Scott Shelsta – Trombone

Scott Shelsta, retired from US Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” has begun a new career as an “1890s American,” where he tells about the days of historic bandleaders Patrick Gilmore, John Philip Sousa, Arthur Pryor, and Allersando Liberatti. It just so happens that he performed in these bands as a trombonist, and shares his stories and playing style. Shelsta’s forte as a trombone artist centers around the turn-of-the-century style of playing.

All solo trombone ensemble accompaniments before the computer era of the 1990’s were riddled with errors. Shelsta has recently revised, corrected, and digitalized all older solo trombone literature for winds as well as most orchestral trombone accompaniments. His efforts will be used by generations of future trombonists. Twenty-eight solo pieces for youngsters playing trombone have been arranged by Mr. Shelsta for winds or orchestra. He performs some of the most memorable and cherished music of our time.

“He tells about playing with Sousa and other bands in the 1890s, and Shelsta’s trombone solos were stupefying.” — Paul Carpenter, Chicago Tribune

“Scott Shelsta is a superb musician who is able to perform the most difficult solos with ease. He thrills an audience with his blazing technique and possesses an affable demeanor which endears him to his listeners. It is a joy and a pleasure to conduct him in concert. He truly ranks among the finest soloists of our time.” — Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel, USAF (Ret)

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