Tuning into the Orchestra

Jeannie Little, Principal Trombone

Photo Credit: Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez/MSU

​Dr. Jeannie Little, Low Brass Professor and Director of University Band at Montana State University, fell in love with the trombone as a child, after her band director played her a recording of Tommy Dorsey’s “Getting Sentimental Over You.” Dorsey’s golden tones lured her into the world of trombone and a lifetime of musical pursuits. Jeannie earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, master’s degree from Northwestern University and doctorate from the Eastman School of Music, all in trombone performance. She has performed with symphony orchestras all over the country, a highlight of which was performing with the Chicago Symphony under Leonard Bernstein. Jeannie has also had great success as a soloist, chamber musician and conductor with recent solo appearances at the 2017 International Trombone Festival and International Women’s Brass Conference. Her teaching career spans all age groups, from beginning elementary students in the Los Angeles public schools to gifted international high school students at the Interlochen Arts Academy to university students at the University of Hawaii, James Madison University, Louisiana State University and now at MSU. Originally from Alabama, Jeannie brings her love and passion for music and the trombone to Montana’s students every day. She lives in Bozeman with her wife, two children, and two dogs, and hopes one day to fulfill her lifelong dream of being a cowgirl.