Bernabe Jorge has completed his coursework as a doctoral candidate at the Eastman School of Music studying Trombone Performance and Literature with Mark Kellog. Bernabe holds a Bachelor’s of Music Education and a Master’s of Music Education degree from the University of Oklahoma, where he studied trombone with the acclaimed Dr. Irvin Wagner. While at Eastman, Bernabe was the recipient of the Steve Witzer Memorial Award for Excellence, a finalist in the concerto competition, received a performer’s certificate, and a Downbeat Award as a member of the Eastman Jazz Ensemble. His performing resumé also includes winning a substitute Bass Trombone Position with The Syracuse Orchestra, playing in the Russ Scarbrough Big Band, performing with the Birch Creek Jazz Orchestra, recording with Achilles Liarmakopoulos, co-founding Photonic Brass, just to name a few. Bernabe has a great resource of trombone teachers that have been influential in his development; Larry Zalkind, John Rojak, and Gabe Rice.
As a music educator, Bernabe is currently an Assistant Professor of Low Brass at the University of Minnesota Duluth. In his current position, he is responsible for recruiting talented students, teaching music courses, and teaching applied low brass lessons. He has previously taught at the University of Buffalo, Rochester Institute of Technology, Hochstein School, and Eastman Community Music School. At the University of Buffalo, he conducted the UB concert band, led the UB Bulls Bones, and taught applied low brass lessons. As an instructor at the Rochester Institute of Technology, he taught applied brass lessons as well as coached brass chamber ensembles. While at Hochstein and the Eastman Community Music School, he undertook the role as a brass chamber coach and applied lessons teacher. During his time in Norman, Oklahoma, Bernabe received his Kodály certification while completing his master’s degree and teaching general music at Jackson Elementary School. His hope, as an educator, is to share how to love music, have fun with music, and use the power of music in all situations.
Outside of the classroom and practice room, Bernabe enjoys spending time at home with his lovely wife, two beautiful daughters, and his happy dogs. His ultimate goals in life are to be the best husband, father, musician, and person possible.