UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State School of Music will present the 35th annual Frühling Posaunen Festival on Sunday, April 13. This milestone celebration of trombone artistry will bring together top collegiate trombone choirs and internationally renowned guest artists for a full day of music-making and collaboration.
Led by Professor Jennifer Wharton, the Penn State Trombone Studio will continue the longstanding tradition as this year's festival host, which rotates annually between Penn State, the Eastman School of Music, and Ithaca College. The 2025 edition will welcome trombone choirs from Penn State, Eastman, Ithaca, and the University of Delaware, offering a showcase of ensemble talent from across the Northeast.
This year’s featured guest artists include Tony Baker of the University of North Texas and Marshall Gilkes of the Eastman School of Music. Both artists will present recitals and masterclasses open to the public, offering students and audience members alike the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by two of the leading voices in the trombone world.
The festival concludes with a thrilling trombone choir concert, featuring performances by all participating schools and a grand finale mass ensemble conducted by Professor Emeritus Mark L. Lusk — a beloved figure in the Penn State brass community and one of the festival’s founding leaders.
Events begin at 11 a.m. and culminate in the final concert at 4 p.m. All activities will be held at the Penn State School of Music’s Recital Hall and Esber Rehearsal Hall. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend.