Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University’s low brass studio will host bass trombonist Dr. Paul Pollard in a master class and recital in Mabee Fine Arts Center’s McBeth Recital Hall. The master class will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 4 p.m., and the recital will be held on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m.

Pollard is currently the bass trombonist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and was previously a member of the Hong Kong Philharmonic.

“Artists of this caliber don’t just happen to come through Arkadelphia,” said Josh Bynum, OBU low brass instructor. “By sponsoring performances of this level, Ouachita is providing a cultural service to our community.”

Pollard has also performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and has held positions in the Illinois Philharmonic, the Cedar Rapids Symphony and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. After earning his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Iowa, Pollard served as assistant professor of trombone at the University of Northern Iowa. He has taught at the Hong Kong Academy of the Arts and is currently on faculty at the Mannes School of Music.

“I think it’s very important for students of music to experience amazing live performances,” Bynum added. “This not only inspires them to continue the process of honing their craft, but also serves as a standard of excellence.”

by OBU News Bureau