ITA Solo and Ensemble Competitions (International Trombone Association)

The International Trombone Association (ITA) runs 14 solo and ensemble competitions for trombonists, with finalists receiving full tuition waivers to attend the 2026 International Trombone Festival in Riga, Latvia, July 29 to August 1, 2026. Founded in 1972, the ITA is the world's largest community of trombonists and promotes trombone-related activities across the world through competitions, awards, and its ITA Journal.

How ITA Competitions Work

Applications for the 2026 ITA Solo and Ensemble Competitions were accepted from October 6 through December 8, 2025. Three finalists in each of 12 solo and ensemble categories are selected from a preliminary recorded round by international judging panels. Finalists then compete in a live final round at the International Trombone Festival.

Solo and Ensemble Competition Categories

The 14 competition categories cover a wide range of trombone performance:

• Fontana Competition
• Johnson Competition
• Smith Competition
• Marsteller Competition
• Wiehe Competition
• Gagliardi Competition
• ITA Alto Competition
• Roberts Competition
• Yaxley Competition
• Van Haney Competition
• Kleinhammer Competition
• Quartet Competition
• Emory Remington Trombone Ensemble (ensemble category, winner and one runner-up selected from recordings)
• Melba Liston Trombone Ensemble (ensemble category, winner and one runner-up selected from recordings)

What Finalists Receive

• Solo and ensemble finalists (12 categories): Full tuition waiver to attend the 2026 International Trombone Festival in Riga, Latvia
• Remington and Liston ensemble winners: Featured performance at the International Trombone Festival, plus full tuition waivers for ensemble members and teacher or conductor
• Housing, food, and travel: NOT covered by the ITA or ITF. Finalists must fund their own travel and lodging.
• Confirmation deadline: Finalists must confirm participation by March 15, 2026

ITA Annual Awards

The ITA presents seven awards recognizing individuals, organizations, and orchestras:

• ITA Award: Recognizes elite creative and artistic output in performance, composition, arranging, teaching, conducting, research, or service. One award given annually.
• Neill Humfeld Excellence in Teaching Award: Recognizes outstanding teaching contributions
• Kenneth Hanlon Award: Presented for specific contributions
• Legacy Circle Award: Presented from time to time
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented from time to time
• Orchestra Recognition Award: Presented from time to time
• President's Award: Presented for specific contributions

Nominations for 2026 awards are requested from the ITA membership.

Real-World Example

A 22-year-old trombonist pursuing a bachelor's degree could apply for the 2026 ITA Solo Competitions during the October 6 to December 8, 2025 application window. He submits video recordings through the Acceptd platform for the Marsteller Competition, one of the 12 solo categories. If selected as one of three finalists by the international judging panel, he receives a full tuition waiver to attend the 2026 International Trombone Festival in Riga, Latvia, July 29 to August 1, 2026. He pays for his own airfare and lodging but attends all festival events for free. If he wins the final round, he gains recognition from the international trombone community, which can lead to audition invitations and teaching opportunities.

A university trombone quartet could submit a recording for the Quartet Competition. If selected as finalists, all four members receive full tuition waivers to the ITF. A trombone ensemble director could apply for the Remington Competition. If selected as the winner, the ensemble receives a featured performance at the ITF, and all members plus the conductor get full tuition waivers.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

The ITA competitions give trombonists a platform to gain international recognition without paying festival registration fees. The full tuition waiver to the International Trombone Festival is worth several hundred dollars and grants access to masterclasses, concerts, and networking with professional trombonists from around the world.

If you play trombone, choose the competition category that matches your age and experience level. Review the specific repertoire requirements for each category on the ITA website. Submit your preliminary recording through Acceptd before the December 8 deadline. Budget for your own travel and lodging to Riga, Latvia, since the ITA does not cover these expenses.

For the annual awards, nominate teachers or colleagues who have made significant contributions to the trombone community. The ITA Award and Neill Humfeld Award are presented annually, while other awards are given periodically.

Related Opportunities

• IDRS Competitions for oboe and bassoon players
• IHS Awards for horn players
• Music Scholarships Directory for the full list of funding opportunities
• Music Schools Directory to find trombone programs worldwide
• Visit the ITA Solo and Ensemble Competitions page for official rules
• Visit the ITA Awards page for nomination details