On October 17, Sam Robertson presented his Senior Trombone recital as part of the requirements for his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education at Maranatha Baptist University. The event featured a range of pieces that highlighted both his technical skill and years of dedicated practice.
Faculty members from Maranatha described the performance as “very musical” and “outstanding.” Additional comments praised the collaboration between Sam and his accompanist, Emma, with some calling it a “skillful” and “stunning” presentation.
Sam prepared for this recital under the guidance of Dr. David Brown. He is set to graduate in May 2026 and plans to pursue work as a band and choir teacher at a Christian school while working toward a master’s degree in education.
The program included Eric Ewazen’s Sonata for Trombone and Piano, which features both lyrical melodies and rich harmonies. Ewazen, who teaches at The Juilliard School, is recognized for writing important modern brass music that explores the expressive capabilities of both trombone and piano.
Another piece performed was “Yesu Christo Mwokosi,” arranged by Dr. Monty Budahl after hearing it sung in Kenya. This call-and-response arrangement reflects African village traditions and was included by Sam as a tribute to his grandfather, Dr. Budahl.
Other works on the program included Molly Ijames’ arrangement of “What Wondrous Love Is This” and Daniel Speer’s Die Bankelsängerlieder, an early Baroque brass quintet featuring counterpoint and rhythmic motifs performed by fellow students Rachel Robertson (Trumpet 1), Judah Cochran (Trumpet 2), Jackson Schoonover (French Horn), and Kenney Hedrick (Tuba).
The recital demonstrated not only individual achievement but also collaboration among Maranatha students and faculty.
