Skip to main content
OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University
Calvert Switzer
Calvert Switzer

Calvert Switzer

Adjunct, Division of Music
Low Brass

Biography

A native of Nebraska, Cal started playing the trombone in fifth grade. In high school, he was the lead trombonist in the Nebraska All-State Jazz Band for three years. Following high school, he attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) to study K-12 music education. There, he won several awards and graduated in 2020. Late that year, he moved to Lawrence, Kansas to pursue a masters degree in trombone performance. While the, he played in the trombone graduate quartet, KU Wind Ensemble, KU Jazz I Ensemble, and in the trombone choir. In April 2022, he passed his masters oral examination with honors and graduated a month later. He is now the trombone GTA at the University of Oklahoma and is seeking his D.M.A. His instrumental areas of expertise include trombone (tenor, alto, and bass) and the euphonium. Outside of school and practicing, Cal spends his time with his dog, Rocky, studying the Bible, watching videos on YouTube, playing his PS4, and watching the Baltimore Orioles (MLB).

Education

  • B.M. (Bachelors of Music) in K-12 Music Education
  • Nebraska Educator's Certificate/Permit
  • M.M (Masters of Music) in Trombone Performance

Subjects Taught

  • Applied Trombone
  • Trombone choir/chamber ensembles
  • Brass Methods/Technique
  • Jazz Ensemble

Professional Memberships

  • ITA (International Trombone Association)

Awards and Honors

  • Passed Masters Oral Exam w/ Honors – Spring 2022
  • Featured Soloist w/ KU Jazz Ensemble I – Spring 2021
  • William Nestor University Student Leadership Award – Spring 2020
  • UNK College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Senior – Spring 2020
  • Soloist w/ UNK Wind Ensemble at NSBA – Spring 2019
  • NSBA Collegiate Scholarship – Spring 2019
  • UNK Concerto/Aria Competition Winner – Fall 2018
  • UNK NAfME Recital Competition Winner – Fall 2018
  • Reno Jazz Festival Outstanding Performer – Spring 2017
  • Nebraska Wind Symphony Scholarship Winner – Spring 2017
  • UNK Pride of the Plains Most Outstanding Freshman – Fall 2016
  • John Schildneck Young Artist Competition Winner – Summer 2016