UNT Trombone Studio

On May 5, 2010, Professor Vern Kagarice flew to Markneukirchen, Germany to serve on the nine-member jury for the 2010 Markneukirchen International Trombone Competition. From May 7–9, 72 trombonists from 26 different countries participated in Round One, each playing either David Konzert or Bozza Ballade, as well as a modern, unaccompanied German solo. Twenty-one players were invited into Round Two, where performances of Guilmant Morceau Symphonique, Sulek Sonata, Stojowski Fantasie, Rabe Basta, Crespo Improvisation No. 1, Martin Ballade, Hindemith Sonate and Peaslee Arrows of Time were heard in 30-minute programs. Round Three was then narrowed to only six players, who played Wagenseil Concerto or Leopold Mozart Concerto and Grondahl Concerto or Tomasi Concerto. Three players advanced to the Final Round, each performing the Rota Concerto with the Voigtland Philharmonic Orchestra.

Although the competition was open to players ages 30 and under, there were numerous success stories of younger players. Most significant was the Second Prize Winner Angelos Kritikos from Greece, who is only 22, and First Prize Winner Karol Gajda from Poland who is only 18.

The jury consisted of Chairman Heinz Fadle, retired professor from Musikhochshule—Detmold, Christhard Gössling, principal trombonist, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Sebastian Krause, WDR Orchestra—Dresden, Olaf Krumpfer, professor, Musikhochschlule—Leipzig, Christopher Houlding, professor, Musikhochshule—Essen, Andrez Fejer, professor, Liszt Academy of Music—Budapest, Carsten Svanberg, professor, Musikhochshule—Graz, Jonas Bylund, professor, Musikhochshule—Hannover, and Vern Kagarice, professor, University of North Texas.