Dr. Jason Sulliman, Associate Professor of Trombone for the John M. Long School of Music, was invited to perform with the Atlantic Brass Band at the 2024 Scottish Open International Brass Band Competition held in Perth, Scotland on November 29.

Sulliman, who is in his eighth year at TROY, is no stranger to the U.K. brass band tradition.

“I grew up listening to recordings of U.K. brass bands, which greatly influenced my concept of sound and style even to this day,” he said. “It is a dream come true to get the opportunity to perform with one of the best U.K.-style brass bands in the United States in a U.K. brass band competition.”

The Atlantic Brass Band contacted Dr. Sulliman, hoping he help provide a solid foundation of sound with the band’s heavy brasses and help the band place higher than previous years at the international competition. Dr. Bryan Appleby-Wineberg, Principal Cornet and Assistant Conductor of the band, had one name on his shortlist and knew that Sulliman would be up for the challenge.

“There was no question of who to call for such a job,” Appleby-Wineberg said. “We knew there would be minimal rehearsals, and we needed someone who could handle the pressure of a big international competition.”

Sulliman first rehearsed with the band in Glassboro, New Jersey, and then traveled with them to Scotland just before the fall break. The Atlantic Brass Band placed third overall among 17 of the finest brass bands in the U.K. This year’s finish was an improvement from their sixth-place finish in 2017. The band performed “Crazy Twenties” by Thierry Deleruyelle for their choice piece.

Sulliman had minimal time to prepare, but he doesn’t see it that way.

“I practice every single day, and I have for years,” he said. “I haven’t missed a day since starting at Troy University. Seneca said ‘luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity,’ and I feel very lucky right now. It is moments like these that make the work all worthwhile.”

Dr. Appleby-Wineberg, who also serves as the department chair for music at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, made the most of Dr. Sulliman’s time by arranging several master classes for the music students at Rowan before the brass band travelled to Europe.

“Dr. Sulliman is a world-renowned expert on brass pedagogy with specific focus on facial stability and practice sequencing,” he said. “While he was in town for brass band rehearsals, we arranged several opportunities for him to work with our ensembles and our brass students. His depth of knowledge will leave a lasting impact on our program. He was inspirational for our students!”

While in Scotland, Sulliman tried to balance his practice regime with experiencing Scotland.

“I made time for practice every day, which was sometimes challenging,” he said. But with a little creativity, some planning, and a ‘Trojan Warrior spirit,’ anything is possible.” Sulliman spent time in Edinburgh, Perth, and travelled up to the famous Loch Lomond, where he even serenaded the ‘bonnie banks’ with his rendition of the well-known tune — a bucket-list experience for him.

Sulliman also says that he was grateful for the support of the John M. Long School of Music and Faculty Development Grant, which helped to fund the trip.