Iowa Trombones

Graduate Students

Benjamin Hahn – MMA

A graduate of Western Michigan University (WMU) with degrees in Trombone Performance and Electrical Engineering, Ben Hahn is in his second year of his Master’s degree and serves as the studio teaching assistant.  While at WMU, Ben performed in the school’s Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, Jazz Lab Band, Trombone Choir, and other various smaller ensembles.  In his senior year at WMU, Ben was also a winner of the 2020 Concerto Competition although the performance had to be cancelled due to Covid complications.  Outside of WMU’s School of Music, Ben was also recognized multiple times in the prestigious Larry Wiehe Tenor Trombone Competition held by the International Trombone Association.  Ben was named first alternate (4th place) in both 2018 and 2020 and was named second alternate (5th place) in 2019.  In his first year at the University of Iowa, Ben was named a finalist for the competition and competed in Columbus, GA.  Outside of school, Ben has played in multiple ensembles including the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra, the Durward Ensemble, and the Kalamazoo Civic Pit Orchestra.  He has performed at Western Michigan’s Summer Music Camp as a soloist and attended the DC Trombone Workshop in 2021.  Beyond music, Ben’s passions include hiking, playing disc golf, and playing Magic the Gathering.

Kara Metzger – DMA Conducting

Originally from Waukesha, WI, Kara Metzger is in her first year of her DMA in Wind Conducting.  Kara earned a bachelor’s in music education and a certificate in adaptive music from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and has recently earned a master’s degree in music education from the University of Minnesota Duluth. While at UMD, she was a teaching assistant within the band department, conducted the concert band, and assisted with the athletic bands. Since 2016, Kara has been Brass and Visual Caption Head for the Colt Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. She has also served as a Baritone Technician at the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps since 2020. Prior to pursuing her master’s degree, Kara was the director of bands at Whitman Middle School and associate director of bands at West High School in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin where she was responsible for middle school concert bands, jazz ensembles, and assisted with all high school ensembles. She has held additional staff and drill writing positions for the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps as well as various high schools throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. Kara is also an active low brass player and enjoys performing in many ensembles on tenor/bass trombone, euphonium, and tuba. She is excited to be a part of the University of Iowa’s band program beginning in 2021!

Undergraduate Students

Amy Kenneson – Senior

Amy Kenneson is a senior at The University of Iowa double majoring in Trombone Performance and Music Education. As a child, she lived along the West Coast, East Coast, and Midwest. She began playing trombone in 6^th grade and added piano in 10^th grade. At the University of Iowa, Amy enjoys being a member of the Iowa Symphony Band, Hawkeye Marching Band, and trombone choir. She is also the current Trombone Section Leader in the Hawkeye Marching Band. After graduation, she plans on pursuing a master’s degree in trombone performance and becoming a professional orchestral musician. In her free time she enjoys hiking, working out, creating art, and hanging out with her friends.

Lydia Rose – Senior

Lydia Rose is a senior at the University of Iowa majoring in Trombone Performance and Environmental Policy.  Lydia has enjoyed participating in many of the ensembles within the School of Music like the Symphony Band, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Brass Choir, Jazz Repertory Ensemble, Trombone Choir, and a trombone quartet. She has had the fantastic opportunity to attend the 2019 International Women’s Brass Conference and participate in their solo competition. She also had the honor of (virtually) attending the 2020 Southeast Trombone Symposium and the 2020 Third Coast Retreat.

 

Matthew Burrows – Senior

Hailing from Downers Grove, IL, Matthew has studied with Kevin Schoenbach, Catie Hickey, and Dr. Jonathan Allen. He is currently a senior studying Trombone Performance with a Minor in Communications.  Matthew is currently a member of the United States of America 484th Army Band, has played in the metal band “Heavy Metal Horns,” co-founded the jazz band “Basement Big Band,” and plays euphonium and didgeridoo. Outside of music, Matthew serves as the president of Men’s Water Polo Club at UIOWA, is a member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Committee, and enjoys backpacking, camping, traveling, cooking, and trying new food. After graduating, Matthew plans to continue in the army bands as an active-duty musician.

 

Courtney Kelly – Senior

Originally from Council Bluffs, IA, Courtney Kelly is a senior studying Trombone Performance and Music Education. She began playing trombone in 8th grade and throughout high school participated in ensembles such as the Omaha Area Youth Symphony and the Metropolitan Area Youth Jazz Orchestra. Courtney enjoys performing in University Ensembles, including Concert Band, trombone choir, a trombone quartet, and a brass quintet. She is also the band manager for the Hawkeye Marching Band and the University Band Department. Alongside that, Courtney is also the Vice President of the Iowa Trombone Association and participated in the 2021 International Trombone Festival. She is currently working on a double in Bass Trombone. In her free time, she enjoys playing board games and hanging out with friends.

 

Ethan Sherer – Junior

Ethan Sherer is a Junior Music Education and Trombone Performance Major at the University. Originally from Muscatine, Iowa, he performed with the Muscatine High Schools Wind Ensemble and top Jazz Band. Ethan also served as Low Brass section leader for marching band and performed many solos and in small ensembles. Ethan is currently Principal Trombone in the University’s Concert Band, a work crew member in the Hawkeye Marching Band, and performs in the university’s trombone choir, as well as a trombone quartet. Outside of his university studies, Ethan also enjoys working on Bass Trombone as a double, as well as arranging and recording small ensemble works.

 

Robby Hoag – Junior

Originally from Council Bluffs, Iowa, Robby is a Junior studying Trombone Performance and Music Education. While in High School, Robby participated in the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra. At the University of Iowa, Robby enjoys performing in the Universities Concert Band, a trombone quartet, and The Hawkeye Marching Band. In his free time, he enjoys video games and hanging out with friends.

 

Jake Greenlee – Junior

Jake Greenlee is a junior at the University of Iowa pursuing a B.M. in Trombone Performance. Jake began playing trombone in 5th grade and continued on to play at Iowa City West High School. In high school, he was a member of West High’s concert, jazz, and marching bands, directed by Rob Medd and Rich Medd. In Jake’s senior year, he was selected to the 4A Iowa All-State Jazz Band. During that year, Jake began studying under then-DMA student, Dr. Austin Seybert. This led him to continue his trombone education at the University of Iowa under Matthew Halbert and Dr. Johnathan Allen. Jake is now a member of multiple University and extracurricular ensembles, such as the illustrious Drake-based funk and soul group TyLand. In his free time, Jake enjoys playing video games, walking, and watching paint dry.

 

Ty Waters – Sophomore

Ty is a sophomore at the University of Iowa pursuing his B.B.A. in Finance and B.M. in Trombone Performance. Ty enjoys participating in University Ensembles and playing piano in a Drake-based funk and soul band called TyLand. This past summer, Ty was a member of the Bluecoats where he learned every Beatles song while touring the United States. Outside of music, Ty enjoys golf cart rides on the beach and aspires to be an astronaut.

Kolbe Schnoebelen – Sophomore

Kolbe Schnoebelen is a sophomore from Iowa City majoring in business and trombone performance. In high school, Kolbe was a 3-time member of the Iowa All-State bands and a 3-time member of the 4A Iowa All State jazz bands. Beyond these recognitions, Kolbe was also selected as a member of the 2020 Honor Band of America and the 2020 Jazz Band of America. As a member of the Corridor Jazz Quintet, Kolbe have played at events in and around the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area. In his free time, Kolbe enjoys playing sports and hanging out with friends.

 

Ryan Carter – Sophomore

Ryan Carter is a sophomore at the University of Iowa pursuing degrees in Music Education and Trombone Performance.  Ryan started playing the trombone in 5th grade and has continued through his senior year at Iowa City High School.  He participated in concert bands, jazz bands, and show choir combo throughout high school.  In 2018, Ryan participated in the International Trombone Festival.  In 2019 Ryan attended the Brevard Summer Music Institute, studying under Professor David Jackson and Professor Dan Satterwhite.  Following his experience at Brevard, Ryan began to teach low-brass private lessons. While in high school, Ryan took lesson from Dr. Matthew Halbert.  Ryan currently studies with Dr. Jonathan Allen and Benjamin Hahn.  Some of his hobbies are running, lifting, and playing frisbee golf or ultimate frisbee.

 

Ben Copeland – Freshman

Ben Copeland is a freshman originally from New Glarus, Wisconsin. He is studying trombone performance and statistics. During high school, Ben was selected for the WSMA State Honors (all-state) Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble, where he was the lead player and a featured soloist. Furthermore, Ben performed with our concert band, jazz band, brass choir, pep band, musical, and pit orchestra. Ben also has attended 3 International Trombone Festivals including the one at the University of Iowa! In his spare time, he loves traveling, playing and watching sports, and biking.

 

Brady McSperrin – Freshman

Brady is a first-year student at the University of Iowa from Dubuque, Iowa. While the trombone is his most recent undertaking, his passion for music dates back to fourth grade when he learned how to play the piano. Since then, Brady has found a home in the performing arts, participating in school bands, choirs, and local theatre productions. At Iowa, he hopes to continue his path as a musician by majoring in Music Composition. When not playing the trombone, he can be found studying history, playing videogames, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. 

 

Larissa Myers – Freshman

Larissa Myers is a freshman originally from Lincoln, Nebraska. She is studying violin performance and music education. During high school, Larissa was selected for the many honor orchestras and honor bands, including 4 years in All-State on violin. At Iowa, Larissa is involved in the Concert Band, Marching Band, and Trombone Choir. She is also a co-director of the Basement Big Band club. In her spare time, she loves traveling, reading, cuddling with cats, and hanging out with her marching band friends.