Franz Abt(1819 – 1885), the German choirmaster/composer, received his first music instruction from his father, a clergyman and pianist. Abt went to Leipzig to study theology and music at the University and the Thomasschule, and there he met and became friends with both Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann. In 1837, he decided to concentrate entirely on music and spent his life serving as choirmaster in various German cities. He was so successful that he was invited to conduct in many European cities, and eventually developed an international reputation. His 1872 tour of the USA was especially well received.
Vocal music comprised the main bulk of his more than 600 opus numbers. He took a special interest in male choral music whose impoverished repertory he strove to enrich. His style is popular, his melodies simple and fresh, with a pleasing and varied accompaniment, so that some are easily mistaken for genuine folksong.
Jan Zubeck has earned degrees from Kansas State University, Indiana University and the University of Texas at Austin. He has both public school (grades 6 – 12) and college teaching experience. His interest in trombone performance has led him to organize trombone choirs in all three colleges where he has taught. In addition, K.I.T.E. (Kansas Invitational Trombone Ensemble) was organized by Dr. Zubeck in 1988 and is still active today. He also continues to perform as a soloist and as a member of the El Paso Brass Quintet.
