Teaching during the COVID-19 shutdown has been difficult: “It was a rather rude awakening when forced to adapt in the middle of the spring term. 'It has been a great joy to have seen numerous of my former students go out into the musical world with positions in symphony orchestras, premiere service bands, chamber groups, church musicians, conductors, composers, university teachers, high school, mid school and elementary school teachers.” He is also an assistant editor and regular columnist for the International Trombone Society Journal since 1971 and has given lectures, lessons, and master classes in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Finland, Germany, Australia, Russia, and the People’s Republic of China. Active as a writer and arranger, Hinterbichler has had numerous arrangements, articles, and editions published both in the US and in Europe. The NMBQ toured and concertized in the USA, Mexico, Australia, China, Russia, Finland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Germany and Italy and commissioned and premiered more than 50 new works from composers around the world. He has also performed as principal trombone with Opera Southwest and with the New Mexico Brass Quintet. He holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of North Texas and has performed on tenor trombone, brass trombone, tenor tuba, and bass trumpet with numerous professional organizations, including 15 seasons as principal trombone with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. Hinterbichler teaches music history at UNM and lectures widely on a wide variety of musical subjects. “I did not get much sleep that first or second semester,” he said ruefully. Besides teaching a full load of classes and lessons for 12 students on trombone, euphonium, and tuba, Hinterbichler played principal trombone for the New Mexico Symphony. His first semester at UNM was a heavy one, as he replaced two other faculty members. But when it came to the beauty of New Mexico, the weather, a place to raise a family, and being able to ride my bike to work every day, UNM won out each time.'

The money and prestige columns always came out in favor of the new job.

“Each time I drew up two columns, of advantages and disadvantages of the possible new job. Hinterbichler has had opportunities to move on to other jobs but has refused. Easy choice for me, the weather being the deciding factor,” Hinterbichler recalled. “I was offered the job in Wisconsin and then UNM. He graduated high school in Lackawanna, NY, attended University of Michigan, and received a job interview in Wisconsin – all locations known for cold weather and abundant snow. Hinterbichler has taught at UNM since 1973 and noted that the beautiful New Mexico weather lured him here.

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