Trombonist Lee Allen Appointed to Oberlin Faculty

Lee Allen, a visiting member of the Oberlin Conservatory faculty for the 2013-14 academic year, has been appointed to the tenure-track position of assistant professor of trombone at the conservatory.

"Lee Allen is a complete teacher,” says Michael Rosen, chair of Oberlin’s Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion Division. “He has experience in orchestra as well as studios and solo recitals. His teaching is careful and detailed, and he has demonstrated a devotion to his students both musically and personally. We are very excited to have him on the faculty."

Known for his musicianship and versatility, Allen has performed with major orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the San Diego Symphony. In his role as acting principal trombone of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, Allen has performed with the Santa Monica Symphony, Riverside Symphony, San Bernardino Symphony, Long Beach Opera, Burbank Philharmonic, and the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony. In 2008, he toured as a member of smooth jazz artist Brian Culbertson's band. Most recently, he performed with Adele at the 2013 Academy Awards in Hollywood.

Allen is a founding member of the critically acclaimed MOMUS trombone quartet. Online Trombone Journal lauded the quartet's album The Lexingport Project as "impressive" and a "splendid debut." MOMUS has toured the southeastern United States, performing recitals and presenting master classes.

"I am deeply honored to serve as trombone professor at the Oberlin Conservatory,” says Allen. “I am excited to continue working with such talented students and colleagues at one of the finest music schools in the country, and I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective to music performance and education here at Oberlin."

Allen received his doctor of musical arts and master of music degrees in trombone performance from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, and his bachelor of music education from the University of Kentucky. His primary mentors have included Terry Cravens, Dale Warren, Bill Watrous, and Per Brevig.

Prior to arriving at Oberlin, Allen was trombone instructor at the Colburn School for the Performing Arts and maintained a private studio in Los Angeles. He can be reached at lallen@oberlin.edu.