Album Recordings
Confluence
If you’ve heard us perform in recent years, you’ll recognize much of the repertoire on this recording. The continual expansion of our library—and the addition of Amanda to the quartet—inspired us to capture this moment in our musical journey.
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This project reflects years of collecting new works and countless hours of rehearsal, made possible by the strong camaraderie we share. STL Trombones is a true passion project, rooted in both musical dedication and genuine friendship.
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The album showcases a wide range of styles and challenges—from Bach to contemporary works like Fit de Battle. It features seven original arrangements, one original composition, and a variety of commissions and gifted pieces.
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We hope you enjoy listening to this recording as much as we enjoyed creating it—because at its core, that shared joy is what music is all about.
Season's Greetings
As a quartet, STL Trombones has performed holiday concerts for as long as we've been members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. What began with a handful of existing arrangements—including Roger Davenport’s Hallelujah Chorus, crafted by the SLSO’s longtime second trombonist—soon evolved into a more personal and distinctive repertoire. Over time, Tim and Gerry contributed their own arrangements, gradually building a rich collection of holiday favorites unique to the group.
This growth eventually inspired the creation of the STL Trombones Christmas Album, featuring fifteen tracks that blend tradition with our own creative interpretations. To enhance the festive spirit, we collaborated with our SLSO colleague Alan Stewart, adding percussion—drum set, bells, Latin instruments, and even a cajón—to seven of the tracks, including a playful take on Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride. Listen closely and you might even hear nods to familiar orchestral excerpts hidden within the music.
We hope this album brings joy to your holiday season and adds warmth to your celebrations. Season’s Greetings from STL Trombones!
Fleur De Lis
St. Louis’s rich French heritage is reflected in many aspects of the city—from its street names like Laclede, Des Peres, Chouteau, and Lafayette, to the enduring presence of the Fleur-de-lis, a symbol historically linked to the French monarchy. This cultural legacy continues to shape the identity of our city and inspires our work as STL Trombones.
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With the exception of Charpentier’s work, all of the pieces on this album were either composed specifically for us or arranged by members of the quartet. A core part of our mission is to promote new music, and we are proud to feature two world premieres as part of this project. Collaborating closely with composers has been a deeply rewarding experience.
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The remaining works are original arrangements of beloved pieces for orchestra or piano, reimagined for trombone quartet. Each selection holds personal and collective significance, reflecting both our individual musical voices and our commitment to a unified ensemble sound. As you listen, we invite you to take a musical journey with us—up the Mississippi and straight to our home in St. Louis. Bon voyage!
4.1
In the 1990s, members of the trombone section occasionally performed in schools and churches through the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s outreach program. With limited repertoire available, Tim and former Second Trombone Roger Davenport began writing their own arrangements. These performances were enjoyable, but more reflective of a section appearance than a true ensemble.
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That began to shift with Reycraft's arrival in 2006, sparking the vision of a dedicated chamber group. While preparing our debut album, 4.1, we embraced that identity—spending countless hours in Steve’s basement refining our sound and shaping a shared musical voice. The album features music close to our hearts, including Tim’s setting of Gabrieli’s Sonata XV and Conrad Henning’s transcription of Poulenc’s Four Prayers of St. Francis, marking the start of our commitment to curating and creating our own repertoire.
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The title 4.1 represents four musicians with one purpose. If you missed it in 2010, we invite you to experience it now.