Laurium, Michigan
Drew Kilpela (Assistant Teaching Professor of Music, Michigan Technological University) is a trombonist based in Houghton, Michigan. Born in Okemos, Michigan, Kilpela studied under Michael Dease and Nick Finzer at Michigan State University and the University of North Texas, respectively. An embouchure injury in 2019 forced Kilpela to start over on the instrument; he did not pursue music again until 2022, when he joined the Glenn Miller Orchestra as its third trombonist. In 2023, Kilpela joined the faculty of Michigan Technological University as an adjunct instructor of music and was hired as an Assistant Teaching Professor of Music at that university in the spring of 2025. Kilpela maintains an active performing career on trombone and bass in addition to teaching full-time.
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Rhythm First! A Method for Beginning Jazz Improvisers
Saturday, January 10, 2026
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM CST
