Ogden Trombone Choir

About

The Ogden Trombone Choir

(OTC)

Board

Founder

Ron Watkins

1980s–2026

In loving memory of Ron Watkins, who founded the Ogden Trombone Choir and shaped its voice through decades of arranging, leadership, and generosity. His music and friendship remain at the heart of everything we do. A fuller tribute page is on the way.

Board members

  • Stevenson, David
  • Gidley, Bill
  • Knowles, David
  • Hunter, Boyd
  • Nybo, Mike
  • Bauter, Sam

About the choir

OTC is a community trombone choir based in Northern Utah. It was started by its founder, Ron Watkins, in the 1980s. Ron arranged most of the music performed by the OTC, which is comprised of up to twenty-four members, who play alto, tenor, and/or bass trombone.

OTC has performed in concert halls, universities, churches, businesses, parades, high schools, veterans’ homes, assisted living centers, parties, and more for over thirty (30) years.

The mission of the choir is to uplift and educate the public, as well as to give local trombonists an environment to work on their skills — performing, composing, and arranging.

Past and present members

Current members

  • Bauter, Sam 2004–present
  • Boren, David 2023–present
  • Chamberlain, Bryce 2017–present
  • Fowers, Shawn 2010–present
  • Fowers, Lew 2012–present
  • Gidley, Bill 2010–present
  • Hathcock, Paul <2008–present
  • Hunter, Boyd 2022–present
  • Knowles, David <2008–present
  • McColley, Steven 2026–present
  • Nybo, Mike 1984–present
  • Stevenson, David 2008–present
  • Watkins, Kenneth 1980s–present

Former members

  • Carr, Larry
  • Crane, Scott
  • Germer, Russ
  • Hendricks, Steven
  • Houtz, Randy
  • Knowles, Darrell
  • Lewis, Karen
  • Litchford, Daniel
  • Newman, Bob
  • Olsen, Rick 2014–2022
  • Pace, Dean
  • Ross, Ron
  • Schwab, Scott
  • Sharp, Cliff
  • Stowell, Pam
  • Twelves, Parker 2023
  • Watkins, Richard
  • Watkins, Ron 1980s–2026

Performance history

Highlights follow the arc of the choir from its beginnings through decades of public performance.

  1. 1980s

    Founding

    Ron Watkins starts the Ogden Trombone Choir in Northern Utah, laying the groundwork for a long-running community ensemble and a signature sound built on section blend and Ron’s arrangements.

  2. 1980s — 2026

    Repertoire & roster

    For decades, Ron Watkins arranged much of the repertoire. The choir draws up to twenty-four members performing on alto, tenor, and/or bass trombone—balancing polish with room for players to grow.

  3. 30+ years

    Venues & outreach

    OTC appears across the region: concert halls, universities, churches, businesses, parades, high schools, veterans’ homes, assisted living centers, parties, and other community settings—reflecting a commitment to meet listeners where they are.

  4. Ongoing

    Mission

    Uplift and educate the public while giving local trombonists a supportive space to hone performing, composing, and arranging—carrying forward the spirit Ron Watkins built into this ensemble.