Trombone Alumni Spotlight
Andrew Mitchell
Bachelor of Music (Trombone Performance), WMU, 2006
Master of Music (Trombone Performance), Florida State University, 2009
Roosevelt University, CCPA’s Professional Studies Orchestral Diploma program (in progress)
Why did you choose to attend WMU?
I chose to attend WMU simply because I was very impressed with Dr. Wolfinbarger’s teaching.
What do you consider to be your most important professional achievements to date?
Earning a full scholarship into Roosevelt's Chicago College of Performing Arts Professional Studies Orchestral Diploma program and winning the Associate Trombone spot in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.
What is your fondest memory of your time in the trombone studio (or music program) at WMU?
My fondest memory of WMU exists not so much as a singular event. Rather, it is of the overall experience, the exceptional quality of my “average day.” Most of my time was spent in the abnormally spacious (and available) practice rooms that WMU had to offer. Typically, I would come to school early in the morning only to find that Dr. Wolfinbarger had beaten me there. His door was usually open at this time and he was always extremely inviting and generous with his time. He always welcomed the enthusiastic, inquisitive freshman trombone-nerd mind rushing his door at 7am with a new embouchure question! Only now in retrospect can I truly appreciate his patience. Additionally, it would be difficult to find someone who works harder towards bringing in guest artists. During my time at WMU I witnessed Joe Alessi, Abbie Conant, John Kitzman, Chris Dudley, Michael Mulcahy, Trombones de Costa Rica, Bob McChesney, Slide Hampton and others. Due to Dr. Wolfinbarger Kalamazoo is truly a trombone hub!
General Information
Andrew Mitchell received his Bachelor of Music degree from WMU in 2006, magna cum laude. He accepted a graduate teaching assistantship to Florida State University where he earned his Master of Music degree in 2009. While at FSU Andrew taught undergraduate applied trombone and directed the FSU trombone choir. He also maintained a private studio, was a member of the Sinfonia Gulf Coast in Destin, FL and performed with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his orchestral freelance experience Andrew is also well versed in the sphere of chamber music having spent two summers at the Bay View Music Festival as well as performing with groups such as the Motor City Brass Quintet. Andrew then moved to Chicago where he was a full scholarship student of Peter Ellefson in the Professional Studies Orchestral Diploma program at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. He also served as an associate member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Most recently he was selected as the new Doctoral graduate assistant for the trombone studio at the University of Michigan. He also recently won the principal trombone position with the Saginaw Bay Symphony. Andrew’s past teachers include David Jackson, Kenneth Thompkins, Steve Wolfinbarger and John Drew as well as additional studies with Chicago Symphony Orchestra principal trombonist Jay Friedman and the late Steve Witser (Cleveland Orchestra and LA Philharmonic).