Elliot L. Chasanov Associate Professor of Trombone and
Chair of the Brass Division
B.M.
(trombone), University of Illinois; M.M. (trombone performance and
brass pedagogy), Youngstown State University (Ohio) and the Catholic
University of America (Washington, D.C.
Elliot Chasanov began his musical studies at an
early age as a cellist, starting the trombone shortly thereafter. Prior
to coming to the University of Illinois, Professor Chasanov was
principal trombonist and trombone soloist of the United States Air
Force Band and Orchestra in Washington, D.C. (1981-1985) and professor
of trombone and euphonium at Kent State University (1985-1991). His
teachers include Frank Crisafulli, Robert Gray, Vern Kagarice, Alan
Kofsky, and Charles Vernon. Professor Chasanov hosted the 1997
International Trombone Festival at the University of Illinois and has
served on its faculty four other times.
He has presented recitals and master classes throughout the United
States, Canada, England, and Western and Eastern Europe. In Poland,
Professor Chasanov was featured guest artist at the 2000 Warsaw
Trombone Festival and Judge of the 2nd All-Poland Trombone Competition.
He served as trombone faculty at The International Music Festival at
Duzniki Dzroj in Poland in the summers of 2000 and 2001. In December
2001 he was featured as trombone soloist with the Polish National
Philharmonic-Bialystok and presented a solo recital in Florianka,
Krakow's famed hall. In late 2002, Professor Chasanov was a faculty
artist at the Polish Brass Symposium and guest artist at the Warsaw
Academy of Music. Plans are underway to record a CD of concerti with
the Warsaw-based chamber orchestra Concerto Avenna.
In the United States, Professor Chasanov has performed with
the Cleveland Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Ballet,
Cleveland Opera, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and Metropolitan Brass
Quintet. In addition to his solo career, he currently performs with the
Illinois Brass Quintet and as a regular substitute with the Milwaukee
Symphony.
Teaching Philosophy
My main focus is to help students to excel as
musicians by developing their skills of interpretation. As in any
language, fluency on trombone must first be achieved before expression
can be developed. Fluency on trombone is grounded in solid fundamentals
of tone production, technique, and intonation. With fundamentals
solidified, students are exposed to vocal literature including lieder
and art songs in order to help them gain insight into both phrasing and
breathing. All students are encouraged to broaden their expertise in
all areas of trombone performance including solo, chamber, large
ensembles, and jazz.
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