Raleigh Area Trombone Society

04/13/2026

Did you miss our newsletter that went out on 4/1? No worries- you can access it on our website! Be sure to join our mailing list to not miss out on future newsletter publications and events!

04/12/2026

What a great evening today!

We had an trombone reading session led by Rusty McKinnery, followed by a wonderful social and potluck dinner. It was truly special to see so many trombonists come together to read, connect, and share not just music, but also great food and conversation.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event such a success.

Stay tuned for upcoming events, which will be announced soon on the Raleigh Area Trombone Society page and across our social media. We’re excited to keep building this community together!

03/27/2026

North Carolina Trombone Festival at East Carolina University, Greenville. Guest artist

Last weekend, RATS members traveled to Greenville for an afternoon showcase alongside trombone ensembles from ECU and UNC-Charlotte.

They opened with Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare by Richard Strauss and performed a varied program featuring works by Eric Ewazen, Mark Sullivan (arr. Russell McKinney), Matt Neff, Hoyt Bohannan, Bill Reichenbach, and Walter S. Hartley.

We sincerely thank Bill Haugeberg for the invitation to this wonderful festival. It was an incredibly meaningful experience for all of us.

The ensemble included Devin Drinan .trombone, Rody Huertas , Wendell Welch , Matt Edwards, Jeep Morrison, Garry Grabow, Matt Weingarton, Tetsuya Endo , Cameron Collar , and Matt Neff , directed by Rusty McKinney .

12/13/2025

The RATS Holiday All-Stars Ensemble (Raleigh Area Trombone Society) brought joyful holiday music to the beautiful historic North Carolina State Capitol.

Huge thanks to all the trombonists who participated and helped make this concert so special. Community, music, and holiday spirit at its best!

🎄 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🎉

12/12/2025

Since there is no such thing as too much holiday trombone choir music, we have another performance coming up this Saturday! While this is not a “bring your own trombone” event, come on out to hear some fun music!

12/07/2025

🎄🎶 Holiday Open House at the North Carolina State Capitol Building in Raleigh.🎶🎄

📅 Saturday, December 13: 1:00 PM - 2:00pm
📍1 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601
🎼 RATS Holiday All-Stars Ensemble

Join us for a joyful holiday concert in a stunning historic venue!

RaleighNC

12/06/2025

R.A.TS. 1st Annual Trombone Christmas was a huge success, with a wonderful participation of 35 trombonists!
Musicians of all ages came together to celebrate the season with music, joy, and community.

The RATS Christmas Concert was created to promote and encourage fellowship and musicianship among trombone players, and today truly captured that mission.

We gathered in Raleigh at the MAKRS Holiday Fest 2025. The crowd was incredible, the energy was high, and the unity through music was unforgettable.

Grateful to everyone who joined, supported, and helped make this first event so special. Here’s to many more years of celebrating music and bringing people together!

12/02/2025

Hello everyone! We are just a few days away from our trombone Christmas event! All ages/skill levels are welcome. Please note that there will be a rehearsal at 9:00 AM before the performance. For more info, please visit the link in our bio!

11/16/2025

Sharing a couple of pictures from yesterday’s Fall Audition Coaching!

Huge thanks to Dr. Bill Haugeberg , Cameron Collar , Steve Wilfong, Tetsuya Endo , Wendell Welch, and Matt Weingarten for an amazing coaching. Thank you Tom Jenner and Jeep Morrison for the coordination and support, and Rody J Huertas for the photography and videos.

11/16/2025