Chris Waage
Dr. Waage has been active as a professional musician and educator for over 30 years. His primary instrument is bass trombone, and is active as a conductor and as a performer on tenor trombone, euphonium, tuba, and electric bass. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. His Master of Arts degree is from the University of Central Missouri, and his Bachelor of Science in Music is from William Jewell College. His teachers include Dr. JoDee Davis, Dr. David Stagg, Doug Bundy, Ben Gowler, and Shawn Campbell, and he has performed in masterclasses with Douglas Yeo, Dr. Abbie Conant and Mark Lawrence.
As a bass trombonist Dr. Waage currently performs with the Northland Cathedral Orchestra and the Abel Ramirez Big Band. He is Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Lexington (Mo.) Wind Symphony, and serves as assistant conductor and staff arranger for the Northland Cathedral Orchestra. His performing credits include the Liberty (Mo.) Symphony, Topeka (Kan.) Symphony, the St. Joseph (Mo.) Symphony, Marshall's Band (Topeka, Kan.), the Western Missouri British Brass Band, the Boulevard Big Band (Kansas City, Mo.), and the Topeka (Kan.) Jazz Workshop. Dr. Waage has presented recitals and masterclasses throughout the Midwest, and in 2011, he was one of the featured soloists for Mississippi State University's Brass Week. He currently lives in Independence, Missouri with his wife Kathy and their two dogs, Max and Sidney.
OTJ Articles
Two Octave Major Scales & Arpeggios for Bass TromboneJanuary 13, 2022For a bass trombonist, scale practice down to the bottom end of the instrument is critical for mastery. You've probably already been working into the pedal register - after all, it's fun! Now, let's put that fun to work.
Orchestral Excerpts for the Tenor Trombonist: Saint-Saëns - Symphony No. 3
June 11, 2000This deceptive excerpt gives the trombonists a chance to show off the many, many hours spent in the Rochut book!
OTJ Reviews
Four Baßposaune Concertos from the Early Romantic Era 1820-1830: A Review
By Chris Waage • March 01, 2021The recording reviewed is of four early Romantic concertos for bass trombone performed on period-correct instruments by Aldo Caterina, bass trombone, and Giovanni Sabella, piano.
Playing Favorites: A Review
By Chris Waage • October 30, 2019This would be a great addition to any trombonist's library. The repertoire is outstanding and the performances fiery and inspired.
The Wallace Practice Mute: A Comparative Review
By Chris Waage • June 11, 2000Using a practice mute has become a necessary evil for many trombonists. This reviews offers a comparison of the major practice mutes available, and recommends the Wallace mute for its easy of playing and light weight.
Plunge - Falling With Grace: A Review
By Chris Waage • September 28, 1998Chris Waage reviews this very different recoding by Plunge, featuring arranger and trombonist Mark McGrain.