TROMBONES
"What was the tune in the first set that featured the trombones? All their solos were fabulous! I wish I had taken video." --Christina B-K.
RACHEL CASTELLANOS Equally versatile in jazz, pop, salsa and classical music, performing with several brass ensembles and orchestral groups, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Tuscon Symphony and Orquesta Sinfonica UANL in Monterrey, Mexico. Has performed with such diverse artists as the Joffrey Ballet, Janelle Monet, Clark Terry and Slide Hampton. Holds Bachelor's Degrees in Orchestral and Jazz Trombone Performance from Oberlin Conservatory of Music and a Master's Degree in Trombone Performance from the DePaul School of Music.
RICH LAPKA A Northern Illinois University alumnus. Formed, toured and recorded with jazz fusion group Juggular for 11 years. Played lead trombone for the Deja Vu Big Band and Bill O'Connell. Played and recorded with the Pete Special Band. Other recording credits include Sons of the Never Wrong, The Buckinghams and Sonia Dada. Is also currently playing with Deacon Blues, the premier Steely Dan tribute experience based out of Chicago.
MIKE MEYERS (Bass) Toured with the Buddy Rich Big Band, and has backed many artists including Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan and Dionne Warwick. Career highlights include recording radio and TV jingles and recording with groups like the Chi-Lites, Manhattans, The Dells and Gene Chandler. Recently retired from a corporate IT career.
Holds a Music Education degree from Millikin University.
BRYAN TIPPS Has played with many Chicago-area Big Bands and party bands, and has performed with well-known artists including David Liebman, Paul Anka, Phil Woods, and Michael Feinstein. Holds a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Studies from Roosevelt University and a Master's Degree in Jazz Studies from DePaul University and teaches privately. Is a representative for Greenhoe Trombones.