Behind the Bell

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.