Trombone and Board Member:
Dr. Ron Babcock
Before moving to Portland, Ron Babcock was an active performer and teacher in northern Texas and Louisiana. He performed with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra and organized as well as performed with the Mid-South Trombone Ensemble and the Shreveport Sackbut Consort. As a specialist in the performance of early trombone literature, Mr. Babcock has played alto sackbut under the direction of well-known conductors such as Christopher Hogwood, Ton Koopman and Jan Kleinbussink.
As an active member of the International Trombone Association, Dr. Babcock has written reviews and a cover article for the ITA Journal. He has also performed and given presentations at several of the International Trombone Festivals.
Dr. Babcock has served as Professor of Trombone and Music Education at Portland State University’s School of Music for over twenty-five years. His position at the university includes administrative as well as academic duties. As an administrator, Dr. Babcock serves as Assistant Director of the School of Music and Graduate Coordinator. He also serves on the University Faculty Senate Budget Committee, the Promotion and Tenure Committee, and the Music First Committee, charged with the organization of an annual scholarship concert.
He is an active soloist in the Portland area and has performed regularly with ensembles such as the Portland Chamber Orchestra, The Big Horn Brass, The Woody Hite Big Band, the Columbia Symphony, the Oregon Symphony Orchestra, and the Portland Baroque Orchestra. He has several publications for trombone with Kagarice Brass Editions and released his solo CD titled Trombone Treasures in 2013.
Ron Babcock received his Bachelor of Arts at Louisiana Tech University while studying with Roy Pickering and a Master of Music in Trombone Performance at the University of Oklahoma where he studied with Irvin L. Wagner. He earned his Doctorate in Trombone Performance from the University of North Texas in 1994 where he studied with Vern Kagarice.
Dr. Babcock brings to the Big Horn Brass Board of Directors extensive experience in grant writing and event organization. He has raised money to bring performing artists from around the world to Portland including Christian Lindberg, Abby Conant, Bill Watrous, Vern Kagarice, and Peter Ellefson.
The many groups he has organized and directed around the country include the Mid-South Trombone Ensemble, the Shreveport Sackbut Consort and the Northwest Trombone Ensemble.
Dr. Babcock’s local community service includes serving on the Portland Brass Society Board, giving workshops and clinics for middle school and high school brass students, and judging district and state solo contests.
When he is not playing or teaching trombone, Mr. Babcock spends his time training as a competitive race walker.