Brass Success: Kyle Mullins Wins Yamaha Xeno Trombone

YSL-882OR Trombone

BUENA PARK, Calif.—Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, is pleased to announce that Kyle Mullins, a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate at the University of North Texas (UNT), recently won the YSL-882OR Trombone as part of the Lewis Van Haney Trombone Competition at the International Trombone Conference, where he was the first prize winner.

In June 2009, Mullins was invited to perform in the finals of the International Trombone Association's Frank Smith Solo competition and the Lewis Van Haney Tenor Trombone Philharmonic Prize. He was victorious in both. He holds the Master's of Music degree from UNT and the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Abilene Christian University (ACU), where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in December 2007. While at ACU, Mullins won the concerto competition and played the Tomasi Concerto with the Abilene Collegiate Orchestra. Additionally, in February of 2007, he was selected to perform the T-Bone Concerto, by Johan de Meij with the ACU Wind Ensemble. He currently studies with Tony Baker.

As sponsor of the Trombone Competition, Yamaha gave Kyle the choice of any Xeno Tenor Trombone. He chose the YSL-882OR, which was developed with Larry Zalkind, Principal Trombone of the Utah Symphony Orchestra.

Kyle Mullins, right, along with Don Lucas, ITA President.

"The double win this summer was very exciting," said Mullins. "I am new to the Yamaha family, but I am looking forward to playing on the Xeno trombone and discovering what it is all about!"

Mullins also plays second trombone position with the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra. At North Texas, in addition to being a Teaching Fellow, he plays principal in the Wind Symphony, as well as being trombonist of the CMI TF Brass Quintet. Mullins also plays in the Graduate Trombone Quartet and is a member of the Trombone Choir. As a Teaching Fellow, he does studio teaching, trombone choir conducting and quartet coaching. As a freelance musician in the Dallas/Ft. Worth and Abilene areas, Mullins has performed several musicals and other productions. He also teaches several low brass students in the Allen area. In his spare time, Mullins enjoys being with family and friends, learning jazz, and listening to new types of music.

For more information on Yamaha, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, Wind Instruments, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/band.