Ever wondered what it's like to pack up your life's work and plant roots in new academic soil? Join me as I chat with the tenacious Jonathan Whitaker about his joys, philosophies and his surprising decision to move from the University of Alabama to the University of Illinois in an episode brimming with stories of growth.  This conversation is a candid look into the intricate dance of teaching music.  We explore the fascinating dynamics that bond educators and students. Delight in tales that span from the humor in navigating student-teacher relationships all while maintaining the del ..read more

For the first Fifth Position of the new year, Nick and Sebastian are joined by their favorite Michigander Dutchman Chris Van Hof, professor of trombone at Ball State University and Grand Poobah Assistant Manager of the International Trombone Festival. We start by announcing guest artists for this summer's Third Coast Trombone Retreat! We then give our thoughts on the movie "Maestro" as well as debating our top five cheap beers. Ever wondered if Stanley mugs could be the new Beanie Babies? Wrapping things up, we muse over the perks of social media sabbaticals, the bygone era of messenger pigeo ..read more

Can a beard and bow tie truly alter the landscape of a performance? In today's episode, we tackle these questions head-on. We commence on a somber note, sharing news and sending love to our dear friend Lance LaDuke after his scary accejent. We urge you to send your prayers and positive energy his way. Amidst this hardship, we underscore the beauty in finding joy in the smallest of things. Bolo ties, beards, weird gig offers, art deserts, chubby cheeks FUNdamentals, merch ideas, and gratitude in this wee 's Fifth Position.  Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com ..read more

Have you ever wondered what happens when two working musicians try to podcast at 8am? Today, Nick and Seba tian take you behind the scenes of these performances, sharing heartwarming stories that made the audience's holiday experience even more meaningful. We also reveal the new title for this short-form series - yes, you've voted and we've listened!  We then explore the path of making a career in music and how it can wonderfully translate to other professions. Topics include: children interacting with tubas, what to say to people after an audition, what to do if your colleague is lackin ..read more

Who knew that finding a suitable name for a podcast could take us on a roller coaster of creativity? Nick and Sebastian sift through all of your brilliant suggestions.  We also talk about trombone MacGyver moments in the clutch, trombone google keyword news, submitted questions about breaking in a slide, gripe of the week, how a trombone is best used as a weapon, Bach therapy, beauty in the world and most likely more.  Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/trombonere ..read more

We're doing something new! What is it? Great question! But it's new! So that's cool, right? Introducing Nick and Sebastian's first new weekly pod where they talk about trombone news, weekly gripes, answer questions and much more! Today we're lifting the lid on the long-debated topic of cut bells on trombones and also call out some bad personnel manager behavior. Lastly, we get into how the world is finally realizing that trombonists are the best lovers.  Email us questions and ideas at tromboneretreat@gmail.com Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretre ..read more

Nick and Sebastian are joined by jazz legend and trombonist of the Saturday Night Live Band, Steve Turre. Steve talks about four decades with SNL, his discovery of conch shells and the profound relationship and influence JJ Johnson had in his life. Steve Turre's favorite recordings: "Lament" by J.J. Johnson "Misty" w/ Ray Charles from Spur of the Moment Album "Midnight Montuno" from Viewpoint Album "Fire and Ice" featuring Steve Turre "African Shells Second Interlude: The Dream" from Santified Shells Album "No Regrets" - The Very Thought of You Album All solos transcribed in his book "The St ..read more

Nick and Sebastian are joined by soloist and bass trombonist of the Bern Symphony Orchestra, Justin Clark! They talked about his unique upbringing catching squid, his love of paragliding and the beautiful art he's creating in his solo projects. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat   Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta) Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhe ..read more

Nick and Sebastian hang out with all-star professor Oscar Diaz of Texas A&M Kingsville on how he's built such an incredible program centered around community, his legendary BBQ exploits facing one of his greatest challenges head on. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta) Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed ..read more

Nick and Sebastian are joined by legendary NYC bass trombonist David Taylor for episode 2 of the new season! 78 years young, Dave shares incredible stories over a many decades career that's still thriving from inspirational voicemails from JJ Johnson, recording with Duke Ellington to how he wanted to be a rodeo clown growing up! Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat   Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta) Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst pe ..read more