Trombonist Dr. Martin McCain, A Founding Member of 'Minor 4th Trombone Quartet,' Plays Chamber Music, Opera and Jazz

                   

Dr. Martin McCain, Member of Minor 4th Trombone Quartet

Martin McCain's career as a musician spans an impressive scope of genres. A third-generation musician, he maintains a versatile performance schedule. As a soloist, Dr. McCain has appeared with several ensembles and performs recitals throughout North America. He has been been broadcast on Austin's 89.5 KMFA and Arizona's 90.5 KUAT classical radio stations. McCain is a founding member of the highly acclaimed, award-winning jazz trombone ensemble, JazzBonez, who has been featured at several major conferences including the International Trombone Festival and the Eastern Trombone Workshop. 

As a chamber musician, Dr. McCain is also a founding member of the Minor 4th Trombone Quartet who has recently been endorsed by Michael Rath Trombones and has upcoming performances in Europe. 

McCain performed at the 2010 International Trombone Festival with four ensembles including the William Cramer Trombone Choir, an ensemble comprised of outstanding performers who currently hold professorships at American universities. As an orchestral musician, McCain performs with the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra and has also performed with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin Lyric Opera, Victoria Symphony Orchestra and San Antonio Opera. As a jazz musician, he has performed with the Vendetta Big Band, Monster Big Band, Contemporary Works Jazz Orchestra and other commercial jazz bands.

An active member of the International Trombone Association, Dr. McCain serves as the events coordinator for the ITA website. He also writes CD reviews for the "Audio Visual" column of the quarterly ITA Journal. A promoter of music education in the public schools, McCain has taught in the Austin, Round Rock, and Eanes Independant School districts and is in demand as a clinician. Dr. McCain was selected to choose the All-State bass trombone repertoire for the state of Texas and presented a performance clinic at the Texas Bandmaster's Association Convention in San Antonio. As a scholar, McCain recently published several articles for the New Grove Dictionary of American Musicians.

In 2010, Dr. McCain joined the faculty of Texas State University, where he maintains an active performing trombone studio. McCain and his students have been invited to perform at the Big 12 Trombone Conference on numerous occasions. McCain has also served as an adjudicator for te Yamaha Xeno Tenor Trombone Solo Competition, the Edwards Bass Trombone Solo Competition, Fort Worth Trombone Summit Quartet Competition and the Texas All-State Jazz Ensemble. Dr. McCain holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin (DMA and MM) and the University of Southern Mississippi (BM). His primary teachers are Nathaniel Brickens, Marta Hofacre, and Greg Luscombe. He has also received instruction from Charles Villarubia, Stefan Sanders, Doug Yeo, Randy Hawes, and Charles Vernon.

McCain was a prizewinner at the International Trombone Festival and Eastern Trombone Workshop as a soloist and ensemble musician. Dr. McCain can be heard on a Naxos recording with the University of Texas at Austin Wind Ensemble Circus Maximus, the JazzBonez album Watch It! and the Willie Nelson move, Fighting with Anger. 

www.martinmccain.com


Comment by email:

Dear Bill, I am thrilled to receive this post.  Martin McCain is the grandson of Maestro Charles G. Kendrick (Chicago Chapter AGO), organist/music director at St. Mark United Methodist church, Chicago, IL.  Musically yours, Barbara

[Barbara Wright-Pryor]