Dr. Shanks teaches applied lessons to all trombone majors, conducts the WTAMU Trombone Choir, performs in the WT Faculty Brass Quintet, and leads weekly studio classes. He also serves as Principal Trombone of the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra.
Shanks was chosen as one of eight featured Participants out of a large international field at the prestigious Alessi Seminar in 2013 and 2015. He was named the winner of the National Solo Competition held at the Eastern Trombone Workshop in Washington DC in 2012, and placed as a finalist in the same competition in 2011. In 2016, he was the only American tenor trombonist to appear at the First International Tenor and Bass Trombone Competition in Budapest, Hungary. His invited performances include the American Trombone Workshop, International Trombone Festival, Southeast Trombone Symposium, TMEA Conference, and at various colleges and universities. He has served as an adjudicator for the American Trombone Workshop National Solo Contest, the ENKOR International Solo and Chamber Music competitions, and the TMEA All-State ensembles. Dr. Shanks is proud to serve as a Performing Artist for S.E. Shires Trombones.
