03/12/2026
No concert, honoring the legacy of Mark Abbe would be complete without a bass trombone feature. As the cancer began making it increasingly difficult for Mark to continue playing, he moved from bass trombone to tenor trombone with the Mid Michigan Brass Band. That decision was made easier, as he knew Chandler Wayne would fill the position with the same gusto and fun that Mark did.
When Chandler reached out to the MMBB to perform “Capriccio” for bass trombone and Brass Band, we were thrilled! Capriccio was written for Ben Van Dijk in 2010. It is one of Steven Verhelst’s first compositions. This popular piece among bass trombonists, features all the essentials of the instrument.
Chandler is originally from Moundsville, WV. He attended West Liberty University in West Liberty, WV where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance. Chandler then attended Western Iowa Tech Community College where he received an Associate’s Degree in Band Instrument Repair. Chandler moved to Bay City to work as the brass repair technician at Herter Music Center and has been there for four years. He has been playing with MMBB for two years. Chandler also plays bass trombone in the recently established Loiselle-Callard Big Band. He also plays in Prospect Brass Band, a recent award nominated group through the 40th Annual Review Magazine Music Awards, including Best Variety Band, Best Original Band, and Best Big Band.
