Atlanta Symphony Orchestra trombonists play in Columbus

I don’t know why, but I seem to spend more time with Columbus State University Schwob School of Music’s string professors and students than other musicians. You know, the violinists, violist, cellists, double bassists and guitarists.

I don’t spend much time talking to other folks there and I don’t know why.

I feel bad that I haven’t spent much time with Lisa Oberlander, Amy Griffiths, Andree Martin and Bradley Palmer.

Fortunately, Brad recently told me about some trombonists who are coming to town. And I found out a little more about Brad. He started playing trumpet in the fifth grade, and when his middle school band needed trombone players, Brad was needed.

“My band director looked at me and said something like: ‘Palmer, you’re smart, you have long arms, try this.’ And from that day forward I was hooked on the trombone,” he said.

“The instrument is very similar to the vocal range, and I agree with composer Hector Berlioz’ assessment of the instrument: ‘In my opinion, the trombone is the true head of the family of wind instruments, which I have named the ‘epic’ one. It possesses nobility and grandeur to the highest degree; it has all the serious and powerful tones of sublime musical poetry, from religious, calm and imposing accents to savage, orgiastic outburst. Directed by the will of the master, the trombones can chant like a choir of priests, threaten, utter gloomy sighs, a mournful lament, or a bright hymn of glory; they can break forth into awe-inspiring cries and awaken the dead or doom the living with their fearful voices.’ ”

The two concerts that Brad particularly wanted to get the word out about are Monday’s concert featuring the Atlanta Symphony trombone section (Colin Williams, Bill Thomas and George Curran), who are 2009-2010 artists in residence here in the Schwob School of Music. He and faculty pianist Yien Wang will be joining them in solo and chamber music settings. They are excited to return to Legacy Hall at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, where they recorded their debut CD “Roadwork” last summer.

The second concert, on March 18, features Nitzan Haroz, whom Brad calls “a truly exceptional musician/trombonist.” Haroz is the principal trombonist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, formerly associate principal of the New York Philharmonic. Haroz will present a recital with faculty pianist Gila Goldstein, who is his friend and musical colleague. They performed together as recently as January.

Gila encouraged everyone attend one of these concerts. She said not to be afraid of the trombone.

And Brad said, “I think she was probably saying that people do not normally hear such gifted trombonists in solo settings. People are much more likely to attend a piano, violin or voice recital because they will go in with an expectation of what they will hear, but a person’s first trombone concert is often scary.”

Brad also encourages people to attend the April 18 CSU Trombone Octet and CSU Trombone Choir concert.

Brad calls the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) trombonists three of the most gifted trombonists in the country.

Monday’s concert will feature the m in solo settings, performing music by Bach, Saint Saens, Hindemith and Ewazen with pianist Yien Wang. In addition, Brad will be performing a duo with one of them and will close the program with a trombone trio.

Haroz will present a free master class that is open to the public on at 11:30 a.m. on March 19 at Legacy Hall.

The rest of the trombone/brass events:

April 11: Georgia Brass Band featuring Bradley Palmer, 7:30 p.m,, Legacy Hall

April 14: American Brass Quintet, 4:15 p.m., Masterclass, Studio Theater.

April 15: American Brass Quintet, 7:30 p.m., Legacy Hall.

April 18: CSU Trombone Ensemble’s Spring concert, 4:00 p.m., Legacy Hall

April 19: Palmer’s faculty recital, 7:30 p.m., Legacy Hall

June 22-26: Southeast Trombone Symposium at CSU

For more information, call 706-649-7225.

Sandra Okamoto, sokamoto@ledger-enquirer.com or 706-571-8580.