ITF attendance

LeTromboniste · Post by **LeTromboniste** » Mon Jun 30, 2025 2:33 pm

ITF is just around the corner! I'm really glad it's in Canada (for the first time, as far as I know). It'll also be my first time attending, personally.

I know Tiffany is playing a recital on the 17th at 11:30, Mattie is playing one on the 18th at 2:00, and I am playing on the 17th at 4:00 and giving a masterclass on the 18th at 11:30. Beyond that I didn't spot any other familiar TromboneChat names in the programme, but I'd love to know who else might be coming, whether just to listen or play along in some of the session, and who I might meet there in person!

CalgaryTbone · Post by **CalgaryTbone** » Mon Jun 30, 2025 4:00 pm

I'm going - the whole Calgary Philharmonic section will be there as well as some local freelance players and educators. I don't think any of us are playing, although one colleague may have been drafted for one of the trombone choirs that are performing. Looking forward to it!

I'm also wondering who's going to be exhibiting there? I have an email in to ask about this - the website doesn't show anything, and a link directed me towards the 2024 festival.

Jim Scott

WGWTR180 · Post by **WGWTR180** » Tue Jul 01, 2025 11:38 am

CalgaryTbone wrote: Mon Jun 30, 2025 4:00 pm I'm going - the whole Calgary Philharmonic section will be there as well as some local freelance players and educators. I don't think any of us are playing, although one colleague may have been drafted for one of the trombone choirs that are performing. Looking forward to it!

I'm also wondering who's going to be exhibiting there? I have an email in to ask about this - the website doesn't show anything, and a link directed me towards the 2024 festival.

Jim Scott

I'm sure those in attendance would love to hear the Calgary Philharmonic section perform. Too bad you're not. And I guarantee #iplayshires will dominate the exhibit floor space.

mbarbier · Post by **mbarbier** » Tue Jul 01, 2025 12:17 pm

CalgaryTbone wrote: Mon Jun 30, 2025 4:00 pm I'm going - the whole Calgary Philharmonic section will be there as well as some local freelance players and educators. I don't think any of us are playing, although one colleague may have been drafted for one of the trombone choirs that are performing. Looking forward to it!

I'm also wondering who's going to be exhibiting there? I have an email in to ask about this - the website doesn't show anything, and a link directed me towards the 2024 festival.

Jim Scott

It wouldve been great to hear y'all play! I think the Pittsburgh and Toronto sections will be playing- would be really interesting to hear how different three great sections play! It would be such a learning experience to have multiple sections present the same repertoire back to back and hear the variations. Maybe one day-
I've never attended one before so don't fully know what to expect, but the schedule seems unbelievably full.

I know Shires, Rath, Conn Selmer, Thein, Courtois, and Greg Black will be there as they were all mentioned in a live stream they did the other day as well as a few larger Canadian music retailers, though I can't remember the names. In particular it was a big one from Toronto.

I'm particularly excited to hear (and meet) Maximellen and Tiffany's recitals- some of the stuff she wrote herself is completely

. It'll be really exciting to hear the Szeged Trombone Ensemble.

LeTromboniste · Post by **LeTromboniste** » Tue Jul 01, 2025 1:29 pm

mbarbier wrote: Tue Jul 01, 2025 12:17 pm I know Shires, Rath, Conn Selmer, Thein, Courtois, and Greg Black will be there as they were all mentioned in a live stream they did the other day as well as a few larger Canadian music retailers, though I can't remember the names. In particular it was a big one from Toronto.

That's Long & McQuade, big Canadian chain of musical instruments and gear with their flagship big store in Toronto. I would imagine they'll have a bunch of stuff there from builders who aren't attending themselves.

CalgaryTbone · Post by **CalgaryTbone** » Tue Jul 01, 2025 2:41 pm

Ditto on hearing Maximillien and Tiffany. I'll do a commercial for a couple of Canadian participants - Alain Trudel is always a treat to hear. Gordon Wolfe and Vanessa Fralick (sp?) from the Toronto Symphony, and Pete Sullivan from Pittsburgh are don't-miss performers. Both the Toronto and Pittsburgh sections are playing as well. Al Kay is a fantastic jazz trombonist. I know I'm forgetting some others. And I've never heard Christian Lindberg live, so I can't wait to check that off the bucket list. Many others too!

Jim Scott

Kbiggs · Post by **Kbiggs** » Tue Jul 01, 2025 3:49 pm

Wish I could be there. I’ll be thinking good thoughts and rooting for y’all.

CalgaryTbone · Post by **CalgaryTbone** » Tue Jul 01, 2025 6:36 pm

WGWTR180 wrote: Tue Jul 01, 2025 11:38 am
CalgaryTbone wrote: Mon Jun 30, 2025 4:00 pm I'm going - the whole Calgary Philharmonic section will be there as well as some local freelance players and educators. I don't think any of us are playing, although one colleague may have been drafted for one of the trombone choirs that are performing. Looking forward to it!

I'm also wondering who's going to be exhibiting there? I have an email in to ask about this - the website doesn't show anything, and a link directed me towards the 2024 festival.

Jim Scott
I'm sure those in attendance would love to hear the Calgary Philharmonic section perform. Too bad you're not. And I guarantee #iplayshires will dominate the exhibit floor space.

Thanks! Retirement is beckoning, so I'm not all that sad to not have an stress-filled event during my vacation! No matter what, I'm going to enjoy myself.

I have to get a picture with Pete Sullivan and Jim Nova. Pete started his career playing 2nd next to me here. Now, of course he's Principal in Pittsburgh, sitting next to Jim Nova. He has sat next to a Jim for much of his career, and Nova and I both graduated from the same High School (I was a good 20 - 25 years earlier, of course)! I think that's a fun coincidence.

Jim Scott

DJC999 · Post by **DJC999** » Wed Jul 02, 2025 9:47 pm

I’ll be there adjudicating, performing solo, and joining a trombone choir. Should be a fun first ITF for me!

-Dan

mbarbier · Post by **mbarbier** » Thu Jul 03, 2025 5:44 pm

CalgaryTbone wrote: Tue Jul 01, 2025 2:41 pm Ditto on hearing Maximillien and Tiffany. I'll do a commercial for a couple of Canadian participants - Alain Trudel is always a treat to hear. Gordon Wolfe and Vanessa Fralick (sp?) from the Toronto Symphony, and Pete Sullivan from Pittsburgh are don't-miss performers. Both the Toronto and Pittsburgh sections are playing as well. Al Kay is a fantastic jazz trombonist. I know I'm forgetting some others. And I've never heard Christian Lindberg live, so I can't wait to check that off the bucket list. Many others too!

Jim Scott

I keep forgetting that Lindberg will be there- looking forward to hearing him, as well as Vanessa and Alain, live for the first time. Hell of a line up.

Post by **Doug Elliott** » Thu Jul 03, 2025 8:46 pm

I will be there. My 51st ITF. If I counted that right. Might be 50th.

CalgaryTbone · Post by **CalgaryTbone** » Fri Jul 04, 2025 9:46 am

Doug Elliott wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 8:46 pm I will be there. My 51st ITF. If I counted that right. Might be 50th.

VJOFan · Post by **VJOFan** » Fri Jul 04, 2025 1:21 pm

It’s a nice campus and the halls are good. Should be a nice event.

The Toboggan Brewery hosts live jazz most weekends so they should do a good job of that too.

Welcome to London everyone!

CalgaryTbone · Post by **CalgaryTbone** » Sun Jul 06, 2025 6:06 pm

Another post lost! I'll try again - this one hurt, cause it's a lot of typing! Here's the list of Sponsors for the ITF:

2025 ITF Sponsors:

SE Shires
Greg Black Mouthpicees
Michael Rath Brass
Antoine Courtois
Gard Bags
Band Geek
Butler Trombones
Conn/Selmer
C. Sharpe Editions
Doug Elliott Mouthpieces
Schilke/Greenhoe
Jurgen Voigt
Jupiter/XO
Littin
Long & McQuade
Slide Doctor
Thein Brass
Trapbone
Woodwind Design
Yamaha
Y-Fort Wind Instruments
Yorkville Sound

Enjoy!

Jim Scott

LIBrassCo · Post by **LIBrassCo** » Tue Jul 08, 2025 3:28 am

Hmmm, I should be on there, I'm the prize for the quartet competition.

CalgaryTbone · Post by **CalgaryTbone** » Tue Jul 08, 2025 2:45 pm

LIBrassCo wrote: Tue Jul 08, 2025 3:28 am Hmmm, I should be on there, I'm the prize for the quartet competition.

It's possible that I missed it. I was sent an email that came to me in a messed-up format. Then I hand-copied the information, and then typed it into that message. Then the message disappeared when I hit send, and I had to do it again. I easily could have missed one vendor in the process. or maybe they missed it when they sent this to me. My apologies if it turns out to be my mistake!

JS

LIBrassCo · Post by **LIBrassCo** » Tue Jul 08, 2025 3:30 pm

CalgaryTbone wrote: Tue Jul 08, 2025 2:45 pm
LIBrassCo wrote: Tue Jul 08, 2025 3:28 am Hmmm, I should be on there, I'm the prize for the quartet competition.
It's possible that I missed it. I was sent an email that came to me in a messed-up format. Then I hand-copied the information, and then typed it into that message. Then the message disappeared when I hit send, and I had to do it again. I easily could have missed one vendor in the process. or maybe they missed it when they sent this to me. My apologies if it turns out to be my mistake!

JS

I would not be surprised to hear I didn't end up on the list of some reason

mbarbier · Post by **mbarbier** » Fri Jul 11, 2025 12:29 am

https://www.internationaltrombonefestiv ... exhibitors

Looks like they updated the website with the full list, including LIBC. look forward to trying some more of your pieces!

Brady · Post by **Brady** » Fri Jul 11, 2025 8:48 am

Am I blind or is Rath not on the list?

CalgaryTbone · Post by **CalgaryTbone** » Fri Jul 11, 2025 9:58 am

mbarbier wrote: Fri Jul 11, 2025 12:29 am https://www.internationaltrombonefestiv ... exhibitors

Looks like they updated the website with the full list, including LIBC. look forward to trying some more of your pieces!

They did update the list, but I think they posted the 2024 list - I just sent an email to the person in charge of that. The list they posted includes Edwards/Getzen/Griego who won't be there, and leaves out the Canadian retailers like Long & McQuade.

Jim Scott

mbarbier · Post by **mbarbier** » Fri Jul 11, 2025 10:40 am

you're totally right. Sorry about that!

CalgaryTbone · Post by **CalgaryTbone** » Sat Jul 12, 2025 9:15 am

Exhibitors page is fixed - LI Brass has been left off.

Looking forward to meeting some of you in person rather than just via Chat.

Jim Scott

fsgazda · Post by **fsgazda** » Sat Jul 12, 2025 1:50 pm

I'll be there this year. I attended several from 1999-2008, then most of them from 2011-2019, then missed the last few. This will be my 12th, I think. Pretty sure that no one will touch Doug's record.

Living so close to Washington DC, I attend the American Trombone Workshop with my students every year, so I get my workshop fix, but the ITF is on a whole different level.

Post by **Doug Elliott** » Sun Jul 20, 2025 9:06 am

BEST ITF EVER!!!

I actually got to go to most of the concerts, recitals, and clinics that I wanted to see, because I wasn't stuck at my exhibit. I didn't take any mouthpieces, just my horn.

CalgaryTbone · Post by **CalgaryTbone** » Sun Jul 20, 2025 12:45 pm

I had a great time too, and saw almost everything I wanted to see. Some fantastic performances! I’m travelling now, but will post some thoughts later. I think you can still sign up to access the live streams which are available for a good amount of time .

Jim Scott

Finetales · Post by **Finetales** » Sun Jul 20, 2025 2:03 pm

It was great to meet both of you!

I had a wonderful time. Denis and the staff put together a stellar festival!

LeTromboniste · Post by **LeTromboniste** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 9:56 pm

Same here. Was even more fun than I ever expected. I managed to hear most of what I wanted, and have put will be catching up online on the few things I couldn't go to or had to leave before the end. Very lovely to meet several forum members in person too!

NathanSobieralski · Post by **NathanSobieralski** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:02 pm

Ill be at the next ITF held in the USA. Will be super cool to put names to faces!

LeTromboniste · Post by **LeTromboniste** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:38 pm

NathanSobieralski wrote: Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:02 pm Ill be at the next ITF held in the USA. Will be super cool to put names to faces!

I assume that will be two years from now (unless they go back to Canada again, but that seems highly unlikely to me)

NathanSobieralski · Post by **NathanSobieralski** » Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:55 pm

LeTromboniste wrote: Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:38 pm
NathanSobieralski wrote: Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:02 pm Ill be at the next ITF held in the USA. Will be super cool to put names to faces!
I assume that will be two years from now (unless they go back to Canada again, but that seems highly unlikely to me)

That is my understanding as well. Would have liked to attend this year but circumstance did not allow.

Gfunk · Post by **Gfunk** » Tue Jul 22, 2025 6:47 am

LeTromboniste wrote: Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:38 pm
NathanSobieralski wrote: Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:02 pm Ill be at the next ITF held in the USA. Will be super cool to put names to faces!
I assume that will be two years from now (unless they go back to Canada again, but that seems highly unlikely to me)

I won’t say where since it’s not officially announced yet, but that is the plan from what I’ve heard.

BrianAn · Post by **BrianAn** » Tue Jul 22, 2025 7:47 am

My first ITF, had a lot of fun! Some truly amazing playing, and great to hang and meet some new folks. Glad I made it out, looking forward to next time!

fsgazda · Post by **fsgazda** » Sun Jul 27, 2025 2:14 pm

I've been to a few, and for me this was one of the best. A lot of great performances presenting a variety of music (including recitals of all Latin American music and all Japanese music). Polina Tarasenko really stood out on the classical side. I would have liked a little more early music (Maximilien absolutely rocked it, but he was it). Also the pedagogical presentations that I attended were really great (Jason Sulliman, Jonathan Allen, Jason Hausback, Joseph Brown, and Shelly Suminski). The campus was great, the facility was great. Every morning I went for a 4 mile walk of some of the great trails on the river.

The only disappointment for me were the displays. There was very little sheet music, and not as many vendors as usual (I think that customs had something to do with it. Still, a very successful ITF.

LeTromboniste · Post by **LeTromboniste** » Sun Jul 27, 2025 3:41 pm

fsgazda wrote: Sun Jul 27, 2025 2:14 pm I would have liked a little more early music (Maximilien absolutely rocked it, but he was it).

Denis and the ITF team wanted that too, and there was a second early music act scheduled with us both playing in each other's events, but that had to be cancelled because of important family matters. I was really looking forward. Hopefully they get asked again for one of the next festivals instead.

harrisonreed · Post by **harrisonreed** » Tue Jul 29, 2025 4:33 am

What did Lindberg end up playing?

Burgerbob · Post by **Burgerbob** » Tue Jul 29, 2025 7:56 am

harrisonreed wrote: Tue Jul 29, 2025 4:33 am What did Lindberg end up playing?

Trombone, mostly. It's what he's good at

mbarbier · Post by **mbarbier** » Tue Jul 29, 2025 8:34 am

harrisonreed wrote: Tue Jul 29, 2025 4:33 am What did Lindberg end up playing?

He mostly played his own music with the Axiom Brass and some chamber music with Polina Tarasenko and I'm spacing on the bass trombonsit name- he's from Szeged.

fsgazda wrote: Sun Jul 27, 2025 2:14 pm The only disappointment for me were the displays. There was very little sheet music, and not as many vendors as usual (I think that customs had something to do with it. Still, a very successful ITF.

Agreed - one of the directors said they had a bit more than half of normal (forgetting the exact numbers). I know Greg Black had significant issues at customs. I had really hoped more mute makers were there, but there weren't many.

Never been to an ITF before but really enjoyed it. Especially Maximilien, Tiffany, and Polina's recitals. Denis did an amazing job as host and curating a really broad spectrum of what the trombone can do.

harrisonreed · Post by **harrisonreed** » Tue Jul 29, 2025 12:23 pm

Burgerbob wrote: Tue Jul 29, 2025 7:56 am
harrisonreed wrote: Tue Jul 29, 2025 4:33 am What did Lindberg end up playing?
Trombone, mostly. It's what he's good at

Amongst other things.

Post by **Doug Elliott** » Tue Jul 29, 2025 3:01 pm

I'm not sure how old Lindberg is but he still has serious chops and energy. Although I think he was pushing his limits.

CalgaryTbone · Post by **CalgaryTbone** » Tue Jul 29, 2025 4:22 pm

I had a chat with Greg Black the first morning he was there (2nd day of the ITF). He had some paperwork issues at customs, and couldn't proceed in order to get there for the 1st day. Not sure if the mistake was on their part, or if they got bad info as to what they needed to have to present at the border. With the proper papers they got through without any major issues the next day.

It's a bit different for a business to be bringing in items for sale than for a regular tourist visit. That would also be the same travelling the other way too. Add to that the fact that what you need to have can be slightly different depending on who is checking you in, and what kind of mood they are in. A US Customs guy made me throw out a brand new bottle of Yamaha slide stuff that was in the clear plastic bag with my toothpaste, etc. He said it could only be items for your body, even though that is not written anywhere.

Some of the instrument companies are thinking twice about how useful the various trade shows are for them. The costs involved, and the disruption to production back at their job site are not always justified. Christan Griego has a good YouTube video about just that. I got a reply to an email about whether Edwards was coming, and was told that they tried to have Long & McQuade represent them by sending up several horns to be at the L&M display, but communication delays meant that time ran out for that option.

I think it's even worse for sheet music - so many people only buy via PDF's, and a lot of them are using iPads these days. Dragging a bunch of physical copies, especially across an International border may not be an effective sales tactic.

The business has changed - gone are the days when Giardinelli's was in mid-town Manhattan, and Manny's was across the street from them. It's hard to find a place to play a bunch of pro horns in a back to back setting. I was glad to try what was there - I'll give some impressions of what I liked later.

Jim Scott

Posaunus · Post by **Posaunus** » Tue Jul 29, 2025 7:20 pm

Doug Elliott wrote: Tue Jul 29, 2025 3:01 pm I'm not sure how old Lindberg is but he still has serious chops and energy. Although I think he was pushing his limits.

Christian Lindberg
Born 15 February 1958 (age 67)
Danderyd, Sweden

Post by **Doug Elliott** » Tue Jul 29, 2025 9:05 pm

I thought he was a few years older than that. I guess he became a "big name" when he was quite young.