Artist Biographies

Julia Baer is a Junior at Keene State college pursuing a BFA in Graphic Design with a minor in Music. Julia’s primary instrument is guitar, in addition to clarinet and voice. At Keene State, she plays as a member of Keene State’s Jazz band, Classical Guitar Orchestra, and Jazz combos. Outside of the college, she has performed in the pit band in the Keene Lions Club theater productions of “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Rent.” In addition, Julia has performed in a number of small jazz settings throughout the Monadnock region, including at the emerging artist’s festival at Vermont Jazz Center. Julia is both a vocalist and a guitarist in the five-piece rock group Splatter, playing regional festivals and campus events.

Kevin Sonntag is a reed player based in Swanzey, New Hampshire, and earned his B.M. in Instrumental Music Education at Keene State College. He is a product of teachers Scott Mullett, Jason Koerber, and Dr. Craig Sylvern for solo Saxophone performance, and studies both jazz studies and improvisation with Steve Cady. During his tenure at Keene State College, Kevin has performed with the Concert Band, Saxophone Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Combos. While specializing primarily on the Saxophone, Kevin is also recognized for his experience playing Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, and English Horn. As a highly sought after performer, he has played works by local and national composers for solo performance, chamber, and large ensembles. His performance experience is diverse and broad, playing a multitude of genres, and performing in professional ensembles within the tri-state region. Some of these ensembles include the notable Keene Jazz Orchestra, Monadnock Wind Ensemble (NH), Winchendon Winds (MA), and appearances as an emerging artist through the Vermont Jazz Center (VT). His most recent professional performing experience was playing in the orchestra for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at the New London Barn Playhouse.

Kevin is a recipient of the prestigious Louis Armstrong National Jazz Award, Excellence in Tone Award, and a recipient of the Music Department Talent Scholarship. He is also a collegiate member of the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME) and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). Upon graduating in May, he hopes to secure a position teaching high school, and work towards earning a Master’s of Music in Jazz Performance.

Growing up in the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire, Kyle Trombley has cultivated a deep passion for the performing arts that has shaped his career as a conductor, pianist, baritone and organist. His musical journey spans North America, Europe, and Australia, with accolades that showcase his diverse talents across a wide range of musical genres. From local New England stages to prestigious international venues, Kyle's artistry transcends boundaries and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. He is also an educator and community advocate, committed to fostering musical growth.

Kyle's early involvement in the arts led him to significant semi-professional work, performing in community halls and theaters throughout New England. His professional career has since flourished, including notable contributions to Broadway musical scores, with arrangements for productions such as Me, Myself and Jill and Session Girls. He has also been featured at some of the world's most celebrated venues, including the Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall (US), Münsterkirche St. Alexandri (Germany), Guildhall (Ireland/United Kingdom), and the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall (Australia).

A First Prize winner in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Upper College-Age Classical Division, Kyle’s dedication to his craft has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as a New Hampshire Art Scholar and membership in the National Music, Computer Science, and World Language Honors Societies. He is especially known for his active musicianship and his involvement with prominent musical ensembles, including the Zenith Ensemble, Keene Jazz Orchestra, and the New Hampshire Philharmonic.

www.kyletrombleymusic.com