If you’ve never heard of a bass trombone, you’re probably not alone. It usually makes its home in the back row of the orchestra with the other low brass instruments, rarely getting any solo time. “The ...

Chicago Symphony Orchestra bass trombone Charles Vernon didn’t think small when he asked composer James Stephenson to write a concerto for him. “I said: ‘I want something that’s this wonderful piece, ...

It’ll be a homecoming of sorts when an Iowa native musician returns to Ames to perform this weekend. John Engelkes grew up in Parkersburg and now plays bass trombone with the San Francisco Symphony.