LAMBERTVILLE -- Since being introduced to the trombone in fifth grade, Western Michigan University sophomore Derek Lyp rarely put it down.

He was recently named one of three finalists in the International Trombone Association's bass trombone solo competition for students 18 and under and is to compete in the final round of the George Roberts Solo Competition at the International Trombone Festival Thursday at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

Mr. Lyp, 18, will compete against students from Northwestern University and the University of Alabama and will have a chance to win a $5,000 bass trombone.

Steven Wolfinbarger, a Western Michigan professor of music, was Mr. Lyp's trombone teacher his freshman year.

Mr. Wolfinbarger said it is an honor for Mr. Lyp to take part in what is considered the highest level of trombone competitions for nonprofessionals.

"His focus, the dedication, all of those things work in [Mr. Lyp's] favor," Mr. Wolfinbarger said, "He is quite a kid; very, very talented and a really nice kid on top of that."

Mr. Lyp said that he was introduced to the trombone in fifth-grade band class.

His teacher had provided him with a variety of instruments, but it was the low-pitched trombone that "came naturally" to him, he said.

Mr. Lyp said it was overwhelming to get the opportunity to compete.

"I never thought I would make it this far," he said. "I'm so grateful to have the opportunity and I'll be working my butt off to see it through."

During his years at St. John's Jesuit High School in Toledo, Mr. Lyp was active in every ensemble and dedicated much of his time to the band.

He received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award his senior year.

Mr. Lyp played with the Toledo Youth Orchestra and the Toledo Youth Jazz Orchestra for two seasons before it was disbanded.

He set his sights on Western Michigan University's School of Music after meeting with Mr. Wolfinbarger.

"We had great chemistry, and he is one of the best human beings I know," Mr. Lyp said. "He is very bright and patient, and he knows what he's doing. That sealed the deal for me."

Mr. Lyp also praised the strength of Western Michigan's trombone program.

"They have great passion, and I wanted to be around people like that because I am a person like that."

Although the chance to win a shiny new trombone is a strong incentive, Mr. Lyp said that being able to put on his resume that he competed in the International Trombone Association's bass trombone solo competition is "huge."

He also said that the competition should be a good networking experience because it puts his musicianship in the spotlight.

During his free time, Mr. Lyp likes canoeing and camping.

He reached the top Boy Scout rank of Eagle Scout.

After graduating with a degree in music performance, specifically trombone performance, Mr. Lyp said he would like to get a position in an orchestra and eventually teach at a university.

Those orchestra dreams include the New York and Rochester philharmonic orchestras.

But he said that because winning a position as a bass trombonist in a major orchestra is so difficult, he would be content playing elsewhere.

Nevertheless, he says he has to play trombone.

"There's absolutely nothing else I could do with my life," Mr. Lyp said.

"It's the one thing I love getting up in the morning and doing."

Contact Payton Willey at: paytonwilley@theblade.com or 419-724-6065.

First Published June 22, 2011, 12:24 a.m.