Winners from Friday's competitions:

Larry Wiehe Trombone Competition
First Prize - Schmelzer .500 trombone donated by Manfred Schmelzer
Winner - Jason Cash, Oklahoma State University

Robert Marsteller Trombone Competition
First Prize - Courtois tenor trombone donated by Buffet-Crampon
Winner - Keith Dyrda, McGill University, Montreal

ITA Alto Trombone Competition
First Prize - Handmade alto Sacbut by Daniel Fraize, donated by Daniel Fraize
Winner - Marton Kuna, Budapst, Hungary

Gilberto Gagliardi Trombone Competition
First Prize - P. Weingrill Open Wrap Tenor Trombone donated by Weril Musical Instruments
Winner - Christian Larsen, Aarhus, Denmark

George Roberts Bass Trombone Competition
First Prize - B & S tenor trombone, Donated by B & S trombones
Winner - Zachary James, University of Southern Mississippi

Carl Fontana Jazz Trombone Competition
First Prize - Edwards Jazz Trombone donated by Edwards Musical Instruments
Winner - Eric Bowman, Western Michigan

JJ Johnson Jazz Trombone Competition
First Prize - Rath Jazz Trombone, donated by Michael Rath Trombones, Inc.
Winner - Robbie Harvey, Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Hi everyone!

Here is a quick list of the ITA Competition Winners from Thursday's competitions

Frank Smith Trombone Competition
First Prize - Shires Tenor Trombone donated by S.E. Shires, Inc.
Winner - Kyle Mullins, University of North Texas

Donald Yaxley Bass Trombone Competition
First Prize - Eastman by Shires Tenor Trombone donated by Eastman Musical Instruments
Winner - Nozomi Kasano Flatt, New England Conservatory of Music

Lewis Van Haney Philharmonic Prize Tenor Trombone Competition
First Prize - Yamaha Xeno Tenor Trombone donated by Yamaha Corporation of America
Winner - Kyle Mullins, University of North Texas

Edward Kleinhammer Orchestral Bass Trombone Competition
First Prize - Getzen Tenor Trombone donated by The Getzen Company
Winner - Christian Poitinger, Vienna, Austria

ITA Trombone Quartet Competition
First Prize - $1,000 donated by ITA
Winner - Maniacal 4, University of North Texas

Godmorgen, folks!

This is Heather Ainsworth, a bassoonist hiding away in the ITF office. The festival is in full swing now- I can hear trombones from every corner of the building. The office is kept busy with workers and artists coming in with questions, but everything seems pretty smooth on the ground. It's a great spot to be as many international people come in- folks from Sweden, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Austria, Italy, Denmark, the UK, several states in the US... it's a fascianting learning experience.

There are many big-name trombonists here, but I've been very impressed with the student players I've heard in masterclasses and trombone choirs. There's a very communal feeling- it's not odd to see members of the Concertgebouw chatting with student workers.

The exhibit halls look great- Jon Bohls and the exhibitors did a wonderful job setting up. I've even snuck in a few times looking for duets to use with my bassoon students!

The competitions continue- you can tell who's competing by the subsequent looks of anticipation, dread, elation, and relief on the faces of the well-dressed players standing in the halls.

There are several interesting clinics and concerts today, by artisits including Chris Houlding, Christian Lindberg, and Stefan Schulz. I'm particularly looking foward to the Late-Nite Jazz concert tonight! In the meanwhile, I might tour a bit more Aarhus- this a great town to host a festival. Lots of old school European charm with (more importantly) lots of pubs and restruants a short walk from the Academy. I'm off to find some Danish food- check back soon for my updates!

Day 1 is underway!

Everything is very exciting. We have exhibits going, as well as concerts and competitions. Everything is very exciting and the building is buzzing with trombone playing energy!

We have some fantatic concerts on tap still for tonight. The Hannover Trombone Ensemble, a concert with the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra, and late night jazz are still to happen! If you're in the area and want to listen, make your way down to the Academy in Aarhus!

Hi Everybody! This is LP, one of the danish staff guys. We have been preparing rooms all morning and now the rooms are ready to be filled with all the trombone exhibitions, turning my school into a trombone heaven, a dream I have had for years.

My job these days is basically just to do whatever people tell me and make live easier for the ITF Staff and the artists that are allready here. So it is quite a busy time for me. So maybe you will hear from me later on, but now i have to go!

This is Chris Dobbins checking in again.

Day 2 of the Junior ITF is about to get started. Day 1 was a great succes, with each of the students having the opportunity to work with wonderful artist faculty and all had a great time

Final preparations are also being made for the main festival to start tomorrow morning! All of the exhibitors are moving into the building this afternoon, and we are busily stuffing information packets and name badges for each of our participants

Have to go for now, but we hope to see as many of you as we can over the coming days!

Hi Everyone! My name is Chris Dobbins, Associate Director of the International Trombone Festival, and it is my honor to say welcome to ITF 2009!

Throughout each of the coming days we will be updating our blog often, so please check back to hear about what is going on here in Aarhus and see some pictures as well!

Today marks the first day of the first annual Junior ITF. We have many participants here from all around the world working with a fantastic artist faculty. Later today you'll hear from one of these outstanding trombonists. So far, everything is a big success!

As I mentioned this blog will be updated very often, so continue to check back. Whether you are in Aarhus already, traveling here as I type, or following from a different corner of the world, wecome to ITF 2009!