Delaware Trombone Day

School of Music

People seated playing trombones on stage in green shirts

First State Middle School Trombone Players on Stage with Teacher

2026 Delaware Trombone Day

February 21, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m

ABOUT DELAWARE TROMBONE DAY

The annual Delaware Trombone Day, begun in 2011, is a celebration of all aspects of the trombone for performers of all ages. The event includes playing sessions in trombone choirs, educational classes with master teachers and an array of concerts featuring some of the finest professional artists in the world!

WHO CAN ATTEND?

For participants in high school, college and adults, the Festival Trombone Choir will offer an opportunity to participate in a warm-up session, prepare and perform music for Trombone Choir and be lead by a guest conductor.

For middle school age students and younger, activities geared specifically for middle school trombonists will be offered alongside of those for more experienced players. Master classes may be presented by our featured guest artist, UD trombone students, or seasoned teachers from the region. The Junior Trombone Choir track also includes music arranged especially for this event. Students registered in advance will be emailed PDFs of their parts, so that they can arrive prepared. The ensemble also will have UD trombone students studying music education sitting side-by-side to the middle school students, giving them confidence and some playing tips along the way.

The day culminates with a final concert in which all of the trombonists combine to form a GIANT trombone choir with players of all ages.

This is truly an experience you will find both educational and fun!

REGISTRATION FEE and T-SHIRTS

Registration cost for Individual Participants is $50. Groups of 3 or more can register together for a discounted rate of $35 per participant. This fee includes a Trombone Day T-Shirt that also serves as performance attire for the day. Extended sizes (XXL, XXXL) must be ordered in advance, and an additional $5 fee is required.

REGISTERATION OPEN SOON

MEALS

You will need to bring money or pack a lunch to bring with you. Several restaurants are within a one-block walking distance to the event. Middle school students may meet their parents to go to lunch or go in a group with a UD trombone student chaperone.

DIRECTIONS / PARKING

Most activities during the day will take place in the David and Louise Roselle Center for the Arts. Google Maps can find this location by name. View a School of Music area map. Unfortunately, there is no free parking on or around campus. The CFA Garage has a flat rate for parking for the day, and this is your best option. The Passport Parking app is used for the garage, street parking near campus, and all around the City of Newark.

MEDICATIONS / EMERGENCIES

It is important that an emergency contact number is listed on the registration form and/or minors policy form. There is no medical professional on site and individuals will be responsible for carrying and administering any required medications on their own.

INSTRUMENT STORAGE

Designated areas will be specified for instruments and cases to be stored when not in use. These areas will be occupied or secured at all times, so instruments will be safe. Personal items such as wallets and purses should remain with you all day long.

DRESS POLICY

The in-person attire for the day will be jeans or black pants and the Trombone Day t-shirt which will be supplied to you. You can change into the t-shirt in a restroom or wear over additional clothing if you prefer. It is your admission into all of the day's events as well as your concert attire.

ACCOMPANYING PARENTS and CHAPERONES

Parents or chaperones of participating students do not have to pay a registration fee unless they are also participating. You are welcome to attend all events as long as seating capacity is not reached via paying registrants or ticket holders.

MINORS POLICY at the UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

Under the University of Delaware’s Protection of Minors Policy, all minors will need to complete a registration form, which will be emailed to you after you register and will also be available on the day of the event. Minors accompanied by a teacher will be considered part of a group and their teacher is the designated chaperone. For individuals, you will be required to sign in/out at the registration desk when leaving campus for lunch and at the end of the day. Minors may ONLY leave campus with a designated UD chaperone, or their accompanying teacher, parent or adult designee who brings them to campus.

Delaware Trombone Day 2026 Schedule

University of Delaware - Roselle Center for the Arts

Time	Activity
8:30 a.m.	Registration
9:00 a.m.	Welcome
9:30 a.m.	Festival Choir / Collegiate Choir/ Junior Choir — Group warm-up and rehearsal
11:00 a.m.	Break / Visit exhibits
11:30 a.m.	Performance by guest artist SGM Sam Woodhead
12:30 p.m.	Lunch / Visit exhibits
2:00 p.m.	Visiting ensemble performance / Raffle
2:30 p.m.	Masterclass with guest artist SGM Sam Woodhead / Junior track masterclass
3:20 p.m.	Break
3:30 p.m.	Festival Choir / Collegiate Choir / Junior Choir — Rehearsal
4:00 p.m.	Break
4:15 p.m.	Massed ensemble rehearsal — All attendees
4:40 p.m.	Break
5:00 p.m.	Final concert
6:00–6:15 p.m.	Concert ends

Meet the Artists

Dr. Bruce Tychinski — Trombone Day Director
Biography

Bruce Tychinski

Bruce Tychinski is Professor of Trombone at the University of Delaware where he teaches applied lessons, directs the Trombone Choir and UD Slides jazz trombone ensemble and hosts an annual Trombone Day event. Tychinski is a member of the Washington Trombone Ensemble, Terion Brass, the Nittany Trombone Quartet, Principal Trombonist of the Johnstown Symphony and Second Trombonist of the Lancaster Symphony.

During his career, Tychinski has performed with orchestras, chamber groups and jazz ensembles throughout the United States and also with many well-known popular artists including Rosemary Clooney, the Four Tops, Little Anthony and the Imperials, the Drifters, Leslie Gore, Lou Christie and Connie Francis. In recent years, he has appeared at the International Trombone Festival, the International Tuba and Euphonium Conference, International Horn Symposium and the American Trombone Workshop. Tychinski spearheaded the Stamp Trombone Commission Consortium that resulted in the composition Divertimento for Trombone and Band by Jack Stamp which he premiered at the 2013 Eastern Trombone Workshop with the United States Army Band. Tychinski was named a 2016 Delaware Division of the Arts Fellow and released his first solo compact disc recording, Interplay: New Music for Trombone and Band on the Arts Laureate label in 2017.

Tychinski holds Bachelor and Master of Music in Trombone Performance degrees from Penn State University and the Doctor of Musical Arts in Trombone Performance degree from the University of Kansas. Prior to his appointment at the University of Delaware in 2010, Tychinski taught at the University of Southern Mississippi, St. Norbert College and the University of Northern Iowa. Bruce and his wife, Heidi, live in Landenberg, Pennsylvania, with their three children, Gretchen, Clara and Peter.

Dr. Bruce Tychinski — Trombone Day Director

Bruce Tychinski

SGM Sam Woodhead

Sergeant Major Sam Woodhead serves as the Solo and Principal Trombonist and High Brass and Auxiliary Group Leader of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Concert Band. Originally from Northport, Maine, he joined “Pershing’s Own” in 2001 as a trombonist with the Ceremonial Band before winning his position with the Concert Band in 2004.

In addition to his primary duties, SGM Woodhead has performed with numerous ensembles within “Pershing’s Own,” including the Brass Quintet, Blues, Orchestra, Chorus, Herald Trumpets and DownRange, with whom he toured Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Sergeant Major of the Army’s Hope and Freedom Tour in 2006.

He served as chairman of the American Trombone Workshop for 13 years and is the co-founder of the Washington Trombone Ensemble. He has also served on the board of advisors for the International Trombone Association.

Outside his military career, SGM Woodhead is in high demand as a freelance musician throughout the Washington, D.C., area, performing with ensembles such as the National Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Washington Symphonic Brass and in theatrical productions at Signature Theatre.

As a soloist, he has appeared with “Pershing’s Own” during its 2005 California tour and in concerts on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. He has also presented masterclasses and solo recitals at institutions including Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute, Bowling Green State University, Brown University and Yale University.

SGM Woodhead holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Maine, a master’s degree from Yale University, and a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Maryland. His principal teachers include John Swallow, Milton Stevens and Mark Manduca, and he has also studied with Matthew Guilford and David Taylor. He is proud to be an S.E. Shires Performing Artist.

SGM Sam Woodhead — Featured Guest Artist

SGM Sam Woodhead

Biography

Directions

All events will occur in:

Puglisi Orchestra Hall (Puglisi) and Gore Recital Hall (Gore), located in the Roselle Center for the Arts (CFA)

The best GPS address to get to this area of campus: 101 Carroll Ct, Newark, DE 19711

PARKING: The CFA parking garage is nearby or street parking is available.

Please do not hesitate to ask for directions. UD Trombone faculty and students will be around and are glad to help guide you to your desired location!