Alumni and Students Win Major Bass Trombonist Positions

Bass trombonists from NEC continue to distinguish themselves on the national stage, with recent audition successes highlighting the strength of NEC’s trombone studio.

Alumnus Felix Padilla ’19 MM has won a highly coveted position with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, one of the nation’s premier professional ensembles. Padilla now joins fellow NEC alumni Lukas Helsel ’24 and Katie Franke ’22 MM in the Marine Band’s trombone section. While at NEC, Padilla studied with James Markey.

Current NEC students are also making notable strides. Jason Sato ’26, a student of James Markey, has been appointed bass trombonist of the Jacksonville Symphony, earning the position through a competitive audition process. In the same audition, Charlie Johnson ’26 MM, also a current NEC student who studies with James Markey, was named runner-up for the role—further underscoring the depth of talent within the studio.

Together, these accomplishments reflect the continued excellence of NEC’s trombone program and its success in preparing students for top professional opportunities.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding musicians on their recent accomplishments!