Steve Wolfinbarger

Steve Wolfinbarger is professor of music (trombone) at Western Michigan University. His students have been named finalists in the International Trombone Association (ITA) solo competitions 26 times, winning top prize on 9 occasions. They have been recognized as an alternate 19 other occasions. Others have been chosen as winners or finalists in the Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition, the American Trombone Workshop, the Zellmer Orchestral Excerpt Competition, as well as being named Associate Trombonist of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. His students have been admitted to the most competitive music programs in the US. Former students now teach at over 20 universities, while many others play professionally. Wolfinbarger was featured in an hour-long podcast by the Third Coast Trombone Retreat, recognizing his teaching success. He was the first recipient of the ITA's Kenneth Hanlon Award, "to an individual who has made significant contributions to the worldwide trombone community." He was named Michigan Professor of the Year for 2013 by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement in Washington, D.C. Wolfinbarger was the recipient of the 2010 Western Michigan University Distinguished Teaching Award. He was the sole recipient of the 2009 prestigious ITA Award "in recognition of his distinguished career," the highest prize awarded by International Trombone Association. Wolfinbarger was president of the ITA from 1994-96. He is the Treasurer of the International Trombone Festival (ITF) Board and was the Director of the ITF and Chair of the Festival Site Selection Committee from 1992 to 2001. Wolfinbarger has appeared as a guest soloist or clinician at conservatories in The Netherlands, Finland, Canada, Germany, Russia, China, Mexico and in the US at more than 30 colleges and universities.