CSU Trombone Performance Major, Hannah Steward
Hannah Steward, a Colorado State University second-year trombone performance major, was recently selected as one of three finalists in the prestigious International Trombone Association Solo Competition. This is the second honor in the last year for Steward, who was previously accepted to the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute last April.
The International Trombone Association (ITA) describes itself as the largest association of trombonists with 4,000 members from 74 countries. Formed in 1972, the ITA's mission is to promote the trombone and all trombone-related activities worldwide.
“The International Trombone Festival is a huge event, and I am so excited that I get to perform for an audience that consists of so many people from all over the world,” said Steward, who is a student of Dr. Drew Leslie, associate professor of trombone at Colorado State University.
The finalists in the ITA Larry Wiehe Tenor Trombone Competition were chosen by a panel of international judges and will give their final performance at the International Trombone Festival.
According to the competition rules, the trombone competition “serves to preserve a unique tradition of trombone playing from the United States around the turn of the 20th century. This tradition was made famous by Arthur Pryor, and it has been carried on by later trombonists, such as Larry Wiehe.” Competitors are encouraged to research historical recordings by great masters such as Arthur Pryor, Larry Wiehe, Robert Isele, and Jim Erdman.
“Dr. Leslie helped a lot with determining the style of the composer and how to make the piece as musical as possible,” Steward said.
For the first round, Steward prepared the chosen solo, La Petite Suzanne by Arthur Pryor, which was recorded with CSU Collaborative Pianist Dr. Juhyun Lee.
“Putting Arthur Pryor together with piano is tricky because of how much push and pull there is,” said Steward. “Dr. Lee was an incredible pianist to work with, and she did a great job in following my interpretation of the piece and the style.”
Steward is busy preparing the final round piece, The Patriot by Arthur Pryor. Methodical in her practice, Steward likes to chunk the music when practicing so she’s not overwhelmed with the entire piece.
“I am super proud of Hannah and excited for her selection as one of three finalists in this prestigious competition,” said Dr. Leslie. “I am very excited to hear her perform in the live final round this summer in Ontario!”
The final competition will be held at Western University, in London, Ontario, Canada, July 16-25, 2025, during the International Trombone Festival (ITF).
Please join CSU’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance and Dr. Leslie in congratulating Hannah Steward on her finalist honor and wishing her luck in Ontario this summer!