Trombone Faculty – Missouri State University
Professor Emeritus – Western Michigan University

About

Dr. Steve Wolfinbarger is an accomplished trombone educator and performer currently teaching at Missouri State University, where he shares trombone faculty duties with Professor Jason Hausback. He is also Professor Emeritus of Music at Western Michigan University.

Dr. Wolfinbarger earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Evangel University (Springfield, MO) and both Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in trombone performance from the University of North Texas.

Student Achievements Summary

Dr. Wolfinbarger’s students have achieved significant national and international recognition, including:

  • 27 finalists in International Trombone Association (ITA) solo competitions, including 9 first-place winners.

    • An additional 19 honorable mentions/alternates

    13 semifinalist/finalist placements and numerous winners at the American Trombone Workshop’s National Solo Competition

  • Winners and honorable mentions in the Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition

  • Finalists in the Minnesota Orchestra’s Steve Zellmer Orchestral Excerpt Competition

  • Selected as Associate Trombonist of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago

  • Admitted to elite programs including:

    • The Juilliard School

    • Yale University

    • Eastman School of Music

    • Cleveland Institute of Music

    • New England Conservatory

    • Northwestern University

Former students now teach at over 25 universities nationwide and perform professionally around the world.

Awards & Recognition Highlights

  • 2020 – Featured in international podcast by Third Coast Trombone Retreat

  • 2019 – Inaugural recipient of the International Trombone Association’s Kenneth Hanlon Award

  • 2013 – Michigan Professor of the Year (Carnegie Foundation / CASE)

  • 2010 – Distinguished Teaching Award, Western Michigan University

  • 2014 – College of Fine Arts Distinguished Professor, WMU

  • 2009 – ITA Award: highest international recognition from the International Trombone Association

  • Finalist: ITA Neill Humfeld Award for Teaching Excellence

  • Outstanding Young Alumnus, Evangel University

Leadership & Service

Dr. Wolfinbarger has played a major leadership role in the global trombone community:

  • President, International Trombone Association (1994–1996)

  • Treasurer, International Trombone Festival Board (current)

  • Director & Chair, ITF Site Selection Committee (1992–2001)

  • Host, 1990 International Trombone Workshop at WMU

  • Chair, ITA Governance Committee (17 years)

  • Contributor, ITA Journal

  • Co-author, national trombone pedagogy manual for public schools

Clinician & Performer

Dr. Wolfinbarger has appeared as a guest soloist, clinician, and educator at:

  • Leading conservatories and festivals in The Netherlands, Finland, and Mexico

  • U.S. institutions including the Chautauqua Institution, Eastman School of Music, and over 30 universities

  • As a member of the Western Brass Quintet, he has performed in Canada, Germany, Russia, China, and throughout the United States.

A man in a tuxedo conducting an orchestra with a baton.