Photograph by Kurt Reichenbach
Chicago, USA – August 9, 2019 – Andrew and Julie Naumann, Owners of Schilke Music Products, Inc. and Greenhoe Trombones, have announced the introduction of a new Schilke Signature Series mouthpiece: the Schilke – Reichenbach. Designed working with Greenhoe Performing Artist Bill Reichenbach, this new bass trombone mouthpiece is the result of more than a year’s worth of design and trial.
The Schilke – Reichenbach mouthpiece features a unique design, from the inner cup diameter to the rim shape, cup shape and a new exterior profile. Responsive, even in feel, and full of color, the Schilke – Reichenbach is the first trombone mouthpiece in Schilke’s Signature Series, joining Signature trumpet and cornet mouthpieces designed with Jon Faddis, Marc Geujon and Osamu Takahashi.
A native of Takoma Park, Maryland, Bill Reichenbach was educated at the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Emory Remington. Relocating to Los Angeles in 1975, Bill has played on at least 1000 records and 600 movies, plus countless jingles and television shows. Primarily a bass trombone player, Bill also plays tenor trombone, contrabass trombone, euphonium, tenor horn and tuba. The Bill Reichenbach Quartet CD, released in 1984, continues to be heard on jazz radio stations throughout the country.
In 2003, Bill founded the Hearts of Music Fund, a non-profit fund established to assist musicians with emergency medical needs. Many musicians, although working, do not have or qualify for medical insurance and, as we all know, illness and accidents don’t check for medical coverage before striking. Every Christmas season, the Hearts of Music Fund raises money by offering concerts performed by the Trombones-L.A. trombone choir. They perform holiday music (arranged and conducted by Bill Reichenbach) at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in North Hollywood. A portion of the proceeds from each Schilke – Reichenbach mouthpiece will be contributed to the Hearts of Music Fund.
“We are very fortunate to work with Bill Reichenbach as a Greenhoe Performing Artist,” said Michael Zielinski, Director of Sales for Schilke Music Products and Greenhoe Trombones. “For a half century, Bill has been a truly legendary musician who has influenced so many of us. On a human level, he has touched people’s lives through his Hearts of Music Fund. We are honored to be able to contribute to such a worthy cause while introducing a new and unique mouthpiece with superlative characteristics.”