Vern Leon Kagarice, 71, died Sept. 16 in Chautauqua, N.Y. He had been a professor of trombone and a conductor of the UNT Trombone Choir since 1983. Prior to joining UNT, he taught trombone at Youngstown State University in Ohio, where he was principal trombonist in the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra. He was a member of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra since 1979 and traveled the globe as a clinician and recitalist. He received awards from the International Trombone Association, where his contributions included serving as executive manager and journal editor, and conducted UNT trombone choirs that won the prestigious Emory Remington Trombone Choir Competition. He co-wrote books about trombone literature and arranged music for various brass combinations. His publishing company, Kagarice Brass Editions, became a resource of trombone and brass-related materials. Kagarice earned a bachelor’s degree from Bethany College and master’s and doctoral degrees from Indiana University. Survivors include his wife, Jan Kagarice (’89 M.M.), senior lecturer in trombone.