Brass

Department Head

Off

Hire Date

Thu, 11/07/2024 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Trombone

Location(s)

Name

Andrés Guzmán

Person Type

Faculty

Program Area

Weight

William Baxtresser

ntakagi — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 15:26:36 +0000

William Baxtresser ntakagi Sun, 10/01/2023 - 10:26

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Some of Mr. Baxtresser's most influential teachers over the years were his instructors from his studies at Western Michigan University. These include: Mr. Scott Thornburg, and Dr. Stephen Jones.

In addition, one of his biggest mentors was legendary trumpeter, Marcus Belgrave, who he studied under the direction of during his time as a member of the Detroit Civic Orchestra Jazz Ensemble.

Academic Title

Trumpet Faculty

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Trumpet Performance, Western Michigan University (2007)

bbaxtresser@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Mon, 01/30/2012 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Trumpet

Name

William Baxtresser

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Baxtresser, William web pic.jpg

Photo

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Member of the Gaudete Brass Quintet

Second trumpet with the West Michigan Symphony (start 2008)

Member of the New Music Project, a contemporary music project that promoted the commission of new compositions, as well as presenting a Latin American inspired concert with the Millennium Chamber Players.

Participation in the Oberlin Baroque Performance Institute at the Oberlin Conservatory, studying with Barry Bauguess & Bruce Dickey

Lake Placid Institute for trumpet performance in both Jazz and Classical

Program Area

Weight

Nick Collins

ntakagi — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 18:53:56 +0000

Nick Collins ntakagi Mon, 11/18/2024 - 12:53

Nick Collins joined the Music Institute of Chicago tuba/euphonium faculty in October 2024. He earned a bachelor of music degree from Kennesaw State University and a master of music degree from Northwestern University. He has also performed with the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and the Atlanta Low Brass Academy.

Academic Title

Tuba & Euphonium Faculty; MIC Concert Band Director; Chamber Winds Director

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

I believe the individual student is the centerpiece of all music education. I look to contribute all necessary tools for each student to discover, interpret, and express their musical voice. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to help guide the student through their own unique path to their highest potential.  

Because music is such a personal subject, I help my students set goals according to the role music plays in their lives. Additionally, I am aware of the depth of diversity among students and the role it plays in the individual’s foundation of values both in and out of music. Knowing this, I strive to incorporate the benefits and lessons gained through music into the student's unique interests. While I always have a definitive set of fundamental skills and goals for all of my students, what they attain personally from developing these skills is most important.

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

Master of Music, Northwestern University
Bachelor of Music, Kennesaw State University

ncollins@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Nick Collins

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

nick-collins head shot.jpg

Photo

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra
Civic Orchestra of Chicago
Atlanta Low Brass Academy

Program Area

Chamber Music

Large Ensembles

Three Questions Answer

Hobbies/interests outside of music:
I love to cook, play video games, and spend time lounging on the couch with my wife and our pets!

Most memorable musical moment:
My most memorable musical moment was performing on stage with Andrea Bocelli and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in the Fiserv Forum arena. What a voice!

What you love about Chicago:
I absolutely love the food culture in Chicago. There are so many different cuisines and restaurants to explore all around the city, and I have only scratched the surface since moving from Atlanta. My favorite restaurant so far is The Gage on Michigan Avenue!

Weight

Willing to Teach at

Winnetka

James Davis

ntakagi — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 19:22:33 +0000

James Davis ntakagi Fri, 08/18/2023 - 14:22

James Davis, a Chicago trumpeter and music maker, is comfortable in and always enjoys exploring a wide array of musical environments. As a composer and improviser, Davis is involved in a diverse blend of musical communities in Chicago. His diverse background and ranging interests can be heard in his own Chamber-Jazz group Beveled, the improvising effects-laden LORIS, and various Jazz projects.

In addition to leading different formations of his own groups, Davis has also recently collaborated and/or recorded with Matt Ulery’s Pollinator, Chris Dammann's Restroy, Lucas Gillan's Many Blessings, The Heritage Jazz Orchestra, and The New Standard Jazz Orchestra. James has earned recognition as a finalist both in the 2004 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Improvisation Competition and the 2007 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition and has completed degrees at the University of Texas at Arlington, and at the University of North Texas. At UNT, James had the opportunity to tour and record with the Grammy nominated One O’clock Lab Band and the UNT Wind Symphony.

James’ playing and compositions are featured on his newest album Disappearing Roads, his 2014 release Beveled, the James Davis Quintet album Angles of Refraction, the avant-rock/jazz/improv band Zing!’s, Magnetic Flux, and multiple albums with Albertan drummer Karl Schwonik. He is currently on faculty at Triton College, Wheaton College, and Harold Washington College.

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Finalist, 2004 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Improvisation Competition
Finalist, 2007 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition

Recordings:
Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead, 2-Week Composition/Performance Workshop, 2008
Ravinia Steans Institute Jazz Program, Composition/Performance Workshop, 2008
Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition Finalist, 2007
International Trumpet Guild Jazz Improvisation Competition Finalist, 2004

Recordings as A Leader/Composer/Performer
Remain Calm - Beveled, Self-released, 2022
Disappearing Roads - James Davis Quintet, Whistler Records, 2018 Composed & Arranged full 4 track digital EP
Beveled - James Davis' Beveled, ears&eyes Records, 2015 Composed & Arranged full 9 track CD Album
Angles of Refraction - James Davis Quintet, ears&eyes Records, 2007
Magnetic Flux - Zing!, ears&eyes Records, 2007

At the University of North Texas, James had the opportunity to tour and record with the Grammy nominated One O’clock Lab Band and the UNT Wind Symphony.

James’ playing and compositions are featured on his newest album Disappearing Roads, his 2014 release Beveled, the James Davis Quintet album Angles of Refraction, the avant-rock/jazz/improv band Zing!’s, Magnetic Flux, and multiple albums with Albertan drummer Karl Schwonik.

Academic Title

Trumpet Faculty (Jazz)

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

As an active performer, I strive to share my real-world musical experience with my students. Every student is unique and deserves a tailored approach for their own learning style. My current focus is on Jazz and Improvised music, but have a wide range of musical interests as well.

Courses

Private Instruction

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

MM, University of North Texas
BM, University of Texas at Arlington

jdavis@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Trumpet

Location(s)

https://jamesdavismusic.net/

Name

James Davis

Personal Website / Link

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

James Davis pic 2024.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Current faculty member:
Triton College
Wheaton College
Harold Washington College

Program Area

Jazz Studies

Weight

Willing to Teach at

Audrey Morrison

ntakagi — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:04:54 +0000

Audrey Morrison ntakagi Mon, 10/09/2023 - 14:04

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Selected Discography for Audrey Morrison:
Chicago Jazz Ensemble- The Chicago Jazz Ensemble- Chase Music Group CMD 8052
Diva Big Band- Something's Coming- Perfect Sound PSCD-1216
Barrett Deems Big Band- Groovin' Hard- Lydia records Lydia DE-505
Barrett Deems Big Band- How D'You Like It So Far?- Delmark Records DE-472
Birch Creek Academy Band- Barnburner- Door County Voices DCV009
Bradley Williams' Original 21st Century Review- Sideways Entertainment 6-48203 2021 2-0 and 6-48203 2022- 2-9
Dizzy Gillespie/ Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra- the Symphony Sessions- Projazz CDJ 698
Lake Forest Symphony- “Liquid Melancholy” with John Bruce Yeh, clarinet ( Grammy Award Nominee ) Cedille CDR 90000 176 E
lgin Symphony Orchestra- Aaron Copland- American Classics Series- Naxos 8.559297
Chicago Chamber Orchestra- Carl Nielsen- Centaur CRC-2024

Academic Title

Trombone Faculty (Jazz)

Anything else we should know?

" The jazz program at MIC is amazing! Students play with other talented and passionate musicians from around Chicagoland. As a band director for 30 years, I know the importance of having students develop their skills in both private lessons and groups outside of their school. As a jazz parent, it's great to know that my own kids are being taught by such a talented and caring faculty. I would STRONGLY recommend this program! "
- Eric Bachman Director of Bands Emerson Middle School

Available For

Online

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

Make Music | Share Music | Be Happy!

Courses

Jazz Combo, Jazz Improvisation, Summer Jazz Camps

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

M.M. in Jazz Studies, Eastman School of Music
B.M. in Music Education Eastman School of Music

amorrison@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Trombone

Location(s)

Winnetka

Name

Audrey Morrison

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

AudreyMorrison.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Chicago Jazz Ensemble: lead trombonist for more than 15 years
Member of the big bands of Clark Terry, Barrett Deems, and the DIVA band in New York City
National Arts Centre Orchestra, Ottawa, Ontario; Rochester Philharmonic; Elgin Symphony: principal trombone
SHE (jazz sextet), Lake Forest Symphony: member

Audrey Morrison is the Director of Jazz Studies and jazz trombone faculty at the Music Institute of Chicago. A native of New York City, she studied under Emory Remington and Bill Dobbins at the Eastman School of Music where she received a B.M. in music education and a M.M. in Jazz Studies. While at Eastman, she received the coveted Performer's Certificate for superior performance which included a solo concerto performance with the Rochester Philharmonic.

As lead trombonist for over 15 years with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble under William Russo and Jon Faddis, she performed with legendary jazz greats including Clark Terry, Terell Stafford, Joe Lovano, Paquito D'Rivera, Steve Turre, Curtis Fuller and Joshua Redman.

She has also been a member of the big bands of Clark Terry, Barrett Deems and the DIVA band in New York City. Audrey has performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival and at jazz festivals and jazz venues in Canada, Europe and the Middle East.

As principal trombone of the National Arts Centre Orchestra ( Ottawa, Ontario ) for 6 years, the Rochester Philharmonic for 3 summers and the Elgin Symphony for 28 years, she performed with greats Yo Yo Ma, Kathleen Battle, Isaac Stern, Fredericka Van Stade, Lyn Harrell, Christopher Parkening and many others.

Audrey played for 3 years with the Velvet Brass ( Quintet ) with tubist Velvet Brown and trumpeter Susan Slaughter.

A performer and educator in both jazz and classical styles, she is currently a member of the jazz sextet SHE and the Lake Forest Symphony and teaches at North Park University.

Audrey teaches and performs with the Ravinia Jazz Mentors and at jazz programs for the Jazz Institute of Chicago ( "Women's Leadership Initiative” ) and at the summer Jazz program at Birch Creek Music Center in Door County, Wisconsin.

She is a clinician for Conn-Selmer and is an active adjudicator, clinician and soloist at high school and college jazz festivals.

Audrey is a founding member of the Jazz Institute of Chicago's "Women's Leadership Initiative" mentoring younger female jazz musicians.

Audrey composed "Kaleidosonic Suite" in 2013 for trombone soloist and concert band. She has performed this work, which includes jazz and classical movements, with the Mount Prospect Community Band, the Wilmette Community Band and the North Park University Concert Band.

Program Area

Three Questions Answer

Most memorable musical moments:
Performing with the MIC Jazz Faculty with Paquito D'Rivera at NCH.

Performing with Clark Terry and former members of the Count Basie Orchestra at the Great Plains JazzCamp.

Performing with pianist Marian McPartland with the Birch Creek Academy Big Band.

Performing with Dave Brubeck at the Chicago Jazz Festival.

Performing Duke Ellington's " Black, Brown and Beige" with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble.

Performing Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" and Mahler's "Symphony #5" with the Elgin Symphony.

Weight

GUID

176

Media ID

469

Willing to Teach at

Winnetka

Emma Sepmeier

efusco — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 05:15:45 +0000

Emma Sepmeier efusco Tue, 03/05/2024 - 23:15

Academic Title

French Horn Faculty

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

As a teacher, I strive to help each student gain the technical skills necessary to express their musical voice through the horn.

Department

screenshot_20230827_202501.png

Department Head

Off

Education

B.M. Music Performance, Boston University
B.M.E. Music Education, Boston University
M.M. Horn Performance, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Emma Sepmeier

Person Type

Faculty

Photo

Program Area

Three Questions

Interests/hobbies outside of music

What do you love about Chicago?

What do you love about playing your instrument?

Three Questions Answer

Outside of horn, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters .

Chicago and its people are vibrant, creative, and hardworking, and the brass playing tradition is second to none.

The horn has the most beautiful sound. Other instruments may play faster, higher, softer, lower, louder, or more quickly, but a lone velvety note from the horn is hard to beat.

Weight

Bethany Vaughan

ntakagi — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 22:15:50 +0000

Bethany Vaughan ntakagi Mon, 09/09/2024 - 17:15

Bethany Vaughan has been a member of the Music Institute’s Nichols Concert Hall staff and now is a member of the trumpet faculty. She earned her bachelor of music degree at Indiana University and her master of music degree at Northwestern University. She is a core member of Axiom Brass. As a freelancer, she has performed with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and National Arts Centre Orchestra, among many others. In the chamber music sphere, she has toured with Seraph Brass and Stiletto Brass (in addition to her work with Axiom). She has spent summers as a fellow at the Aspen Music Festival and Round Top Festival Institute and has performed at the Bravo! Vail, Ravinia, and Blossom summer music festivals. She maintains a private studio of students from all around Chicago and coaches the trumpets at Niles West High School.

Academic Title

Trumpet Faculty

Administrative Title

Production Assistant, Nichols Concert Hall

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

I have studied with and been influenced by teachers from many different schools of pedagogical thought, but I count the teachings of Bill Adam and Vincent Cichowicz (and the Chicago school more generally) as my strongest pedagogical influences. I believe that, in most cases, the conscious mind should have a limited role when it comes to the mechanics of trumpet playing. While having a healthy setup and basic understanding of how the embouchure works is important (and I teach those things), of even more importance is your concept of how you want to sound. If we have a beautiful, resonant sound in our mind's eye when we go to play the trumpet, our subconscious mind will, over time, make minute changes to our body to bring us into alignment with our goal sound. We might be aware of these changes, but the goal is to not let them draw too much of our focus. A focus on sound (and musicality) is why I play back and forth with my students in lessons, providing them with a model. Imitation truly is one of the best teachers! I have taught students of all ages (beginner to retired) and student acceptances include CYSO and Interlochen.

Department

Nichols Concert Hall

Department Head

Off

Education

Master of Music, Northwestern University
Bachelor of Music, Indiana University

bvaughan@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Trumpet

Location(s)

Name

Bethany Vaughan

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

8479051500

Photo

Vaughan, Bethany.jpg

Program Area