Aidan Andreoli
Junior, music performance
Originally from Owasso, Oklahoma, Aidan is currently pursuing a BM in trombone performance. She is a Tulsa Youth Symphony Alumni and and has performed with the ASU Symphony Orchestra, ASU Wind Ensemble, ASU Wind Symphony, and ASU Jazz Repertory Band. She loves performing and would like to play professionally as a Broadway pit musician or film score musician in the future. Her other passions include dance, theatre, film, and travel. She loves getting creative and hopes to make a positive impact on the performing arts industry in any way that she can.
Sam Cherian
Non-major
Sam is majoring in Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics) in the Ira A Fulton Engineering school.
Noah Eder
Senior, Performance
A native of Prescott, Arizona, Noah Eder is starting his undergraduate degree in Performance. Noah plans on taking courses towards a music education degree as well in hopes to double major. Currently, Noah is an active performer with the ASU Desert Bones, ASU Symphony Orchestra, and ASU Wind Orchestra. In the future, Noah plans on earning a position in a symphony orchestra. In his spare time outside of music, Noah enjoys watching baseball, attending live concerts, cooking, and traveling.
Thomas Gerald
Tuba major, studying bass trombone
Arwen Griggs
Freshman, Music Therapy
Arwen is from Gilbert, Arizona and is pursuing an undergraduate degree in music therapy. She has performed in many ensembles including Arizona Band and Orchestra Association (ABODA) All-State Jazz Band, Arizona Music Educators Association (AMEA) Regional Honor Band, and the Phoenix Jazz Girls Rising. Arwen plans to practice as a music therapist and continue to play trombone on the side. In her spare time, Arwen likes to play basketball, explore the outdoors, and spend time with her friends.
Ben Hazel
Junior, Performance
Ben Hazel comes from Raleigh, North Carolina in order to get his undergraduate degree in trombone performance. He has performed in various groups such as the Triangle Youth Brass Band and the Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble. He is a current player in many of the ASU affiliated groups such as ASU Wind Ensemble, ASU Symphony Orchestra, and the ASU Concert Jazz Band. In the future he hopes to be able to play in an orchestra as well as many other ensembles while teaching on the side. In his free time he enjoys listening to music, watching shows, playing games and hanging out with friends and family
Will Kurth
Senior, Performance
From Tucson, Arizona, Will is working towards his undergraduate degree in Performance. He has performed with the Tucson Philharmonia Youth Orchestra, the Tucson Symphony, SCC Jazz band, and other local bands and ensembles in Arizona. Currently he is an active player with the ASU Desert Bones, ASU Wind Ensemble, ASU Symphony Orchestra, and the ASU Concert Jazz Band. He hopes to one day win a job playing in a professional symphony. In his free time Will enjoys spending time with friends, food, and rock climbing.
Nathan Lehnertz
Junior, Non-Major (Business, Language, and Culture on the Chinese Track)
Nathan comes from Gilbert, AZ. He is a sophomore Business, Language, and Culture major learning Chinese, with a trombone performance minor. He is also founder/president of the Trombone Society at ASU. He has performed with various different groups, including the Gilbert Symphony Orchestra, the Highland Bands and Orchestras, and the Young Sounds of Arizona. He works at ASU Enterprise Partners, the resource-raising arm of Arizona State University. In his free time, Nathan likes listening to music, spending time with friends, and playing computer games.
Connor Lively
Senior, Performance (bass trombone)
Connor joins us from Scottsdale to pursue his undergraduate degree in Bass Trombone Performance. He has performed with the Phoenix Youth Symphony along with the Young Sounds of Arizona jazz ensemble and currently performs with the ASU Wind Symphony and the ASU Jazz Repertory Band. He hopes to one day win a job in a professional orchestra or ensemble. In his free time, Connor enjoys extra practicing, listening to a wide variety of music, and spending time with his family and friends.
Daniel Nakazono
DMA Student, Teaching Assistant
Daniel is coming directly from Northwestern University, where earned his masters degree studying under notable musicians such as: Michael Mulcahy, Randy Hawes, Doug Wright, Chris Davis, and Tim Higgins.
With, “the Diminishing Returns Trombone Quartet,” from Northwestern University, Daniel competed in the ITA trombone quartet competition finals at ITF this past summer where the group was awarded the winning title for their performance.
Daniel studied under Steve Trapani, and Mike Hoffman at CSU Long Beach, where he earned his bachelors degree. Initially he wanted to earn his music education degree to be a high school band director; however, going into his sophomore year in undergrad he decided to focus on honing his skills as a musician on the trombone and pursue a career in performance.
With dedication to refining his craft, and a hunger to learn more about the trombone and the world of music; Daniel is pursuing an orchestral career and a teaching position as a trombonist at an establishment of higher education.
He is excited to work with Dr. Edwards and the trombone studio during his time at ASU, and is looking forward to everything he will learn from this wonderful opportunity.
Wendy Ostaszewski
Freshman, Music Learning and Teaching
(they/he/she)
Wendy is from North Orange County, California and is currently working toward an undergrad degree in Music Learning and Teaching. They have performed with the Golden West Pops, Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association’s (SCSBOA) All-Southern Honor Ensembles, the California Band Director’s Association’s (CBDA) All-State Honor Ensembles, the Claremont’s Young Musician’s Orchestra, and the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra. In the future Wendy hopes to continue performing while teaching the next generation about the power of music. In his free time Wendy enjoys learning new skills, and has done woodworking, small-scale taxidermy, sewing, analyzing court cases, and decorating Rose Parade Floats.
Robby Pawloski
Sophomore, Non-major
Robby joins us from the Tucson area, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science both in Mathematics and Computer Science, as well as a minor in Music Performance for Trombone. Robby played at Catalina Foothills High School in the Wind Ensemble and the marching band, performing with the latter in the 2019 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Robby spends his free time with his friends and family, and is passionate about listening to classical music, watching movies, and drinking milk.
Grant Penderghast
Junior, non major
Grant joins us from South Orange County, California. Grant is going for his undergraduate degree in Professional Flight in order to work in the airlines as a Captain. While flying is what he aims to be his career, he is continuing music as his passion and going for a minor in trombone performance. Music provides the much needed change of pace from the incredible but stressful world of aviation and gives Grant a way to continue doing everything he loves.
Robert Peterson
Master’s student, Performance Pedagogy
Robert is a Tenor and Bass Trombonist and Educator based out of Mesa, AZ. He currently runs his own private trombone studio, instructing students of all ages across the valley. Beyond his studio, Robert has hosted his own masterclasses, worked as a clinician for local programs, and coaches after-school music ensembles. Most notably he began and currently teaches the Mountain Ridge High School Trombone Choir. Alongside his work as a music educator, Robert works in the marching arts as a visual designer, writing drill for several high schools marching bands. He also acts as the visual coordinator, designer, and drill writer for the WGI Percussion group Breakthrough Indoor. During the summer season Robert works as a movement specialist with The Academy Drum and Bugle corps.
Prior to his move to Arizona, Robert worked as an elementary school music teacher in Trenton, New Jersey. Robert holds a Bachelor of Science in Education (B. S. E) in Secondary Education with a focus in Comprehensive Music from Seton Hall University. While completing his undergraduate degree Robert studied tenor trombone with Anthony Mazzocchi and bass trombone with Douglas Purviance.
Andrè Prouty
DMA student, teaching assistant
Andrè Emmanoel Prouty is an extremely versatile and accomplished Tenor and Bass Trombonist, and active performer of music from a broad range of periods and styles. As an active freelance musician, he has performed with many of Colorado’s top classical and jazz ensembles, including Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Boulder Philharmonic, Greeley Philharmonic, Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, Ultraphonic Big Band, and more. Andre has also held positions within the Chicago Civic Orchestra, and has performed alongside internationally renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Renee Fleming, Alan Gilbert, and others. An avid and accomplished chamber musician, Andre was a member of the Denver based ‘Classical Brass Quintet’ and is a founding member of ‘The ENQ’ Trombone Quartet – grand prize winners of the 2018 International Trombone Quartet Competition – as well as an alumni of the award winning Northwestern Trombone Choir.
In addition to his prolific performing experience, Andre is also an impassioned educator and brass pedagogue. Andre has held masterclasses and established private low brass studios in Denver, Aurora, and Aspen, CO, and Houston, TX. Andre holds a Bachelor in Music from The Juilliard School, a Masters in Music from Northwestern University, an Artist Diploma from the University of Denver, and will begin DMA studies with Dr. Brad Edwards in Fall 2021 at Arizona State University.
Joel Rangel
DMA Student, ABD status
Joel served as a Marine Musician with the First Marine Division Band at Camp Pendleton and with the “Commandants Own” the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. A veteran of Desert Storm, Joel retired from active service in the summer of 2010. Joel Rangel began his studies as a music major at El Camino College studying trombone performance with Robert Coomber. From September 2013 to April of 2018 Joel studied with Dr. Andrew Glendening completing his Bachelors in Music Education and a Master’s in Trombone Performance at the University of Redlands. Joel is in ABD status (all but dissertation)
Matias Teillet
Sophomore, Music Learning and Teaching
Matias is from South Orange County, California. He is working towards his Bachelors in Music Learning and Teaching. He plans to become a band director in his home state. He is also a tuba rank leader in the Sun Devil marching band. Outside of music, he competes for the ASU Taekwondo team, and teaches martial arts classes during the summer. He also enjoys a good hike, as well as most outdoor activities.
Maya Willis
Non-major
Maya is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Jenny Zapotocky
Junior, Performance
Jenny is concurrently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Music Performance and a certificate in Music Entrepreneurship. Before her time at ASU Jenny performed with the NAfME All-National Concert Band, the FMEA All-State Concert Orchestra, and Completed programs with The Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music. While at ASU Jenny has performed with the ASU Wind Symphony and appeared in Simply Three’s “September” Music video. In the future, Jenny hopes to join the military as a musician.