The Ithaca College Trombone Troupe has been a Student Government Association Club since 1982. The alliterative name of the ensemble was coined by then Assistant Professor of Trombone, Dr. Paul Hunt. Although Tom Everett (’65) has noted that a trombone choir was formed during his student days at IC in the 60’s called the Finger Lakes Trombone Choir, it apparently had no official connection with the College, some members being non-students from the area. Nonetheless, it appears there is historical evidence of a trombone ensemble in existence at Ithaca College for over forty years.
“The Troupe” is the most active instrumental chamber ensemble in the School of Music. In addition to its two major recitals each year on campus, the group gives concerts and conducts clinics in a number of public schools each semester throughout New York and the New England area. The ensemble has performed at numerous local, state, national, and international conferences and workshops since 1989. These include six New York State School Music Association Winter Conferences, six Eastern Trombone Workshops in Washington, D.C., as well as the International Trombone Workshop in Boulder, Colorado and the International Trombone Festival in Ithaca in June of 2004. In 1997, The Trombone Troupe was invited to perform at the Inauguration of current Ithaca College President Peggy Williams.
The Trombone Troupe released its first CD entitled “Echoes, Moods and Reflections” in 1998 and a new CD of Eric Ewazen’s trombone choir compositions is currently in the works. The critically acclaimed 1998 recording is composed of original works for trombone ensemble, all commissioned by the Trombone Troupe.
Currently the ensemble consists of over thrity members. Dr. Harold Reynolds, Professor of Trombone at Ithaca College, serves as Music Director and Advisor to the ensemble. Mr. Chuck De Palo, co-owner of Hickey's Music, conducts the Trombone Troupe.
