Renee The Trombonist
Renee's Teaching Philosophy
While studying and practicing I’ve come to the conclusion that the most important part of lessons is learning how to practice and self critique. Lessons are therefore structured around teaching the student tools for self evaluation and progression. This is different stylistically for each student, some may prefer to “gameify” their practice in one way or another while others will prefer strong records of progress made.
I believe that lessons should focus on the student’s playing and progress rather than being amazed by what their teacher is capable of playing.
I do not believe that there is one correct way to practice, but rather that the best practice is the one that happens consistently. I strive to instill in my students a love for playing trombone and making music that will encourage whatever goals they have.
Renee's Qualifications
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Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI.
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Fell in love with the trombone “at first blow” in 2000
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Has self-motivated into consistent practice since college graduation
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Loves trombone!
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Experience in Concert/Wind Band, Orchestra, Jazz, and learning music by ear
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Bass trombone and Tenor trombone
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About Renee
Renee is a born-and-raised Fort Collins-ian. She fell in love with the trombone at a “meet the instrument” night at Lesher Middle School in 2000 and has been playing ever since. She played in every available group during her time at Poudre High School (including pep band, orchestra, concert band, pit orchestra, jazz band, Dixieland ensemble, and small ensembles). Renee also fell in love with baking during high school by baking cookies for marching band and pep band games - unbeknownst to her at the time, this would lead to her self-employment as Renee the Baker. After visiting Lawrence University and meeting Nick Keelan, Renee decided to begin her college journey in the conservatory of music there as a performance and teaching double major.
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After her sophomore year Renee decided she wanted to return to Colorado sooner than the 5 years it would take to double major and if she was going to teach she would prefer to do ​​
so in Colorado (ideally Fort Collins) and so she dropped the teaching part of her double major. Returning to Fort Collins after graduation Renee found a happy place for herself working in restaurant kitchens. A few years later she had the opportunity to live in New Zealand for a year - where she was able to play briefly with a British Style Brass Band! Leaving New Zealand was difficult but Renee loves Fort Collins a whole lot and was happy to return home.
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In the intervening years she has played with local community bands, church groups, and very briefly a funk band. Rehearsal schedules have been difficult to work around a restaurant schedule and so Renee has mostly spent time practicing for her own enjoyment. After years of consideration she is excited to share her love of the instrument through teaching others.
Renee finds great enjoyment in: baking, hiking/snowboarding, playing board games and tabletop role playing games (like Dungeons and Dragons), reading, petting her cats, and, of course, playing trombone.
Renee’s Trombone Inspirations include:
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George Roberts (Mr. Bass Trombone) - http://trombone-usa.com/roberts_george.htm
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Arthur Pryor - https://www.windrep.org/Arthur_Pryor
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Ben van Dijk - https://www.trombone.net/ben-van-dijk/
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Bones Apart - https://www.bonesapart.com
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