Jeanette Velasco ’25 was invited to serve as a featured artist and faculty member at this year’s Trombonanza. Photo credit: Jeanette Velasco
Jeanette Velasco ’25, a DMA trombone student, was invited to serve as a featured artist and faculty member at this year’s Trombonanza in Argentina—the premier trombone festival in Latin America.
“As a bass trombonist with Latin American heritage, this opportunity holds significant personal meaning,” said Velasco. “Participating in a festival where Spanish is the primary language is unparalleled in my life experience thus far, and I greatly appreciated that added component to this experience.”
Approaching the completion of her doctoral studies in trombone performance at TCU, Velasco was honored to perform alongside internationally renowned artists. She plans to bring this experience into her teaching this fall, serving as an adjunct faculty member at the School of Music.
Performing at Trombonanza
Velasco had the opportunity to perform the world premiere of “Concierto Mexicano” by Antonio Salvador, orchestrated by TCU faculty emeritus Curt Wilson.
Jeanette Velasco ’25
“This piece is deeply connected to my Latino heritage, especially my pride in my Mexican roots,” explained Velasco. “The composer created this piece inspired by the cultural icon Pedro Infante, a prominent figure in Mexican cinema. The concerto is divided into three movements, each representing a different genre unique to our culture.”
The first movement is a corrido in sonata form, depicting a charro’s heroic return to his hometown and the festive welcome he receives. The second movement is a serenata, symbolizing a romantic proposal beneath a loved one’s window. The final movement, a son Huasteco, features a lively dance quality and includes zapateado.
Originally composed for tenor trombone, Velasco collaborated with Salvador to adapt the piece for bass trombone, highlighting its unique characteristics.
“When I was offered the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the orchestra, I faced the challenge of the limited repertoire for bass trombone, particularly compared to instruments like the tenor trombone, cello or flute,” Velasco said.
Considering various options, Velasco believed that adapting the three-movement sonata for piano as a concerto would have a broader impact. Despite the tight timeline with the premiere less than two months away, the adaptation was successfully completed with the help of Wilson.
Fostering Inclusivity
“While the representation of female trombonists within the trombone community is growing, the numbers are notably fewer in bass performance,” explained Velasco. “Trombonanza allowed me to offer impactful advocacy that I hope will contribute to fostering greater representation.”
Velasco is dedicated to being a role model and creating a supportive environment where all students feel welcomed. Photo credit: Jeanette Velasco
Representation is deeply meaningful to Velasco. Growing up as a woman of color with limited resources, she lacked role models who looked like her and pursued similar aspirations.
“This absence led me to question the attainability of my goals and my sense of identity,” said Velasco.
Now, she is dedicated to being a role model and creating a supportive environment where all students feel welcomed and empowered throughout their academic and professional journeys.
“Events like Trombonanza prioritize community and provide opportunities to those who might not otherwise have access, which aligns perfectly with my aspirations,” said Velasco. “I am thrilled to impart this vision of musical advocacy to my students, as it strongly aligns with our musical goals and the type of leadership that TCU champions.”