Irvin L. Wagner

Biography

Irvin L. Wagner is a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma where he is holds the distinguished titles of David Ross Boyd and Regents Professor of Music. At the University he teaches trombone as well as serves as the Coordinator of Graduate Studies and Music Director and Conductor for the Music Theater Program. Complimentary to his regular duties at the University he is a trombonist in the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra as well as an occasional Conductor for Pops Concerts of the Orchestra. He also serves as Guest Conductor of the Austin (Texas) Symphony Orchestra conducting ballet performances and children's concerts.

Irv served as President of the International Trombone Association from 1982-84, and during his tenure traveled completely around the world performing, teaching, and organizing national trombone chapters in such countries as Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Israel, Greece, and Great Britain. This activity around the world resulted in him being "the Most Listened to Trombonist in the World in the 80's" as he was heard by more than a quarter of the population of the earth. This came about through his public performances in over 30 countries and especially through a Television Special in China viewed by over 600 million people and a radio recital in India listened to by 500 million people. Most recent global musical activities have included performances both as trombonist and conductor in China, Brazil, France, and Russia.

Before coming to Oklahoma Irv taught at Louisiana State University and performed in the Baton Rouge Symphony, and prior to that he was Director of Bands at McPherson College in Kansas and a member of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. Irv holds a Bachelor's Degree from McPherson College, as well as Master's and Doctor's Degrees from the Eastman School of Music. At Eastman he was a student of the late master teacher of the trombone, Emory Remington.

From: International Trombone Association Honorary Life Members