Ralph Sauer is an internationally respected American trombonist, arranger, and educator whose distinguished career has shaped generations of musicians. He served as Principal Trombonist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic for 32 years, following earlier appointments as Principal Trombonist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and affiliations with the Canadian Opera Company and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Sauer studied with legendary teacher Emory Remington and went on to perform as a soloist worldwide, premiere new works, and become a leading figure in brass performance and pedagogy.

In addition to his performing career, Sauer was deeply committed to education. He taught, gave master classes internationally, and served as a teaching artist at the Music Academy of the West for 14 years, where he mentored aspiring trombonists and helped shape the next generation of orchestral musicians. His long-standing connection with the Academy, combined with his passion for teaching, made the institution an important part of his life.

In 2023, Ralph and his wife Linda Sauer established the Dietrich Emory Sauer Memorial Trombone Scholarship in honor of their son, Dietrich (1971-2022), following his unexpected passing. The scholarship was created through a generous cash gift to the Academy's endowment during their lifetime, ensuring ongoing support for young artists in perpetuity.

Awarded annually, the scholarship provides full support for a trombone Fellow to attend the Music Academy of the West's summer festival in Santa Barbara-an experience that reflects both Ralph's artistic legacy and his dedication to mentorship.

Linda and Ralph have long been active supporters of the arts. Linda was a member of the Los Angeles Opera Company and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and together they shared a lifelong commitment to music and artistic excellence.

"We were blessed to have had the bright spirit of our beloved son, Dietrich, in our lives for 51 years and are very proud of the fine man he had become. He gave us so much in many ways, especially his love and a wonderful grandson, Drake Ethan Sauer," they shared.

Dietrich Sauer was a respected human resources leader known for his warmth, creativity, and ability to inspire others. He held senior HR roles with major organizations in Arizona and California and ultimately served as Director of Human Resources and Risk Management for the City of Flagstaff, Arizona. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was admired for his kindness, humor, and belief in lifting others up.

Raised in a musical family, Dietrich grew up immersed in the arts, frequently attending rehearsals and performances connected to his father's career. His life philosophy centered on positivity, compassion, and the belief in recognizing potential in others-values that guided both his personal and professional life.

The scholarship created in his memory reflects those values. By supporting young trombonists at a formative stage in their careers, the Dietrich Emory Sauer Memorial Trombone Scholarship carries forward both Dietrich's spirit of encouragement and Ralph's enduring legacy as a performer and teacher.

Linda and Ralph Sauer and the Music Academy of the West celebrate the recipients of this scholarship and look forward to the impact these musicians will have in the years to come.