We are very pleased to learn of your interest in our music program here at James Madison University.  I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some information about me, the trombone studio, and the JMU School of Music.  My name is Dr. Andrew Lankford, and I currently am in my sixteenth year as the Professor of Trombone at James Madison University.  I am the principal trombone with the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra, trombonist with the Madison Brass Quintet, principal trombone with the Massanutten Brass Band, and a member of Mr. Jefferson’s Bones.  In addition to my activities as a performer and teacher, I serve as the primary freshman advisor for all incoming instrumental music students.

James Madison University is one of the outstanding institutions in the country, as rated by Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Money, and Changing Times.  JMU has a large, comprehensive School of Music that offers quality degree programs in Music Education, Music Industry, Performance, Jazz Studies, and Composition.  Degree programs in music are offered at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels.  Performance is an integral part of all music degree programs at JMU, and to that end we offer a large number of first-rate ensemble experiences, including the award-winning Brass Band, Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Opera/Theater Orchestra, two jazz big bands, several jazz combos, Symphonic Band, chamber brass ensembles, Collegium Musicum, the Marching Royal Dukes, and more.

The trombone studio is one of the most active studios in the School of Music, with a genuine commitment to excellence in music.  Students participate in a wide variety of activities including clinics, master classes, guest artist residencies, and performances by the JMU Trombone Choir, which has been featured at the American Trombone Workshop and International Trombone Festival.  Our annual Tromblow’in event is a day-long festival featuring numerous guest artists, workshops, clinics, and performances.  Members of the studio have been finalists and winners in regional, national, and international competitions.  JMU trombone students also have gone on to prestigious graduate programs, performance careers with symphony orchestras and military bands, college teaching positions, and careers as public school music educators.

JMU also has one of the finest music facilities in the country. The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts features “state of the art” performance venues, rehearsal spaces, faculty studios, and practice facilities. In addition, the Music Building contains a professional recording studio, more practice rooms, and a music library with the latest in computer, MIDI, and audio/video technology.

The process of selecting a college and a major can be quite challenging.  I believe James Madison University can meet your academic and musical needs, and I hope you give us your serious consideration.  If you would like to visit our campus, I would be delighted to meet with you and offer you a free lesson.  The 2016-2017 audition dates are November 7^th, January 28^th, February 11^th and February 20^th.  Should you have any questions about our fine program, please feel free to contact me.  I look forward to seeing you at your audition!

Sincerely,

Dr. Andrew Lankford
E-mail: lankfoab@jmu.edu
Professor of Trombone  
(540) 568-6650                                 

Visit the trombone studio web site:  http://www.jmutrombone.org
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