A Versatile Professional Trombone Quartet

Mr. Jefferson’s Bones is comprised of some of the Shenandoah Valley’s most experienced and talented professional trombonists and enjoys performing a wide variety of classical, sacred, popular and jazz repertoire.

The group’s members include Andy Lankford, Tom McKenzie, Niki Miragliotta and Robert Mott. “MJB” is most proud of its annual trombone festival — Tromblow’in — held each January at JMU, which gives trombonists of all ages and abilities a day of workshops, concerts and clinics with professionals from around the state and country.

Notable performance for the ensemble have included headlining Staunton’s Center Stage! Concert Series and Jazz in the Park summer concert series; performing at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello for the annual 4th of July Naturalization and Citizenship Ceremony; school assembly concerts for K-12 students; and numbers other local concert and church events, including the SACRA Christmas benefit and summertime Concerts on the Lawn at JMU, Bridgewater and Massanutten, to name just a few.

Contact us to learn more about booking the Virginia professional trombone quartet, Mr. Jefferson’s Bones.

Sacred Music Performances

“I am enthusiastic about Mr. Jefferson’s Bones, a trombone ensemble comprised of consummate musicians who exhibit extraordinary musicianship through a wide range of styles. They are equally comfortable performing a renaissance motet as when playing something with a blues flavor. Our church audience was enthralled with the delightful punctation and contrast they provided at an otherwise all choral, sacred music festival.”

Charles Torian
Director of Music, Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Charlottesville, VA

Excellence in Brass Worship Music

“What is the sound of five trombones blowing? It is the ode to joy on a Sunday morning and the thunder’s swell to quicken delight. Mr. Jefferson’s Bones are gifted musicians who ‘sing the body electric’.”

Rev. Edward A. Scott
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Staunton , VA

Masterful Liturgical Music Sensitivity

“Mr. Jefferson’s Bones consistently performs an amazing variety of sacred and secular repertoire with a wonderful sense of style. Your gift of programming and understanding of church liturgy have enhanced the Moravian Love Feasts, Advent Midday Concerts, and Good Friday Services at Asbury. Each exquisite performance is accompanied by fun and flexibility. It’s obvious that you love what you do, and you do it so well!”

 

Laura Douglass
Asbury United Methodist Church, Harrisonburg, VA

Audiences of All Ages

“Thank you so much for playing for us at Camp Young at Heart. Many of our 65 participants commented that, ‘all the entertainment was excellent, but Mr. Jefferson’s Bones was the best!’”

Bob Wheeler
Music Director, Broadus Memorial Baptist Church, Charlottesville, VA

Inspiring Audiences

“Mr. Jefferson’s Bones is trombone magic! Their soulful rendition of God Bless the Child left the audience at the JMU Furious Flower tribute to Lucille Clifton wanting more.”

Joanne V. Gabbin, PhD
Executive Director, JMU’s Furious Flower Poetry Center

School Assemblies in Virginia

“Mr. Jefferson’s Bones engaged my high school band class for an entire period with a wide range of literature for trombone quartet. Highly recommended!”

Steve Layman
Former band director, Western Albemarle High School

Ensemble Members

Tom McKenzie

Tom McKenzie

Trombone

Tom McKenzie received his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Business Administration degrees from James Madison University. At JMU, he studied trombone with George West and jazz with Gunnar…

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Robert Mott

Robert Mott

Bass Trombone

MJB founding member Robert Mott holds a B.F.A. in graphic design from the University of Arizona where he attended for four years on a music scholarship. At Arizona, he studied…

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Niki Miragliotta

Niki Miragliotta

Trombone

Niki Miragliotta is a music teacher at Stone Spring Elementary School in Harrisonburg, VA.  She received her Bachelor of Music in Music Education at James Madison University where she studied trombone…

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Andy Lankford

Andy Lankford

Trombone

Andy Lankford serves as professor of trombone at James Madison University. Prior to joining the JMU faculty in 2001, Dr. Lankford held teaching positions at Louisiana Tech University and Armstrong…

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