Episode #19 - Kenneth Thompkins

Episode #19 - Kenneth Thompkins

Author: The Brass Ark & Bob Reeves Brass June 14, 2023 Duration: 1:09:46

Kenneth Thompkins was appointed Principal Trombone of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra by Neeme Jarvi. Prior to this appointment he held positions in the Buffalo Philharmonic and The Florida Orchestra and New World Symphony Orchestra.  He has also performed with the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Thompkins enjoys working with young musicians and has performed masterclasses and recitals at many universities including the Curtis Institute of Music, University of Michigan, and the Eastman School of Music. In 2017 Thompkins recorded Sonatas, Songs and Spirituals featuring the music of Alec Wilder, William Grant Still and Philip Wharton. Sonatas, Songs and Spirituals was the winner of The American Prize in Instrumental Performance for 2018-2019. He has performed as a soloist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Chineke! Orchestra and New World Symphony.  He also premiered "Troubled Water" trombone concerto by Carlos Simon with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 2023.

 


Ever wondered what happens in the minds of the musicians who bring that rich, sliding sound to life in orchestras, jazz clubs, and studios? The Trombone Corner pulls up a chair for candid, often surprising conversations with the artists behind the instrument. Hosted by the team at The Brass Ark and Bob Reeves Brass, this series goes far beyond technical talk, though you’ll certainly pick up insights about gear and practice routines. Each episode feels like a backstage pass, where players from across the globe share their personal journeys-the unexpected gigs that changed everything, the challenges of a demanding solo career, and the simple joy of finding the perfect phrase. You’ll hear stories from seasoned symphony veterans, innovative soloists pushing boundaries, and session legends whose work you’ve probably heard on countless recordings. It’s a deep dive into the culture and community of trombone playing, celebrating the dedication it takes to master this versatile brass voice. Tune in for a warm, engaging listen that connects the person to the music they create, making this podcast a unique find for musicians and avid music lovers alike.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 47

The Trombone Corner
Podcast Episodes
Episode #16 - Jim Miller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:31
James Miller is the Associate Principal Trombone with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a position he has held since 1999. His duties include performing on alto, tenor, and bass trombone; tenor tuba; and bass trumpet. His pr…
Episode #15 - Alex Iles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:39:16
Alex Iles is principal trombonist of the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. In addition, he has toured as le…
Episode #14 - Noah Gladstone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:03
Noah Gladstone wears many hats. On any given day he may be found performing on historical trombones and other bass instruments for period concert reconstructions to recording trombone for the latest Hollywood's motion pi…
Episode #13 - Barry Mosley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:49
Inspired by the great valve trombonist Bob Brookmeyer, Barry Mosley is keeping the legacy of playing jazz valve trombone. The first important jazz valve trombonist were Juan Tizol and Brad Gowans in the 1930s and 1940s,…
Episode #12 - Steven Shires [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:37
Steve Shires is best known in the brass world as the founder of the S. E. Shires Company, crafter of custom trombones and trumpets. His passion for designing and building brass instruments grew from his love of playing t…
Epidode #11 - Timothy Higgins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:16
Timothy Higgins was appointed to the position of Principal Trombone of the San Francisco Symphony by Michael Tilson Thomas in 2008. He was previously the acting Second Trombonist with the National Symphony Orchestra in W…
Episode #10 - Christian Lindberg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:14
Christian Lindberg was voted "THE GREATEST BRASS PLAYER IN HISTORY" by the world's biggest classical radio station CLASSICFM. Christian has premiered over 300 works for the trombone (over 90 major concertos), recorded ov…
Episode #9 - Jack Schatz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:36
Jack Schatz, an in-demand New York City–based trombonist and tubist, has played in numerous Broadway shows, including The Phantom of the Opera, My Favorite Year, Damn Yankees, Hello Dolly!, A Funny Thing Happened on the…
Episode #8 - Leonhard Paul [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:11
Leonhard Paul is the trombonist and bass trumpeter in the world-famous Mnozil Brass and the Wieder-Gansch-Paul Trio. Originally from Vienna, Austria, Leonhard received diplomas in pedagogy studies and trombone studies fr…
Episode #7 - Alan Kaplan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:25
Alan Kaplan has long been one of the top studio trombone players in Los Angeles. His recording credits vary vastly from Marvin Gaye to Johnny Mathis to Madonna to Placido Domingo to Sarah Vaughan to Oingo Boingo to Whitn…