For the next week or so, Dr. Austin Seybert – professor of trombone/low brass at Northern Kentucky University – is making trips back and forth to his hometown of Bridgeport. The 2007 Bridgeport High School graduate is conducting the orchestra for Clarksburg Public Theatre’s first production – “Annie” at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center.

 

Since his days at BHS - when he played the trombone and tuba for the marching, concert and jazz bands – Seybert has been accumulating college degrees in music. After earning his undergraduate degree in music education and jazz performance from Marshall University, he attended the University of Illinois, earning his masters in jazz trombone performance. He then did some freelancing as an adjunct professor and private teacher before pursuing his doctorate in classical trombone performance at the University of Iowa. Next came an international tour with the Glen Miller Orchestra, playing in New Zealand and Hawaii.

 

“I liked it, but I knew it really wasn’t the life I wanted. I wanted to settle down and teach,” he said.

 

Seybert married his high school sweetheart Katie Ferber, also a member of the 2007 BHS class. They one one son, James Joseph "JJ." 

 

The next chapter was the position at NKU – and inspiration to record his own classical jazz album; something different than what has been done before.

 

“What I didn’t want to do is record music that has been recorded a thousand times already,” he said. “I knew I wanted to record new music.”

 

Seybert is currently working on “Untold Stories,” a collection of eight original pieces, each bringing awareness to social, political, historical and personal awareness to issues that he and his fellow composers believe to be important. Seybert and seven other musicians have composed pieces for trombone, piano, bass and percussion dealing with issues such as the opioid epidemic, father-son relationships, social justice and other issues.

 

The idea behind the collection came when one of Seybert’s private students and good friends died after being diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

 

“He was such an inspiring individual and when I was doing doctorate recitals, I wrote a piece for him – performed by a trombone sextet,” Seybert said. “It was met with such great reviews and people seemed to get a lot out of the piece. I thought maybe I should continue doing this.”

 

His next piece was written for his in-laws; a big band number titled “My Guardians.” Seybert thereafter reached out to some of his friends and composers, asking them to consider writing a piece based on a topic of personal importance.

 

Seybert feels the project will send messages to listeners; those regarding social awareness and personal struggles. The album is expected to be released in July of 2020.

 

It’s an expensive endeavor and one which Seybert invites members of his hometown to invest in.

 

“My hope is that other people will find value in it and consider chipping in, getting some music from a local talent and Bridgeport boy and also support a good cause,” Seybert said. “I’m sure most people are more accustomed to buying popular and country albums, but since this project is outlined around awareness issues, they mind find a cause they want to get behind and feel good about it.”

 

A contribution of $25 includes a copy of the album and all new compositions. There are several ways to donate. Meet the artists involved in the project and make a donation HERE. 

 

“Annie” runs at the Robinson Grand Dec. 9-15. It is Seybert’s sister, Emily Moore, a graduate of Liberty High School, who started the community theater program.

 

What’s next for Seybert?

 

“I’m excited to perform one of the pieces on this new album – Catherine McMichael’s ‘Extinction of Species’ - at the International Trombone Festival faculty showcase in Osaka, Japan in July,” he said.

 

Seybert and his family live in Highland Heights, Ky.

 

Learn more about Seybert at his personal Web site HERE.