Name: Steve Wolfinbarger
Graduation Year: 1979
Major: Music Education
Current Position: Professor of Music (trombone), Western Michigan University
City and State: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
For the past 38 years, I’ve held the position of Professor of Music specializing in trombone at Western Michigan University (WMU) where I’ve had the privilege of instructing numerous exceptional students. Seeing their successes, particularly in the face of competition from esteemed music programs worldwide, has been very rewarding.
Over 40 times, my students have been named as finalists, alternates, or given honorable mention in the International Trombone Association solo competitions. They have been named winners on nine different occasions. Many of them have gained admission to prestigious graduate music programs across the United States, including well-regarded institutions such as The Juilliard School, Yale University, The Eastman School of Music, Indiana University, and Northwestern University, among others.
In addition to success in competitions, former students have gone on to teach at over 20 universities and music programs nationwide, including such notable institutions as Florida State University, Louisiana State University, University of Notre Dame, University of North Carolina, and Ball State University. Others have or currently are performing with renowned ensembles.
I was fortunate to be named Michigan Professor of the Year in 2013 and to receive the WMU Distinguished Teaching Award in 2010, both evidence of my students’ success and hard work. Furthermore, being honored with the International Trombone Association Award, the most prestigious accolade bestowed by the ITA, and serving as President of the organization from 1994 to 1996, underscore my contributions to the field.
In addition to my commitments at WMU, I serve on the Board of Advisors for the International Trombone Festival, a globally renowned event that annually attracts around 1,000 trombonists from roughly 40 countries.
What is your favorite memory from Evangel?
It’s impossible to overlook the invaluable mentorship I received from the wonderful faculty and staff in the Evangel music department, particularly trombone professor Dr. Joe Nicholson and John Shows, former Director of Bands. Their impact on me was deep-rooted and enduring. Now, as a faculty member teaching at a secular university, I can’t help but appreciate the tradition of beginning most classes with a prayer or devotional, a practice that was embraced by most Evangel faculty.
How did Evangel help you identify/develop your calling?
I remember Dr. Nicholson took me and fellow trombone students under his wing to attend my first trombone conference at Western Illinois University. This experience created considerable enthusiasm within me and solidified my commitment to the International Trombone Association, which subsequently paved the way for significant involvement in the organization. Interestingly, the very person who organized the trombone event at WIU later preceded me as President of the International Trombone Association.
Moreover, Dr. Nicholson’s influential mentorship in my field propelled me towards a career path that mirrored his own—educating college-level students in trombone and music. I’m so grateful to now receive a paycheck for indulging in a passion that brings me so much satisfaction and joy!
How did your experience at Evangel prepare you for life after graduation?
My educational philosophy revolves around the belief that the seeds we sow today bear the flowers of tomorrow. Drawing inspiration from my mentors at Evangel, I see teaching as a legacy that nurtures seeds of knowledge that continue to bloom across generations. While I respect the boundaries of teaching in a secular institution, I believe that the profound impact I have on my students’ lives through the way I live my life is telling.
In both secular and Christian universities, students often grapple with personal challenges that hinder their academic journey. Away from home and sometimes hesitant to confide in their parents, they turn to mentors like myself for guidance. Because of my own Christian values, I naturally assume a paternal role, offering support and wisdom to navigate life’s challenges.
To me, the most exciting part of teaching is seeing the many successes of my students and knowing that I have not only opened new doors for them, but that I have been a positive influence on their lives and through them, subsequent generations of students.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
The first class of the semester I discuss some keys to success. Some are more geared toward musicians, but I think most apply to any student. They include the following:
- Show up for your classes.
- Excellence is an attitude, not a skill.
- Give up believing in the “magic bullet.” Overnight success is a myth.
- Give up on excuses. It’s not about the cards you’re dealt, but how you “play the hand.”
- Success requires hard work, common sense, and persistence (going from failure to failure without a loss of enthusiasm).
- Give up on saying ‘yes’ to things that don’t support your goals.
- First be a person of quality and then a musician of quality.
- Avoid hanging around those who affect you in a negative way. The people you spend the most time with add up to who you become.
- Guard your attitude and your health.
- Limit your time on social media and avoid blogging or posting anything that could reflect badly on you (I’ve seen it affect careers).
- Take care of business—Be organized, respond quickly to e-mails and texts, complete assignments early, be proactive, and (for musicians) get in your practice.
- Finally, earn and maintain the respect of others.
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel?
Since I only accept students into my master’s program but don’t actually hire them for a position, I’m going to summarize my answers in the previous question and also elaborate briefly. Things like passion, attitude, energy, body language, coachability, preparation and ability are all essential elements I look for when accepting students into my master’s program. These are also important life skills needed to be hired and to be successful in a new job.