Dr. Nathaniel O. Brickens: His Pedagogy, Career, and Influence on Trombone Performers and Educators

• Other Authors: Mirvil, Dunwoody (author)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Music
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/2018_Sp_Mirvil_fsu_0071E_14499

Former President of the International Trombone Association and Professor of Trombone at the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Nathaniel Brickens is a highly regarded pedagogue and performer in the trombone world. He has maintained a top-notch trombone studio while producing orchestral musicians, acclaimed soloists and aspiring college professors to help further the cause of trombone pedagogy. Dr. Brickens succeeded his former instructor, Professor Emeritus at the University of Texas at Austin and renowned pedagogue, Donald Knaub. Before Knaub’s appointment at UT, he was bass trombonist with the Rochester Philharmonic and Professor of Tuba at Eastman School of Music from 1951 to 1971. After the sudden passing of renowned pedagogue, Emory Remington, he assumed the Professor of Trombone position at the university until the spring of 1977. Knaub started the University of Texas Trombone Choir in the fall of 1977, which has since been recognized as one of the premier trombone studios in the United States. Since Brickens’ arrival in 2000, not only have his methods helped continue the legacy established by Knaub but also he has taken the group to greater heights. In recognition of his teaching, Brickens has received several citations including being nominated for the 2013 UT Regents Outstanding Teaching Award, the 2012 Blunk Memorial Professorship, and the UT Senate of College Councils 2009 Professor of the Year Award. He was also the recipient of the 2009 College of Fine Arts Distinguished Teaching Award, the 2006-07 Dad’s Association Centennial Teaching Fellowship and the 2005 Texas Exes Excellence in Teaching Award. His students have won competitions sponsored by the International Trombone Association, the Eastern Trombone Workshop, the Zellmer Minnesota Orchestra Trombone Competition, the Big XII Conference, the Music Teachers National Association Competition, Fort Worth Trombone Summit, just to mentions some of the more notable competitions. As a freelance trombonist, Brickens has performed with a variety of orchestras and artists including the Houston Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Opera St. Louis, the Austin Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, the Victoria Bach Festival Orchestra, Ray Charles, Lena Horne, and the Temptations. While there are articles and journals regarding Nathaniel Brickens’ impact as a pedagogue and the engine behind the success of his trombone studio, he was the primary source of information for this paper. Many details of his life and career, however, were gathered from interviews conducted by the author. His former trombone professor, Paul Adams, provided insightful information regarding Brickens’ upbringing as a high school and an undergraduate student. The interview highlights specific details on the persistence Dr. Brickens showed in his studies and how he matured into the person he is today. Additionally, Brickens’ current and former students provided recollections of their time with the professor in a student questionnaire survey. Certain aspects of their experiences with him were addressed including Brickens’ teaching philosophies, his influence on their lives, and memorable anecdotes. Appendices include select achievements from the students of Dr. Brickens, trombone education journal features, and his curriculum vitae. Also included are the discography and accomplishments of the UT Trombone Choir. The result is a synopsis of information for trombone music educators and performers regarding the life and achievements of Dr. Brickens. === A Treatise submitted to the College of Music in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Music. === Spring Semester 2018. === April 12, 2018. === Nathaniel Brickens, Pedagogy, Performance, Trombone, Trombone Choir, University of Texas === Includes bibliographical references. === John Drew, Professor Directing Treatise; Richard Clary, University Representative; Alexander Jimenez, Committee Member; Leon Anderson, Committee Member.