Behind the Bell is the official podcast of the International Trombone Festival, hosted by ITF President Carol Jarvis.
In this inspiring series, we step away from the stage and go beyond the music to explore the personal stories, passions, and journeys of the world’s leading trombonists. No performances—just honest, engaging conversations that reveal the human side of the instrument. Each episode offers listeners a rare glimpse behind the bell to discover what drives the artists shaping the global trombone community today. Professionally filmed and recorded during the ITF, episodes are available on all major podcast platforms and can also be viewed on the ITF YouTube channel.
https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/ (https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
In this episode, funk legend Fred Wesley shares stories from his days with James Brown, Tina Turner, and Parliament-Funkadelic — including the infamous “Turner Tax.” He talks about what makes funk truly funky and how he crafted some of the most iconic horn lines in music history.
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For more information about the International Trombone Festival: https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/ (https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
7 Jan 2026
10 Polina Tarasenko
In this episode, Polina Tarasenko shares her journey from Dixieland drummer to international trombone soloist. She talks about growing up in Ukraine, offers tips for winning international competitions, and reflects on the determination and artistry that have shaped her career.
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For more information about the International Trombone Festival: https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/ (https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
23 Dec 2025
09 Yu Tamaki
In this episode, Yu Tamaki talks about building an international career, embracing versatility as a performer, and the mindset needed to thrive in both classical and commercial music worlds. An inspiring conversation with a dynamic and forward-thinking artist.
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For more information about the International Trombone Festival: https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/ (https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
10 Dec 2025
08 Kenneth Thompkins
In this episode, Kenneth Thompkins, reflects on his early jazz influences, the importance of staying open to new ideas, and his experience as one of the few African American principal brass players in a major symphony orchestra.
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For more information about the International Trombone Festival: https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/ (https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
26 Nov 2025
07 Christopher Bill
In this episode, Christopher Bill shares how he built a career on YouTube and offers practical advice for musicians navigating the digital space. He also discusses how educators can use platforms like YouTube to inspire and engage the next generation of musicians.
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For more information about the International Trombone Festival: https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/ (https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
12 Nov 2025
06 Vanessa Fralick
In this episode, Vanessa Fralick, associate principal trombonist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, talks about finding balance between orchestra life, family, and staying creatively fulfilled. She shares her thoughts on confidence, vulnerability, and what it means to show up authentically as a musician.
A grounded and insightful conversation with a thoughtful and inspiring voice in today’s trombone world.
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For more information about the International Trombone Festival: https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/ (https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
29 Oct 2025
05 Alain Trudel
In this fun and wide-ranging episode, Alain Trudel shares how he got his start on valve trombone and how that early experience shaped his musical voice. We talk about his dynamic career shifting between roles as soloist, conductor, and composer, and the mindset it takes to balance it all.
An energising conversation with one of the most versatile musicians in the brass world.
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For more information about the International Trombone Festival: https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/ (https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
14 Oct 2025
04 Robyn Smith
In this episode, Robyn Smith, principal trombonist of the Chicago Sinfonietta, talks about representation in classical music, how winning an ITA competition shaped her career, and the different levels of listening. A thoughtful and inspiring conversation with a rising voice in the brass world.
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For more information about the International Trombone Festival: https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/ (https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
30 Sept 2025
03 Jimmy Bosch
In this high-energy episode, salsa legend Jimmy Bosch talks about the space and energy in his solos, how his signature riffs come together, and the power of music to unite us. A conversation full of rhythm, love, and connection.
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For more information about the International Trombone Festival: https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/ (https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
16 Sept 2025
02 Megumi Kanda
In this episode, Megumi Kanda, principal trombonist of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, speaks with honesty, warmth, and deep insight about her journey in music.
She reflects on going from being, in her words, the worst student at her conservatory to becoming a leading figure in the orchestral world. We talk about injury and recovery, the mental and physical demands of the profession, and the power of perseverance. Megumi also shares a beautiful perspective on imperfection, and what musicians can learn from the art of Persian rugs.
A thoughtful and inspiring conversation with one of the most respected voices in the trombone community.
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For more information about the International Trombone Festival: https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/ (https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
2 Sept 2025
01 Christian Lindberg
In this episode, Christian Lindberg shares stories from his extraordinary career - from building his own concert hall to redefining what’s possible for trombonists in the classical world. He reflects on decades of experience as a soloist, conductor, and composer, offering practical wisdom and candid insights along the way.
We also hear the entertaining story behind his infamous album covers, once ranked among the worst in the world, and why he embraces them fully.
A wide-ranging and inspiring conversation with one of the most influential brass musicians of our time.
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For more information about the International Trombone Festival: https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/ (https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
5 Aug 2025
Behind the Bell (Trailer)
This isn’t about performances, it’s about the people behind the instrument. Each episode pulls back the curtain to reveal the untold stories, struggles, passions, and triumphs of the world’s leading trombonists.
Filmed and recorded live at the ITF, these are real, inspiring conversations that go beyond the music and into the heart of the global trombone community.
If you love music, stories, or just hearing what drives great artists, you’re in the right place.
Hit follow now, so you never miss an episode.
Available on all major podcast platforms and on the ITF YouTube channel.
internationaltrombonefestival.com (https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/)
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For more information about the International Trombone Festival: https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/ (https://www.internationaltrombonefestival.com/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
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