LSB Young Artist of 2011

Thomas Bagin, Trombone

Concerto Competition winner, Sixteen year old Thomas Bagin, was given a trombone in third grade and immediately began to teach himself how to play. Thomas had been playing the piano since the age of four and studied violin from age 5-13, but always knew he wanted to play the trombone. He started formal lessons in fouth grade and began participating in his school's band. He currently studies with Mark Hoelsher from Milwaukee.

With the encouragement of Professor Tom Dvorak, Thomas auditioned for the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) in seventh grade and was given first chair in the Jr. Wind Ensemble. In ninth grade he played in the Philharmonia Orchestra and currently is in Senior Symphony. MYSO has given him the opportunity to play side by side with musicians from the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and compete in concerto competitions.

Thomas also participates in his church's orchestra, brass ensembles and has played in a Christmas recording with his church. Along with trombone performance, Thomas likes to compose music. He recently composed a brass quintet piece for his MYSO Chamber Ensemble. Presently he is homeschooling which allows him more time to compose music and practice the trombone.

Outside of music, Thomas is involved in the Southeast Wisconsin Christian Homeschool Athletics (SWCHA Saints) soccer team and was named MVP in 2010. He is the second born of eight children and enjoys basketball, tennis, and fishing.