Jim Pugh, one of New York City’s top trombonists, will perform a master class for the Wichita State University School of Music at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, in C-104 Duerksen Fine Arts Center. The class is free and open to the public.

Pugh’s notable career has included being lead trombonist in the 1970s with Woody Herman's Thundering Herd and Chick Corea's Return to Forever Band, and working for 25 years as a freelance trombonist in New York City. In recent years, he toured and recorded with the rock group Steely Dan, is a founding member of the Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble, and is on faculty as Distinguished Professor of Jazz Trombone at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

He is in Kansas to perform for "Get Trombonafide," a Saturday (Nov. 17) statewide conference and workshop for trombones that Wichita State will participate in at Rose Hill High School.

“He (Pugh) is one of the finest players in the world,” said Russ Widener, director of the WSU School of Music and professor of trombone.

Pugh is often honored as a "musician's musician" for his inspiring virtuosity and wonderful versatility. Whether performing as a concerto soloist in a symphonic setting, recording and touring with legendary artists in the fields of classical, jazz and rock, or bringing forth his own exciting new compositions that expand the role of brass in contemporary music, his creativity knows no boundaries.