University of St. Thomas

Trygve Skaar is currently the Commander/Bandmaster of the 34th Infantry Division “Red Bull” Band of the Minnesota Army National Guard.  Under his leadership the 34^th ID Band was selected for the prestigious 2006 Colonel George S. Howard Citation Of Musical Excellence for Military Concert Bands, awarded by the John Philip Sousa Foundation.  Mr. Skaar started his military career after graduating from Cambridge High School serving on Active Duty as a member of the 8th Infantry Division Band in Germany.  Upon completion of that tour of he joined the 34th Infantry Division Band and perused music degrees from Bethel College with further studies at the University of Minnesota.  Mr. Skaar has taught low brass at St. Olaf College, Macalester College, Bethel University and Crown College and has directed the Brass Choir and Jazz Ensemble at Bethel and Crown.  He currently is the tuba instructor at Augsburg College and the University of St. Thomas.  Mr. Skaar is also an active guest conductor and tuba soloist and has been a featured soloist at the University of Minnesota Morris and the Great American Brass Band Festival in Danville, Kentucky.  He is also an active freelance musician in Minnesota performing with the Minnesota Orchestra and Minnesota Opera as well as other venues.  As a member of Young Audiences of Minnesota, he teaches today’s youth about music and brass performance.