Zellmer-Minnesota Orchestra Trombone Competition

The Minnesota Orchestra is proud to sponsor a trombone competition in honor of its long-time Principal Trombonist Steven Zellmer. Mr. Zellmer, who died in 1996, bequeathed a sum of money to the orchestra with instructions that it be used to fund a biennial competition for young, aspiring musicians interested in careers as orchestral trombone players. Having performed with orchestras for over 40 years, Mr. Zellmer wished to pass on his love of his instrument and his love of his profession in a manner that would continue to benefit both musicians and their audiences.

The Minnesota Orchestra has, therefore, designed a two-round competition for young tenor and bass trombonists seeking a professional symphony orchestra career. A Grand Prize of $5,000 will be given to the winner to assist in the pursuit of additional study. Additional prizes include a Second Prize of $2,500, a Third Prize of $1,500 and Finalist Awards of $500 to each of the other participating Finalists. This site contains all of the necessary information about this competition. While you're here, please visit our Archives section. There, you will find information about all of our past competitions, from who won to what they had to play! Also, find some tips on tape making from the article, The Judge's Perspective , that appeared on our web site originally after the 2000 competition and subsequently in the summer 2000 issue of the ITA Journal.