Michael Rath Trombones

Michael Rath Trombones

Made in England Played Globally

Made in England Played Globally

News

Active as a freelance bass and contrabass trombonist, Tom Pilsbury has performed with several orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, CBSO, Royal Ballet Sinfonia, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, English National Ballet, Northern Film Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra in Dublin.

Adam Warburton joins the Rath Pack

"The flexibility offered by Rath Trombones is remarkable. As I develop as a player my requirements change and my instrument grows with me. With all the options available it can feel overwhelming but the team at the factory are there to help - I've gone to them thinking I needed a different slide or bell to achieve a particular sound and came away with a lead-pipe instead. And who is better placed to service it than those that made it?”

Adam Reed joins the Rath Pack

Adam officially joined the Black Dyke Band in 2018, having helped the band regularly since 2017. With the band he has enjoyed great concerts, contests, and tours, with personal highlights being tours to Japan, and performing at the National Finals, Glastonbury and The British Open.

In 2018 Nicholas won the Australian Junior Trombone Champion and placed in the top 5 in the Australian Senior Trombone section at age 13, he also took out the Tasmanian Senior Trombone Champion. Nicholas become a “Derwent Valley Music Scholarship Recipient” in 2019 also taking out both junior and senior Trombone Champion and the momentous effort of winning the “Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Aviva Scholarship for Orchestral Brass”

Paul considers it a privilege to have been guest soloist with many notable “SA Bands” including the New York Staff Band, Chicago Staff Band and Enfield Citadel Band to name a few and is in constant international demand having performed in Chicago, Florida, Ireland, Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Singapore, Philadelphia and Bermuda.

Ingrid Bay joins the Rath Pack

Since 1995, she has been the first trombone at the Banda Sinfónica de Gendarmería Nacional (National Border Patrol’s Symphonic Band), and since 1997, second trombone at the seasons of the Orquesta Estable del Teatro Colón (Teatro Colón Permanent Orchestra). She is also a member of the Asociación de Profesores de la Orquesta Estable del Teatro Colón (Teatro Colón Permanent Orchestra Teachers’ Association).

As an improvising and jazz trombonist Alex has played as a soloist with Ensemble Modern, London Sinfonietta, Riot Ensemble, Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), & ensemble x.y. He is founder of Dreammusics ensemble and performs regularly with pioneering improvisers (eg: Charlotte Keeffe, Steve Noble).

His orchestral experience includes concerts with other Spanish orchestras such as the Córdoba Symphony Orchestra, Granada Symphony Orchestra or The Philharmonic Orchestra of Andalucía. He has also played with the Spanish National Ballet, Víctor Ullate Ballet Company and La Fura dels Baus theater company.

Chuck Powell joins the Rath Team

Chuck Powell has had a long career of playing music which started in 1998 playing the tuba and then learning the trombone in 2001. After graduating from high school, Chuck enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and played for the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band from 2007-2010 in Okinawa Japan.

Geoff Mason joins the Rath Team

"I approached Rath last year and asked Mick if it would be possible to make a modern version of my current trombone, a 1956 Conn 10H.  He researched the dimensions and material used and with the help of Tim we arrived at a set up which is perfect for me.

The Prince of Denmark Air Force Band has a new member. The band are very pleased to welcome Andreas Ferrold Clemmensen to complete the trombone section. Here they are photographed with their Rath Trombones at Gammel Estrup Castle which is one of Denmark's best preserved Renaissance castles.

Jeanne Geiger, a California Bay Area native, is proud to be a member of the greater music scene for over 20 years. She completed a B.A. in music performance (2002) and M.A. in music composition (2007) from California State University, East Bay. She has performed with numerous groups...

Seth Weaver has rapidly established a reputation as one of the most exciting new jazz names on the NYC jazz scene. Whether though his brilliant improvised trombone solos, rich baritone vocals, original compositions, or his dedicated teaching, his passion for music and unique talent shines through.

Rath Trombones are very pleased to announce that Matt Denney has joined the team!. Matt Denney is a London based bass trombonist, and member of the Band of the Grenadier Guards. A proud Lancashire lad he originates from Poulton-le-Fylde, which is where his love for music was initiated, playing in the local brass band.

Rath Trombones are very pleased to announce that Tim Shneier has joined the team. In just a short time on the New York scene, trombonist Tim Shneier has made a name for himself as an exciting and versatile performer.

Rath on the Road

Say 'hello' to the newest member of the team. We now have a company vehicle which is perfect for getting our instruments and stand to trade shows, collecting customers from the train station and advertises the brand.

Michael Rath Trombones are very pleased to announce that Steve Clarke has joined the team. Steve grew up in Northampton as part of a musical family in the Salvation Army. He started to play percussion and euphonium at an early age and joined the County Youth brass band. After lessons with his incredible teacher, Rachel Coles, Steve was awarded the Malcom Tyler award in 1995.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Tenor and Bass Trombonist Frank Cohen moved to New York City at the age of 18 to attend the Manhattan School of Music, awarded with a full scholarship for both his Bachelors and Masters degrees.

Robert Kaip Loves his Rath

Robert was born in 1977 in Budapest, Hungary. He started his musical studies in 1984, playing piano. In 1989 he started learning to play trombone. He graduated at the Béla Bartók High School for Music. After that he studied at the Franz Liszt Music Academy, he obtained his diploma as trombone player and teacher in 2000, his professor was Gustav Hona.

Abel, who was born in Mendoza, Argentina in 1985, started playing bass trombone at the age 14. At 18 he began his studies at the Conservatory of Music at the University of Cuyo, where obtained his bachelor's degree.

Shelby Kifer Joins the Rath team!

At Rath Trombones we believe in great teachers that introduce young people to the art of trombone playing...... Shelby Kifer is one of those great teachers. Shelby Kifer is a low brass instructor and freelance bass trombonist in Tulsa, Oklahoma (US). He teaches students from beginner through high school.

Michael Rath trombones are very proud to announce that Robinson Khoury has joined the Rath team. He visited us recently and chose an R3F which he found it perfect for his jazz ensembles but also for his orchestral work.

We’re very pleased and proud to announce that number one ranked brass band in the world, The Cory Band are now playing Michael Rath Trombones. The guys visited us several weeks ago and spent several hours in our showroom with Tim choosing their perfect set ups. Their set up choices, although different immediately made them feel comfortable giving them their individual voice but most importantly allowing them the flexibility to blend perfectly as a section.

Journey is a compendium of three commissioned and two unrecorded works for the bass trombone as solo and chamber instrument by a very talented group of American and Latin American composers.

Congratulations to Dennis Rollins on receiving an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours 2018, for services to music. Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) is a rank in the Order of the British Empire.

A big welcome to Mikael Karlsson,Ebbe Ringblom, and Christian Høeg from Prince Musikkorps in Denmark (The Price of Denmarks Regiment Band) Hope you enjoy the trombones!

Jeff Martin is a trombonist originally from Newton, Kansas. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance from the University of North Texas.  While at UNT, he performed with the Grammy nominated One O'Clock Lab Band from 1994-1996, touring across the United States, Japan and Hong Kong, and can be heard on four CD’s.

Graduate from Cuba’s most prestigious music academies Conservatorio Amadeo Roldán (secondary) and Instituto Superior de Arte (higher education), Eduardo Sandoval is considered one of the most enigmatic and most cutting edge contemporary trombone players. He has toured extensively in Cuba and internationally.

Kevin Cerovich is a Latin Grammy nominated trombonist originally from Kansas City, Missouri. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Trombone from the University of Missouri Kansas City. There, while studying with Bobby Watson and Paul McKee, he won numerous awards including the 2007 International Trombone Association's JJ Johnson Jazz Competition and the Eastern Trombone Workshop's Solo Jazz Competition.

Now in his third decade at the University of Illinois, Elliot Chasanov was appointed Professor of Trombone with permanent tenure in 1991. Prior to coming to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Professor Chasanov was principal trombonist and trombone soloist of the United States Air Force Band and Orchestra in Washington, D.C. (1981-1985) and professor of trombone and euphonium at Kent State University (1985-1991).

Born in 1963, Dali LI graduated from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of Professor Guang-Xin LUO. He started his teaching career in 1989 in the mentioned conservatory. Previously the principal trombonist of the Shanghai Orchestra and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, LI published albums to China and overseas.

Trevor Mires has been at the forefront of the London music scene for the last fourteen years. His performing credits are wide ranging. He has performed with, among others, George Benson, recorded and toured with multi-instrumentalist James Morrison, toured with Sam Rivers Big Band , Michel Le Grand, and recorded with Pat Metheny, Toots Theilmans and David Sanborn.

Grethe Tonheim Loves her Rath

Grethe Tonheim is a Classical trombonist based in Norway and has been working professionally since 1988. Inspired by the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester conducted by Claudio Abbado where she played from 1989-1991.

Aubrey Logan Joins the Rath Team

"Aubrey Logan, best known for her unique swing-tinged, trombone-laced pop performances with the viral sensation Postmodern Jukebox, steps into the spotlight as a songwriter with the sensational cross-genre debut “Impossible.”

Donny Pinson Joins the Rath Team

Trombonist Donald Pinson maintains a full schedule as both a performer and an educator. He is the principal trombonist in both the Victoria Symphony Orchestra and the Mid-Texas Symphony, and he has also performed with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and the San Antonio Symphony, among others.

Kan Cao was born and raised in Shanghai, China. At the age of nine, he began musical studies with his trombone teacher, Da Li Li. As a high school student, he was a soloist with the Shanghai Student Orchestra and went on to continue his musical training at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where he received his bachelor’s degree in music performance in 2012.

Jaime Gonzalez is a freelance trombone player based in the Central Florida area. While finishing his Bachelor of Arts in Trombone Performance degree, Jaime was greatly influenced by playing alongside Jeff Thomas, Keith Oshiro, John Allred, Bill Allred and Dave Steinmeyer. Jaime was able to take what he learned and use it in commercial settings such as Carnival Cruise Lines, Walt Disney World, and Universal Studios.

Dr Karen Marston Update

Trombonist and educator Dr. Karen Marston is currently on the faculty at Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, California, where she works with brass players in both applied and chamber settings, and teaches academic music courses.  Karen holds degrees in trombone performance from the University of North Texas and Rice University, and both a masters and doctorate in music education from Columbia University, where she was the recipient of the Elin B. Stein Graduate Fellowship.

Phillip I FREEMAN began his musical studies on euphonium before switching to bass trombone during his senior year at the University of Houston. After completing a degree in composition he continued his study of trombone at the Manhattan School of Music. He was awarded fellowships to the Tanglewood Music Center and Spoleto Festival USA.

Comments from Brett Baker

"In November I visited the Rath factory to give my R4 its regular service. I very much advise people to get their instrument serviced once a year as it allows your investment in what is an excellent trombone to be in tip top condition. Every year I will ask Andy on the shop floor if there are any new developments and often try out a variety of lead pipes as for a small cost you can make a considerable difference to the blowing qualities of your instrument.

Roger Cutts Approves!

As most of us brass players know, a small change here or there, whether it's a slightly deeper mouthpiece, a different shape leadpipe, or maybe just a bit of a clean (!), can make all the difference to how our playing day feels. A recent update to my Rath R4F slide has done just that, and the only change has been to thicken the outer slide by a microscopic 3/1000's of an inch.

Nick Sullivan Joins the Rath Team

After beginning his musical education in Lethbridge, Alberta, Nick Sullivan received a fellowship to undertake graduate studies at the University of Victoria. Unable to escape the lure of the Canadian West Coast, Nick returned to B.C. in 2013 to continue his studies at the University of British Columbia, pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree. Currently, Nick is on faculty at the University of Lethbridge teaching the low brass studio, as well as courses in Musicianship Skills, and the History of Rock 'n Roll.

Rath Trombones Backs Brass Factor

Brass Factor is back for another blast and we’re thrilled to be sponsoring the UK’s only brass band talent competition as it returns for a sixth successful season. The next generation of enthusiastic talented musicians are vital for industries such as ours which is why we continually invest in people and projects that give younger musicians a chance. 

In a year of anniversaries Rath Trombones is thrilled to be celebrating 15 years of the Corpus Quartet joining the four musicians for a special concert in their home town of Budapest. Having been their sponsors for a decade we have watched with interest as the team have developed as musicians and won accolades across Europe, Asia and North America.

Dr. Deb Scott is the professor of trombone and bass trombone at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. She is also the director of SFA's first jazz band, The Swingin’ Axes. She is active as a performer and clinician in both classical and jazz styles.

CHOOSING the band for your birthday bash is a tough call when your customers are the world’s leading trombonists and their bands. And it isn’t easy for whoever you ask because they will have the eyes and ears of the rest of the trombone glitterati on them – so no pressure.

Soul Tubes will perform this weekend at Rath trombones 20 year celebrations. Should be a great night!

Looking forward to hearing these guys this weekend!!

Mick Rath and his wife Nikki received a major accolade on behalf of the Rath brand recently, when they were invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace on 24 May 2016.  The invitation had been prompted after HRH The Princess Royal visited the Honley factory last year and saw first-hand how each custom trombone is made from start to finish. 

CREATIVE types are often innovative and traditional by turns and the latest member of the Rath Family, Tarjei Grimsby is no exception. The lead trombonist with the Norwegian Wind Ensemble is asking audiences to take a leap of faith with his latest venture which is seeing him play some of the premiere venues in Europe as part of a group of real time musicians.

Rath’s youngest artist is Wakefield born Rory Ingham. WHEN acclaimed international musician Dennis Rollins gives you the thumbs up it’s hard to live up to but the latest addition to the Rath Family has more than merited the recommendation.

WE know that musicians around the world want Rath Trombones and now with a new distributor in Spain our network is expanding. My recent blog about commitment to quality has been why the wait has been so long but we’ve managed to find one of the Iberian Peninsula’s best known and respected music stores where the team are almost as committed as we are to our brand.

Buying a Rath Trombone is an investment not just financially but emotionally too! Many professional trombonists have long held ambitions to own a Rath and for them it is the pinnacle of their career. It is an investment in their work enabling them to play at the very top of the their profession. It’s no wonder that a Rath is highly prized and played by lead trombonists in most of the world’s premier orchestras.

On March 1st, Conservatorium Maastricht will host a special TROMBONE DAY. At 14:30 Jazz legend, Dennis Rollins will lead a workshop along with the principal trombone player of the Welsh National Opera, Roger Cutts. Following the workshops, students will perform with the great players at 19:00. Everyone is welcome to attend this exciting and FREE event!

A TROMBONIST who has toured with Sting and Seal turned to Rath Trombones when it came to selecting the instrument that sparked her lengthy career in music. London-based Carol Jarvis, who has appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, the X Factor, on stage with major symphony orchestras, and toured the world with a host of chart-topping artists, couldn’t think of anywhere better to buy a trombone than from Rath Trombones.

Rath makes dreams come true

YORKSHIRE lad, Winston Rollins, has dreamt of owning his own Rath since the early days when Mick first started manufacturing the trombones in Honley. But he was always denied; on one occasion whilst visiting the factory, Winston and his friend, Patrick Hartley, watched the Yorkshire based team make a bespoke trombone, they were so impressed that his friend bought it immediately; from that moment on Winston knew he wanted to play a Michael Rath Trombone.

Rath Trombones will exhibit a lage selection of Custom trombones and accessories 14th - 16th January 2016 at the Tampa Convention centre ,Tampa Florida. Contact sales@dillonmusic.com for more information.

RATH is taking centre stage this Hootenanny thanks to the trombone trio from the Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra who have just joined the Rath Family. The three stopped off in our Honley factory recently while on their nationwide tour and fulfilled their collective lifetime ambition to own a Rath Trombone each.

Little did David Whitehouse know he would be one day be sitting in the position that inspired his lifelong love of the trombone. David, a trombonist for London Philharmonic Orchestra is the latest member of the Team of Artists at Rath Trombones .

Rath Trombones are pleased to help sponsor the Brass Factor Brass band entertainment competition.

Rath Trombones are pleased to welcome David Whitehouse to our Team of Artists David Whitehouse studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and was a member of the Philharmonia Orchestra from 2002-2008 before joining the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 2008. David plays an R4ST with a Hagman Valve and Often uses the Straight Tenor trombone option.

Mick and Nicola Rath were guests of the Chancellor of the Excequer, George Osborne, who hosted a reception and networking event at No.11 Downing Street recently. They joined other SME business leaders to help promote the Government agenda of the Northern Powerhouse.  Mr Osborne was keen to discover what mattered to business leaders like Mick and Nicola who export almost 70 per cent of all trombones to countries across Europe, The Americas, Asia and Africa.  Mick and Nicola were invted to contribute to the discussion by local MP, Jason McCartney.

Mick Rath with the Rt Hon George Osborne MP at No.11 Downing Street.

Rath merchandise still available

We have Rath fleeces and polo shirts in sizes all the way up to XXL as modelled by our own Mr. Dennis Rollins, as well as Rath mugs and key rings. Of course we've also got a wide range of CDs from all of your favourite Rath artists.

New Rath dealers

We're very pleased to say that we now have new Rath trombone dealers, expanding our worldwide network further in the US and now in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Poland for the first time. Please take a look at our dealer page for more information and contact details.

New – Rath Trombone Mutes

Our new range of trombone mutes, designed from the ground up by Michael Rath, are available now. Everyone who has tried the new straight and cup mutes on both tenor and bass trombone tell us that they're the first mutes that they've played that have consistent tuning and response without any "dead spots" over whole range of the trombone.

Brett Baker has launched a new online magazine for all trombonists, called "Glissando". Issue one is free and features an interview with Mick Rath. It's available now on the Glissando website.

Some of the UK's leading young jazz tenor trombonists and bass trombonists will be competing in the finals of the British Trombone Society's Don Lusher and Bob Hughes competitions at the BTS trombone festival in Oundle on Sunday 5th October.

As many things seem to these days, this one started with a couple of photos posted on social media by Roger Cutts and Alan Swain, the principal and principal bass trombone respectively of the Welsh National Opera with their Rath trombones. What followed led to the development of an essentially new Rath large bore tenor trombone which some substantial new elements which we'd never tried before as well as giving us the opportunity to bring together some ideas that we'd been working on for quite a while.

THE next generation of Rath trombonists stole the limelight on BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine show recently when Oli played live into the programme. Listened to by millions he was asked to be the musical accompaniment when Mick spoke to Jeremy about how BREXIT had impacted on manufacturing.