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Trombone Professor Performs, Conducts, and Inspires at the 2025 International Trombone Festival

Dr. Cole Bartels, Assistant Professor of Trombone at Central Michigan University School of Music, brought a dynamic and multifaceted presence to the 2025 International Trombone Festival hosted at Western University in London, ON.

| Author: Necalli Calavera, Director of Music Events | Media Contact: School of Music Administration Office

This event attracted more than 500 trombonists and composers from across the globe. Throughout the week of July 16–19, 2025, Bartels showcased his versatility as a conductor, performer, educator, and adjudicator on a prestigious international platform.

a group of ten people dressed in concert black stand in an arc behind music stands and play trombones on a stage with purple curtains in the background
The Central Michigan University Trombone Choir performance at the 2025 International Trombone Festival
a group of people sitting in chairs smiling at the camera with music stands in front of them
From back to front: Dr. James Albrecht from the University of Nevada, Reno, Vanessa Fralick of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, & Dr. Bartels judging the Van Haney Competition finals.

Bartels conducted the CMU Trombone Choir in a concert entitled “Music of the Mitten” that featured works by Michigan-based composers, highlighting the ensemble’s artistry and commitment to contemporary repertoire. The program highlighted works from CMU faculty member Dr. Jay C. Batzner, along with alumni David Biedenbender and Chris Evan Hass. Additionally, he took the stage to conduct one of the festival’s Participant Trombone Choirs—a large assembly of students and amateur musicians hailing from the United States, Canada, and Europe—fostering a cohesive musical experience that embodied the festival’s spirit of collaboration.

Dr. Cole Bartels playing trombone with mutes and a laptop next to him
Dr. Cole Bartels performing his solo on the Performing Arts Series.

As a performer, Bartels showcased his talent with his group, the Beltline Bones, as one of the distinguished Presenters at the Festival dedicated to electroacoustic compositions for trombone quartet. He delivered an engaging solo rendition of Brian Mark's "You may say I'm a Dreamer..." for trombone, fixed media, and digital delay during the Performing Artist Series, further establishing his standing as an emerging force within the trombone community. He was also invited to perform as a part of the Cramer Choir – an all-professors trombone choir that features outstanding artist teachers from around the world. Beyond his performances, he also contributed as a judge in the final round of the esteemed Lewis Van Haney Philharmonic Prize Tenor Trombone Competition.

a group of men holding trombones while standing in front of a banner titled International Trombone Festival
Dr. Cole Bartels’ collaborative ensemble, the Beltline Bones.

 

Moreover, Bartels lead a group warm-up session, imparting valuable insights and technical knowledge to participants. His extensive involvement at this year’s International Trombone Festival showcased not only his prowess and dedication as a performer but also his passion for nurturing the upcoming generation of brass musicians.

a group of men standing together smiling in concert black
From left to right: Dr. Will Porter from Ithaca College, Dr. Cole Bartels, & Dr. Chris van Hof from Ball State University. All three are graduates from University of Wisconsin where they received their DMA degrees studying with Mark Hetzler.
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