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Life in the Cardinal Trombone Club

All members of the Cardinal Trombone Club engage in weekly lessons with Dr. Van Hof and participate in at least one large ensemble (though many students are in multiple!) All students have weekly individual lessons and meet once a week as a full studio, where they rehearse trombone choir, attend masterclasses, and engage in peer teachings, all under direction of Dr. Van Hof.

Dr. Chris Van Hof

Performing with a Purpose

Although becoming as great of a trombone player, ensemble member, and musician as possible is very important for us here, a large part of the educational philosophy Dr. Van Hof adopts is aligned to suite each student's individual goals. Many opportunities such as the opportunity to lead the trombone choir, peer to peer lessons, and professional performance opportunities are all provided and a large part of what the student's are prepared for.

​Chris' work at Ball State includes teaching undergraduate and graduate students in applied trombone lessons, conducting the Cardinal Trombone Choir, coaching chamber music, and currently serving as the Chair of the Ball State Faculty Council. He has taught at Ball State since 2017, previously having taught at Colorado State University, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and Nazareth College. He has been a guest presenter, teacher, and performer for events including the 2018, 2019, and 2021 International Trombone Festivals, the 2018 American Trombone Workshop, the 2017 and 2021 Panamanian Trombone Workshop, El Sistema’s 2nd Trombone Festival in 2020 (Venezuela), Rekkenze Brass Week in Bavaria, Germany in 2019, and Urubrass in 2020 (Uruguay). He teaches in both English and Spanish.

 Cardinal Trombone Club Execs

Stu MacKenzie
President

Solomon Dixon
Vice President

Solomon is a Sophomore Music Education Major from Bloomington Indiana. He is an active member of both the concert and jazz programs at BSU, and is a member of the Pride of Mid America Marching Band. 

Trent Brumback
Treasurer

Trent Brumback is a Sophomore Music Education Major. He is from South Decatur Jr/Sr High School in Greesnburg Indiana. He is a member of the University Singers band, Ball State Wind Symphony, and Cardinal Chorus. After he graduates, he hopes to be a middle school or high school band director and is considering returning to school for graduate studies.

Jacob Hickle
​​Secretary