About
Garrett M. Haas
BIO
Garrett Mitchell Haas, a Colorado native, began his musical studies at the age of 11 on piano. He attended Colorado State University from 2006–2011 where he received Bachelor’s degrees in both piano and bass trombone performance. His study at CSU was directed primarily by Gregory Harper (trombone), and Dr. Janet Landreth (piano). In August 2011, Haas moved to Phoenix, Arizona with his wife where he became a graduate teaching assistant and earned his Master’s degree in bass trombone performance at Arizona State University. He is currently ABD in the Doctor of Musical Arts program at ASU. Mr. Haas began his trombone studies in Arizona with Ralph Sauer, retired principal trombonist of the LA Philharmonic, and since 2012, has studied with Douglas Yeo, the recently retired bass trombonist of the Boston Symphony. Haas was a finalist in the 2010 concerto competition while at CSU, performing Tchaikovsky’s 1st piano concerto, and has been awarded Special Talent and Performing Arts Scholarships for outstanding musical ability through all four graduate and undergraduate degrees. Mr. Haas’ experience in musical ensembles ranges from trombone choir and quartet to jazz band, marching band, concert band, symphony orchestra, and many other chamber groups. He has also studied with Ryan Haines, Dr. Silvana Santinelli, Peter Sommer, Sam Pilafian, and Michael Kocour.
Haas’ commercial and professional experience began with his role as an extra/off-stage trombonist with the Fort Collins Opera, and has since grown to include performances with the Salt River Brass, West Valley Symphony, Scottsdale Arts Orchestra, Arizona Pro Arte, East Valley Millennial Choirs & Orchestras, Ocotillo Brass Quintet, Bottomless Brass, and several community jazz bands. In 2010, he was asked to accompany the Colorado State University Percussion Ensemble at the Percussive Arts Society International Conference (PASIC). In addition to his role as an ensemble musician, Mr. Haas maintains a private brass and piano studio in the Phoenix area, and is an adjunct professor at South Mountain Community College.
Mr. Haas strives to keep a vibrant, creative balance between performing and teaching, and is passionate about both aspects of his musical career as he continues to pursue goals as both a performer and educator.
FAMILY
Garrett and his wife, Brittney, married at Faith Church in December of 2009 in their hometown of Fort Collins, Colorado. Five years later, they started their family with the birth of their son, Oliver, and in 2018 celebrated the birth of their daughter, Elcie. Being fifth in a family of seven children, Garrett and Brittney's daughter brought the grandchild count up to fifteen for his side of the family!
INTERESTS
Besides enjoying music, Garrett also loves spending time outdoors, especially when it involves activities like fishing, hiking, and camping. Having grown up in the Colorado mountains with these kind of adventures, it is a part of him that will not soon fade away. He hopes to incorporate similar traditions and memories into his and Brittney's family as it grows over the years.