John Schlabach

John Schlabach (trumpet) joined the Ohio University School of Music faculty as trumpet professor in fall 1998 and has recently retired from full-time teaching. Prior to joining the Ohio University faculty, Schlabach taught at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky from 1983-1998. The Kentucky Music Educators Association selected Schlabach as “University Teacher of the Year” in 1995, and in 2001, he was the recipient of the Ohio University School of Music “Distinguished Teacher” award. He earned degrees from Northwestern University and Western Illinois University.

Schlabach has presented numerous solo recitals at major universities throughout the Midwest and Southeast and has extensive performing experience as a principal and section orchestral player. He is currently principal trumpet in the Ohio Valley Symphony and has served as first trumpet in OhioBrass. He also performs frequently with the Columbus and West Virginia Symphony Orchestras.

 

Scott Smith

Scott Smith (French horn) joined the School of Music, Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, in 1992 where he is Associate Professor of Horn and Theory and founding member of two faculty quintets: OhioBrass and OhioWinds. He is also the Associate Music Director and arranger for the Central Ohio Brass Band (COBB) in Columbus, Ohio. Prior to his tenure at Ohio University, Smith was Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Horn at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.

Prior to teaching and performing at the university level, Smith taught public school in Pennsylvania and Maine, directing concert, marching, and jazz bands and orchestras and teaching private brass and percussion students. Many of his students have become professional musicians performing internationally in symphony orchestras, military bands and touring musical companies and teaching at both the college level and public schools.

Tristan Keaton

Tristan Keaton (trumpet) is a freelance musician and educator based in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. In Spring 2023, Tristan will obtain a master’s degree in Trumpet Performance from Ohio University, where he is the Graduate Assistant to the faculty brass quintet, OhioBrass. Along with OhioBrass, Tristan is the Graduate Assistant for the trumpet studio, running a private teaching studio, and participating in multiple ensembles at the school including the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Graduate Brass Quintet, Jazz Ensemble and a Student Jazz Chamber Ensemble.

Before moving to Ohio, Tristan obtained his bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. At James Madison, Tristan sat in many ensembles, including the award-winning James Madison University Brass Band. In the Brass Band, Tristan sat in the soprano and solo cornet chair, when the band went to the North American Brass Band Association Championship, and more recently the World Music Championships in Kerkade, Netherlands.

Tristan’s primary teachers are John Schlabach, Chris Carrillo and James Kluesner.

 

Dr. Lucas Borges

Dr. Lucas Borges (trombone) is an Associate Professor of Trombone at Ohio University. He holds a doctoral degree from the University of North Texas, a master’s degree from Indiana University, and a bachelor’s degree from Universidade de Brasilia, Brazil. Borges frequently teaches and performs in festivals and conferences nationally and internationally. He currently is Principal Trombone of the Colorado MahlerFest.

One can hear his playing in many commercial recordings in labels such as GIA, Biscoito Fino, Trama, and Mark Records, including the premiere recording of Dana Wilson’s Concerto for Trombone. Borges’ primary mentors were Paulo Roberto da Silva, Dr. Carlos Eduardo Mello, Wagner Polistchuck, Peter Ellefson, Vern Kagarice and Tony Baker.