Western Carolina University. Balaton was pleased to collaborate with pianist Eric Ewazen at Mars Hill College during a symposium of the composer’s works in 2006. Along with our recital performances and educational outreach programs, Balaton has been active in expanding the repertoire for the trumpet/ trombone duo. We have currently commissioned or inspired works by composers Emma Lou Diemer, Bruce Frazier, Michael Kallstrom, Wayne Lu, Elizabeth Raum, and Michael Sitton – these works will be included in our debut cd project planned for the summer of 2012. For more information, please contact us at balaton@cherrybrass.com or visit our website: cherrybrass.com. Program “New Works for Trumpet and Trombone Duo” Emma Lou Diemer (b. 1927) The Answered Question* Michael Sitton Essay for Trumpet, Trombone and Piano (2011) Elizabeth Raum (b. 1945) The Bushwakker Brewpub Stubblejumper Screamin’ Mosquito Chili Beer MacGregor’s Wee Heavy *world premiere performance
Bell(e) Collective
Bell(e) Collective has given performances and master classes at numerous universities and colleges in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Founding members, trombonist Sarah Paradis and tubist Stephanie Frye, provide the groundwork for a chamber group of flexible instrumentation. As individuals Paradis and Frye teach and perform across the Midwest. Paradis is the Assistant Profess of Low Brass and Music Theory at Bemidji State University, and has played with several orchestras, including as principal trombonist of the Richmond, Indiana Symphony Orchestra. Frye is the undergraduate Tuba Instructor at University of
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Wisconsin-Madison, and performs frequently in Wisconsin based orchestras, including as principal tubist of the Manitowoc Symphony. Most frequently a duo, Bell(e) Collective performs works from a variety of styles and periods, including those by Charles Small, Dmitri Shostakovich, and John Stevens. Program John Stevens (b. 1951) Dialogues for Trombone & Tuba I. Fanfare II. Aria III. Scherzo IV. Finale
Robert Benton
Robert Benton, a compelling performer among many in the emerging generation of euphoniumists, has just completed his Doctorate of Musical Arts in euphonium performance at the University of Michigan. Robert also holds a Master’s degree from Michigan State University and a Bachelor’s degree from Oakland University. His primary teachers have been Kenneth Kroesche, Steven Mead, Phil Sinder, and Fritz Kaenzig. Robert garners accolades wherever he goes, winning several concerto competitions in a variety of venues. In 2008, he competed in the Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival Brass Competition, where he was a finalist. He has been a guest artist at several tuba euphonium conferences, including the International Tuba-Euphonium Conference and the US Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Tuba Euphonium Conference, among others. Robert is devoted to new music, and is active in commissioning and premiering new works for the euphonium in a variety of mediums. Robert’s plans for the future are to promote the euphonium as a solo instrument not only through concerts, competitions, recitals and recordings, but also by training the next generation of tubists and euphoniumists as a teacher at the university level. Robert Benton is a Buffet-