The UT Martin trombone ensemble took the stage and shocked audiences with an exhilarating concert on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024.
Conducted by Dr. Joseph Frye, the trombone ensemble comprised the UT Martin Trombone Choir, made up of various UT Martin students, and the Mass Trombone Choir, which added pre-collegiate students, UT Martin students and alumni to the group.
Despite being limited to trombone players, the ensemble was able to play a variety of tunes that included numerous parts. The UT Martin Trombone Choir started the concert by playing pieces such as Leviathan by Jack Wilds, Ave Maria (Angelus Domini) by Franz Biebl and arranged by Royce Lumpkin, Capriol Suite by Peter Warlock and arranged by Dr. Joseph Frye himself, Two Ancient Carols by Michael Praetoruis and Earth Song by Frank Ticheli and arranged by Dr. Joseph Frye.
The concert continued with the Mass Trombone Choir, who performed a magnificent, inspiring piece known as Dona Nobis Pacem, written by Giovanni Pieluigi da Palestrina and arranged by Dr. Joseph Frye. As the finale, they performed a trombone rendition of iconic rock song, The Final Countdown, written by Joey Tempest and arranged for trombone by Dr. Frye. Jason Hicks accompanied them on the electric bass, complementing the trombone choir’s masterful performance of the classic rock melody. The audience was blown away by the piece and gave the ensemble a standing ovation upon its completion.
Dr. Frye intends to hold a trombone ensemble each fall semester succeeding the current school year.
The concert can viewed here:
