• Hometown:  Stilwell, KS

• Education:  Oklahoma State University (BME & BM)

• Equipment:  Edwards B502- I

• Mouthpiece:  Griego .75 (New York model)

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• Quote:  "A goal without a plan is just a wish."   --- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Elizabeth Toles is a second-year Master’s student at the University of Georgia who serves as a graduate assistant in the trombone studio. She is a member of the UGA Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble I, and British Brass Band; in addition to these school ensembles, she is also performing with the Georgia Brass Band for their 2022-2023 competitive season.

 

As a member of her undergraduate jazz trombone ensemble, Elizabeth performed a recital at the 2022 International Trombone Festival as a prize for winning the International Trombone Association Kai Winding Jazz Trombone Ensemble Competition. She also was a member of the winning ensemble in the Ginger Turner Ensemble Competition at the 2019 International Women’s Brass Conference. Over the past several summers, Elizabeth has been a two-time participant at both the Sewanee Summer Music Festival and the Trombonanza Festival in Santa Fe, Argentina.

 

During her time at Oklahoma State University, Elizabeth was a drum major for three years for the OSU Cowboy Marching Band. During her senior year, Elizabeth was named both a Senior of Significance and Outstanding Senior by the OSU Alumni Association and was also selected as the OSU Greenwood School of Music Outstanding Senior.

 

Elizabeth chose to pursue music as a career because of her love for performing as well as her appreciation for music’s ability to unite people in a collaborative, shared experience. She decided to continue her education at the University of Georgia to study with Dr. Bynum as well as join the incredible studio culture that is thriving within the trombone studio. Her favorite musical memories include performing the bass trombone solo on Slide Hampton’s arrangement of “Round Midnight” at the 2022 ITF and performing Steven Verhelst’s “Colores” with several of her close friends on her senior recital.

 

When not in the practice room, Elizabeth can be found reading, playing video games, listening to podcasts, and hanging out with her cat, PJ. In the future, Elizabeth hopes to have a career where she will be able to pursue both teaching and performing, inspiring others with her own love of music.