About MATA
The Mid-Atlantic Trombone Alliance (MATA) fosters collaboration among trombone departments within the Washington, D.C. area. Institutions interested in joining can collaborate through workshops, performances and educational opportunities, enhancing growth and community among trombone players and educators.
The Trifecta
The Mid-Atlantic Trombone Alliance is hosting The Trifecta, an afternoon dedicated to performance, composition, and well-being for low brass musicians.
Open to students and adult players of trombone, euphonium and tuba, this event offers coaching sessions, masterclasses, concerts and reading sessions.
It is a great opportunity for low brass players to enhance their skills and connect with fellow musicians.
Faculty
Dr. Matthew Niess
Trombone
Shenandoah University
Andy Skaggs
Trombone
Shenandoah University
Dr. Jeffrey Cortazzo
Bass Trombone
Shenandoah University
Zach Bridges
Tuba
Shenandoah University
Jay Crone
Trombone
Virginia Tech
William Gamamche
Low Brass, Northern Virginia Community
Band Director, Fairfax County Schools
Frank Gulino
Composer & Arranger
James Kraft
Trombone & Euphonium
Former National Symphony Orchestra Member
Zenas Kim-Banther
Trombone
Nathaniel Lease
Trombone
Hagerstown Community College
Madeline A. Lee
Composer & Arranger
James Martin
Trombone
Shepherd University
Dr. Kyle Remnant
Trombone
Eastern Mennonite University
Schedule of Events
| Time | Event |
| 9:45 a.m. | Registration Opens |
| 10 a.m. | Group Warm-up with J.S. Bach |
| 10:30 a.m. | Orchestral Reading Sessions Collegiate & High School level |
| 11:30 a.m. | Masterclasses (Jazz & Classical) |
| 12:15 p.m. | Lunch (provided for those registered) |
| 1 p.m. | Faculty Recital: Andy Skaggs |
| 1:45 p.m. | Composers Seminar & Masterclasses |
| 2:45 p.m. | Jazz Concert: Shenandoah Conservatory Studio Big Band |
| 3:30 p.m. | Concert: Trombone Ensembles Featuring New Music by Resident Composers |
| 4:30 p.m. | MATA Complete |
Note: Schedule subject to change
The Capitol Bones
Since its inception in 1991, The Capitol Bones have played throughout the country to include performances at the International Trombone Workshop in Las Vegas, Rochester, and Utah; jazz clubs; North Carolina with The Piedmont Winds; the Eastern Trombone Workshop in Washington, D.C.; and recorded four CDs. In addition to the standard arrangements, The Capitol Bones have recorded numerous new works to the jazz trombone ensemble repertoire by such notables as Conrad Herwig, Mike Tomaro, Mark Taylor, Jim Roberts and group leader Matt Niess.
Mr. Jefferson's Bones
Mr. Jefferson’s Bones is comprised of some of the Shenandoah Valley’s most experienced and talented professional trombonists and enjoys performing a wide variety of classical, sacred, popular and jazz repertoire. The group’s members include Andy Lankford, Tom McKenzie, Robert Mott, Jay Crone and Kyle Remnant. “MJB” is most proud of its annual trombone festival — Tromblow’in — typically held each January at James Madison University, which gives trombonists of all ages and abilities a day of workshops, concerts and clinics with professionals from around the state and country.
College Performers
The day is packed with trombone choir time, a well-being session, masterclass time, a faculty recital and an evening public recital open to all attendees to join in. Former National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) associate principal trombone Jim Kraft will present on doubling with euphonium for trombonists. When registering, please note if you have a request for any faculty member for coaching.
Composers
Join us for an exciting event featuring new trombone music composed by our resident composers. In addition to the performances, we will host a composers seminar where participants can ask questions and gain insights into composing specifically for the trombone.
This is a great opportunity to learn about copyright laws and how to protect your artistic work. Don’t miss out on this chance to enhance your understanding of composition and networking with fellow musicians!
Where to Stay
Shenandoah University is located in Winchester, Virginia. The city is rich in history and offers a number of entertainment opportunities, community attractions, restaurants and more.
We’ve partnered with many local hotels that offer discounts to Shenandoah visitors, parents, students and alumni. Be sure to mention you are visiting Shenandoah University to get a discounted rate.
Financial Assistance
The $30 registration fee includes lunch, a t-shirt and admission to the full day of events.
Shenandoah Conservatory believes the arts are for everyone. Like all nonprofit arts organizations and higher education institutions, we strive to maintain our stewardship of limited resources and balanced budgets while intentionally removing barriers to participation and belonging. Full and partial scholarships are available to those who require financial assistance.
See the Mid-Atlantic Trombone Alliance Registration Form for more information about the registration fee and financial assistance.
Contact Us
Dr. Matthew Niess
Director of Jazz & Commercial Music
Associate Professor of Trombone
Shenandoah Conservatory
mniess@ejly.net
