Episode #25 - Megumi Kanda

Episode #25 - Megumi Kanda

Author: The Brass Ark & Bob Reeves Brass December 16, 2023 Duration: 1:22:29

The Trombone Corner Podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass and The Brass Ark.  Join hosts Noah and John as they interview Megumi Kanda, Principal Trombone of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. 

About Megumi Kanda

Megumi Kanda, Principal Trombone of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra since 2002, is an internationally acclaimed performer, teacher, and author.   

Megumi has performed as a soloist across the United States, Europe, and Asia, including with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Pershing's Own Army Band, the US Army Field Band, and the Prague Chamber Orchestra. She has been a featured guest artist at many trombone workshops and festivals, including the International Trombone Festival and the American Trombone Workshop.

Megumi has appeared as guest faculty at numerous music institutions, including the New World Symphony, National Youth Orchestra of the USA, and Interlochen Arts Academy, and has given master classes and recitals across the US, Europe, and Asia.

In April 2006, Megumi was recognized by the Arion Foundation in Tokyo, Japan as one of the most influential Japanese classical artists. She has also received a Certificate of Commendation from the Consul General of Japan at Chicago in recognition for distinguished service contributing to the friendship between the United States and Japan. Megumi was named a 2017 Woman of Influence in the category of education by the Milwaukee Business Journal. In 2020, she was named the recipient of the International Trombone Association Award, which recognizes the highest level of creative and artistic output.

Megumi's first book, The One Hundred, a collection of orchestral trombone excerpts with accompanying commentary, was published in August 2015 and is a resource widely used by aspiring young trombonists around the world. Her second book, Trombone Unlimited, a comprehensive method book, was published in 2020.

As a JVC/Victor Entertainment artist, Megumi recorded three solo albums: Amazing Grace, Gloria, and Mona Lisa. She also can be heard on Magnifique Live, a live recording of Megumi and other JVC artists in the August 2005 performance at Takemitsu Hall in Tokyo's Opera City.

Megumi is proud to be a Greenhoe performing artist.

Podcast Credits


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…