About Me

Zach Bethel is a trombonist, educator, and chamber musician in the Madison, WI area. Zach is currently the Low Brass Professor at Concordia University-Wisconsin where he teaches lessons and performs with the CUW faculty brass quintet. He is also on staff with The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps as a low brass instructor. Zach routinely freelances contemporary gigs and church services throughout central Wisconsin. Zach is a multi-faceted trombonist and has performed in a wide variety of spaces including with brass bands, big bands, small combos and regional orchestras in the Midwest. He is also proficient on bass trombone and euphonium.

Zach received his master's in trombone performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison ('22) and is passionate about new and contemporary music.
Originally from Orlando, Florida, Zach graduated from Florida State University with a double major in Music and English ('20). His primary instructors have included Mark Hetzler, Dr. John Drew, and Jeff Thomas.

An avid educator of the marching arts, Zach has spent several years instructing and teaching marching bands and drum and bugle corps. In addition to being on staff with The Academy, Zach also teaches music and visual for several high school marching bands throughout Wisconsin. While at UW-Madison, Zach was a graduate teaching assistant with the Badger Band where he aided in rehearsals, instructed trombone sectionals, and led pep bands for various collegiate sporting events.

Zach is also a member and founder of the Beltline Bones, a midwest-based trombone quartet that pursues contemporary sounds and pushes the boundaries of modern repertoire through electro-acoustic means. You can see their latest performances and happenings at their instagram over at @beltlinebones.

Outside of the music profession, Zach enjoys reading, and hiking and kayaking with his partner Lauren and dog Cleo.

Resume and CV available upon request.