Ensemble Director: Prof. Katie Franke
Prof. Katie Franke, tenor trombonist, is the newly appointed adjunct applied trombone professor of George Mason University’s Dewberry School of Music, effective Fall 2024 semester. In October 2023, Katie Franke commenced her role as the first-ever female trombonist and low brass player in the history of the “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. As a member of “The President’s Own,” she regularly performs at ceremonies and concerts at the White House, as well as around the D.C. area and throughout the US.
George Mason is the perfect place to study trombone as it offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in classical and jazz performance, music education, arts administration, and more. Our experienced faculty have performed with ensembles all over the world. You will have the chance to perform with a myriad of ensembles including the renowned Green Machine pep band as well as with the Mason trombone choir. On top of all that George Mason is located just minutes from Washington, D.C. and offers many scholarship opportunities, making it one of the best values for trombone study.
Trombone Studio
Guest Artist
Michael Burner of Pershing’s Own will be giving a masterclass on Monday, November 17 and a recital on February 2, 2026. Michael W. Burner is a trombonist and educator based in Washington DC. He is a musician in The United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own”, joining the organization in 2020. Prior to this, he was an active freelance musician in New York City, performing with the Metropolitan Opera, New England Symphonic Ensemble, and the Chamber Orchestra of New York. A versatile musician, Mr. Burner has performed with many Broadway and off-Broadway shows, as well as performances with orchestras and touring groups across the United States, including the Kennedy Center Opera, Diana Reyes, Sigur Rós, and as a soloist for Crystal Bridges Museum of Art. As a member of the U.S. Army Band, Mr. Burner has performed with the ceremonial, blues, and concert band elements and is a member of the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets.
Student Involvement
Steven Bectel and Miguel Zayas attended the DC Trombone Workshop in the summer of 2025.