminar are selected by a recorded audition, a process which maintains a rigorous anonymity. Auditors are always welcome, no audition necessary. The Seminar generates international interest and players have come from many countries. Over 400 trombonists have attended the Seminar, representing ages from 15-80 and have included high school and college students, weekend warriors and educators. Additionally, professional players from the following ensembles have attended as participants and auditors: Atlanta Symphony, Boston Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Iceland Symphony, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Milwaukee, Symphony, National Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Puerto Rico Symphony, RAI (Torino, Italy) Orchestra, Saint Louis Symphony, Seattle Symphony, United States Navy Band and ”The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. Trombone professors from the universities of Alabama, Baylor, Boston, Georgia, Indiana, Northwestern, New England Conservatory, Oklahoma State, Oregon and South Carolina have also attended. The aforementioned list is a testament to the impact and significance of the Alessi Seminar.
The Seminar’s format consists of group warm-ups and a master-class in the morning, another master-class and scheduled practice/rehearsal time in the afternoon and a concert or master-class in the evening. Each master-class features several participants performing previously selected solo works and orchestral excerpts. The master-classes also feature the coaching of quartets and orchestral low brass sections.
Joe and his staff have been given due credit for being able to address the needs of the attendees (which are assembled into classes of Participants, Fellows and Auditors) and for striking an appropriate balance both on and off the trombone during this intense event.
The upcoming Seminar features several concerts including recitals by Joseph Alessi, Trombones de Costa Rica, Participant and Fellow Quartets, Participant Solo Recital and a Trombone Choir concert.
Alessi Seminar Performances
** Alessi Seminar concerts are free and open to the public
Monday, August 1 – 7:30pm
Joseph Alessi solo recital
Tuesday, August 2 – 7:30pm
Trombones de Costa Rica
(Internationally acclaimed trombone quartet…a must see!!!)
Wednesday, August 3 – 7:30pm
Alessi Seminar Quartet Night
Thursday, August 4 – 7:30pm
Alessi Seminar Participant Solo Recital
Friday, August 5 – 2:00pm
Final Concert – Trombone Choirs
**there will be 2 world premiere performances of works written in honor of the tornado victims….one for trombone choir by Anthony Barfield and one for solo trombone written for Dr. Jon Whitaker by Nicola Ferro
