Trombone soloist Brett Baker is currently in Murfreesboro, Tennessee this week working with students from the Middle Tennessee State University at their annual Wind Band Festival.

Whilst there Brett will conduct the 80 strong Intermediate Wind Band in a concert featuring music by Tom Davoren, John Barnes Chance and Jan Van Der Roost, as well as collaborating as soloist with composer James M Stephenson on the recording of his 'Concerto for Trombone'.

Four Concertos

Brett will be joined by the MTSU Wind Orchestra and conductor Reed Thomas, Director of Bands and Professor of Music at the University.

Reed visited Salford University last September to work with final year conducting students and on his visit also directed a performance of Nigel Clarke's 'Trombone Concerto'.

Brett's visit is the third of four mini projects that will culminate in a CD of trombone concertos recorded to feature the music of Soren Hyldgaard and his 'Rhapsodia Borealis', Nigel Clarke's new work 'Outrageous Fortune', James M Stephenson's 'Concerto for Trombone and Wind Symphony' and Jan Van Der Roost's two movement 'Contrasts' Trombone Concerto.

Reed and the talented students at MTSU are a joy to work with, and I'm looking forward to the series of concerts this weekend and to recording of Jim's ConcertoBrett Baker

Looking forward

Brett told 4BR: "Reed and the talented students at MTSU are a joy to work with, and I'm looking forward to the series of concerts this weekend and to recording of Jim's Concerto.

I'm sure the CD will be something very special."