Musically educated in France with focus on trombone performance (albeit including digressions in the worlds of baritone, euphonium and tuba performance … the latter being read in trebble clef of course), Bertrand first performed in Europe with classical ensembles (from the Ardennes State Youth Wind Ensemble to the Fives Philarmonic Orchestra), jazz orchestras (Dijon Jazz Band; Club Mediterrannée Jazz Orchestra); and variety orchestras (Joe Bertelli Orchestra).

After moving to the US in 1990, he has performed (and still performs) in equally varied ensembles in Southern Wisconsin, Northern Illinois and Eastern Iowa including, but not limited to: the Madison Brass Band, the Madison Wind Ensemble, the Max Drexler Bavarian Bass Band, the Jeff Peronto Jazz Orchestra, the Glenwood Moravian Church Trombone Choir and The Jerry Stich Circus Band. He also performs as a free lance musician with various groups in the area, including pit orchestras.

Last but not least, finding time to volunteer for music education is an ever present priority, ranging from working sectionals with the low brass students at Monona Grove High School to monthly jazz clinics / concerts at schools throughout Dane county (in addition to driving my teenage daughter to piano and percussion lessons, show choir, band, choir, musicals and local community band practices, and attending all her recitals / shows / concerts).

Current trombones:

1. Getzen AFR 3062 Bass Trombone
2. Courtois Prestige 400 Tenor Trombone
3. Getzen Eterna 998 small bore jazz tenor with slide attachment.

Why perform with the Madison Brass Band? Because I retrieved here (with delight) the music, voicing and repertoire that I grew up with in Europe (thanks Dad for taking your sons with you to YOUR brass band practices … we’re both still playing on two continents and so are you!)