Steve Witser Memorial Award: The Steve Witser Award for Excellence honors the memory of the former Principal Trombone of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Eastman Alumnus. A pillar of the musical community, Steve earned his bachelor of music degree and performer’s certificate at Eastman in 1981 and also served on the Eastman faculty. He was not only an outstanding musician but a kind person and beloved colleague. This award is presented annually to one outstanding student who is exceptionally distinguished as both a player and a colleague. As Steve Witser was in life, the winner of this award remains a positive force throughout his or her time at Eastman, an exemplary colleague, and consistently displays the highest level of performance. The recipient of this award is chosen by Professors Kellogg and Zalkind and receives a cash prize.

STEVE WITSER MEMORIAL AWARD RECIPIENTS

Tyler Simms 2017
Tim Taylor 2016
Joshua Becker, Paul Seib, Austin Richardson 2015
Paul Radke 2014
Grant Reed 2013

 

Best Section and Most Improved Player Award: The Best Section Player and Most Improved Player Awards are given to the trombonists in the class who exemplify qualities held in the highest regard in the Eastman Trombone Studio. Recipients of this award are not only outstanding musicians, but are dedicated, kind, and hardworking students who enrich the academic environment at the Eastman School of Music. These awards are dictated by the members of the studio who nominate and ultimately vote to select the recipients.

BEST SECTION PLAYER AWARD RECIPIENTS

Tanner Jackson 2017
Tim Taylor 2016

 

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD RECIPIENTS

Nick Hogg 2017
Nick Crane 2016