What is MATA?
The Mid-Atlantic Trombone Alliance (MATA) is a consortium of Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University, Towson University, George Mason University, George Washington University, The Catholic University of America and Shepherd University trombone departments.
Each year it is hosted by one university and trombone professor. The professors consist of Dr. Jeffrey Cortazzo (Shenandoah University), Mr. James Martin (Shepherd University), Mr. Jim McFalls (Towson University), Dr. David Perkel (Towson University & George Washington University), Mr. Matthew Neff (George Mason University) and Dr. Matthew Niess (Shenandoah University & George Mason University).
Guest Clinician
Mark Kellogg
Throughout his career, Mark Kellogg has embraced a wide range of musical roles as a performer, teacher and administrator. Whether it’s taken the form of appearing as a concerto soloist, playing in a variety of chamber ensembles, performing as an orchestral musician or as a jazz player, teaching students of all ages or overseeing artistic programs or festivals, he has been most fortunate to experience a rich array of musical opportunities. Kellogg currently serves as associate professor of trombone, euphonium and brass chamber music at the Eastman School of Music.
Guest Ensembles
Washington Trombone Ensemble
The Washington Trombone Ensemble is made up of the finest trombone players in the Washington, D.C., area. Members come from professional orchestras, premier military bands and university faculty.
Wolff Pack
The Wolff Pack is directed by Ken Wolff.
Faculty
Chris Branagan
U.S. Army Band
Ken Wolff
Washington Brass
Frank Gulino
Composer
James Martin
Shepherd University
Dr. Matthew Niess
Shenandoah University
Dr. Jeff Cortazzo
Shenandoah University
Schedule of Events
| Time | Event | Location |
| 9:45 a.m. | Coffee & Donuts | Armstrong Hall Lobby |
| 10:15 a.m. | Trombone Choir Reading Session | Armstrong Concert Hall |
| 11 a.m. | Clinics
James Martin – Choosing Solo Repertoire for You and Your Audience Jeff Cortazzo – Range Extending Techniques for Bass Trombone |
Ruebush Hall, Room 148 Armstrong Hall, Room 39 |
| 11:45 a.m. | Break | |
| 12:30 p.m. | Shenandoah University Trombone Collective Directed by Matthew Niess |
Armstrong Concert Hall |
| 1 p.m. | Wolff Pack Directed by Ken Wolff |
Armstrong Concert Hall |
| 1:30 p.m. |
Clinics Ken Wolf – Building and Sustaining a Trombone Studio Frank Gulino – Copyrights and Intellectual Property Protection for Musicians Matt Niess – Chords and Scales and why they matter |
Ruebush Hall, Room 146 Ruebush Hall, Room 148 Armstrong Hall, Room 39 |
| 2:30 p.m. | Mark Kellogg Recital | Armstrong Concert Hall |
| 3:30 p.m. | Masterclass with Mark Kellogg | Armstrong Concert Hall |
| 4:30 p.m. | Washington Trombone Ensemble Directed by Chris Branagan |
Armstrong Concert Hall |
Schedule is subject to change
Vendors
Washington Music Center
Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center will be on site with a display of brass instruments and more in the Armstrong Hall lobby during the event.
Contact Us
Dr. Matthew Niess
Adjunct Associate Professor, Classical and Jazz Trombone
Shenandoah Conservatory
mniess@su.edu
