Guest Artists:
Peter Ellefson
Professor of Trombone, Indiana University
Trombonist Peter Ellefson grew up in southern Oregon and now holds the rank of Professor of Music at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where he is also Chair of the Brass Department. Prof. Ellefson has performed, recorded and toured internationally with the Chicago Symphony and the New York Philharmonic. He has also performed with the Boston, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, National and Oregon Symphonies, among others. A former member of the Seattle Symphony, performing on trombone, tenor tuba and bass trumpet, he also served as principal trombone for many cycles of Seattle Opera productions of Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen. Prof. Ellefson is a frequent recitalist, soloist and clinician both in the U.S. and internationally. Composers Anthony Barfield, James Stephenson and Kevin Walczyk have written concertos for him. Chamber music credits include: Canadian Brass, Chicago Chamber Musicians, CSO Brass, Chicago Trombone Consort, Fulcrum Point New Music Project, New York Philharmonic Brass Quintet, Proteus 7, Washington Symphonic Brass, and the Trombones de Costa Rica. Prof. Ellefson has taught at Northwestern University, Roosevelt University, the University of Costa Rica, the Music Academy of the West and the Alessi Seminar. In addition to many orchestral and chamber recordings, his solo CD releases are, “Pura Vida” (2010), “À la manière de Defaye” (2017) and the recently released “3” (2019).
Professor of Trombone, Indiana University
Trombonist Peter Ellefson grew up in southern Oregon and now holds the rank of Professor of Music at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where he is also Chair of the Brass Department. Prof. Ellefson has performed, recorded and toured internationally with the Chicago Symphony and the New York Philharmonic. He has also performed with the Boston, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, National and Oregon Symphonies, among others. A former member of the Seattle Symphony, performing on trombone, tenor tuba and bass trumpet, he also served as principal trombone for many cycles of Seattle Opera productions of Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen. Prof. Ellefson is a frequent recitalist, soloist and clinician both in the U.S. and internationally. Composers Anthony Barfield, James Stephenson and Kevin Walczyk have written concertos for him. Chamber music credits include: Canadian Brass, Chicago Chamber Musicians, CSO Brass, Chicago Trombone Consort, Fulcrum Point New Music Project, New York Philharmonic Brass Quintet, Proteus 7, Washington Symphonic Brass, and the Trombones de Costa Rica. Prof. Ellefson has taught at Northwestern University, Roosevelt University, the University of Costa Rica, the Music Academy of the West and the Alessi Seminar. In addition to many orchestral and chamber recordings, his solo CD releases are, “Pura Vida” (2010), “À la manière de Defaye” (2017) and the recently released “3” (2019).
Matthew Guilford
Bass Trombone, National Symphony Orchestra
Matthew Guilford has been solo bass trombonist with the National Symphony Orchestra since his appointment by Mstislav Rostropovich in 1991. Previously he was a member of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and he has performed with several of America's leading orchestras including the Boston Symphony, Boston Pops, Minnesota Orchestra, New York Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony. He has also performed with Music of the Baroque in Chicago, Chicago Chamber Musicians, and the Grand Teton Music Festival.
Matthew has studied with Jerry Shaw, Norman Bolter, Douglas Yeo and John Swallow, and is a graduate of the New England Conservatory. His career has included a national tour of the Broadway musical Les Miserables; the motion picture soundtrack for the film Predator II and fellowships to Tanglewood and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute. He has been a featured soloist with the National Symphony, the U.S. Army Band, the U.S. Army Orchestra, and the Harvard University Band. His solo and chamber recordings, The Road Not Taken with The Washington Trombone Ensemble and Brass Trios with the University of Maryland Brass Trio have been received to worldwide critical acclaim.
A faculty member at the University of Maryland in College Park since 1992, Matthew serves as trombone studio chair and Associate Artist in Residence. Many of his former students enjoy successful careers as performers and educators. An active educator and clinician, Matthew has given master classes at most of the top conservatories and universities in the United States and abroad.
Bass Trombone, National Symphony Orchestra
Matthew Guilford has been solo bass trombonist with the National Symphony Orchestra since his appointment by Mstislav Rostropovich in 1991. Previously he was a member of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and he has performed with several of America's leading orchestras including the Boston Symphony, Boston Pops, Minnesota Orchestra, New York Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony. He has also performed with Music of the Baroque in Chicago, Chicago Chamber Musicians, and the Grand Teton Music Festival.
Matthew has studied with Jerry Shaw, Norman Bolter, Douglas Yeo and John Swallow, and is a graduate of the New England Conservatory. His career has included a national tour of the Broadway musical Les Miserables; the motion picture soundtrack for the film Predator II and fellowships to Tanglewood and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute. He has been a featured soloist with the National Symphony, the U.S. Army Band, the U.S. Army Orchestra, and the Harvard University Band. His solo and chamber recordings, The Road Not Taken with The Washington Trombone Ensemble and Brass Trios with the University of Maryland Brass Trio have been received to worldwide critical acclaim.
A faculty member at the University of Maryland in College Park since 1992, Matthew serves as trombone studio chair and Associate Artist in Residence. Many of his former students enjoy successful careers as performers and educators. An active educator and clinician, Matthew has given master classes at most of the top conservatories and universities in the United States and abroad.
Doug Rosenthal
Assistant Principal Trombone, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra
No one told Douglas Rosenthal to give up playing music. Not even his patient siblings, who endured many early-morning practice sessions; even they encouraged their brother to follow his passion. As the years passed, that passion evolved from simply playing music to advocating for music, musicians, and music-lovers.
Douglas is based in Washington, DC. He is the Assistant Principal Trombonist of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra/Washington National Opera Orchestra, a position that began his fully-professional career in 2012.
Since then, he has increased his involvement as a union member. He is currently the delegate from his orchestra at the Kennedy Center to the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians, and he serves as an Executive Board Member of the DC Federation of Musicians (Local 161-710). Through these roles, he and his colleagues have facilitated a stronger community presence: in providing concerts, in standing with other unions, and in connecting with politicians.
Douglas is also a private lesson teacher of all brass instruments. In 2015, he joined the faculty of Levine Music, a program for people of all ages and skill levels in the DC/Metropolitan Area.
Douglas studied in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and the New World Symphony. Both programs gave him strong experience in honing his craft as a performer while also learning how to be a leader, an advocate, and an all-around citizen.
He earned a Bachelor of Music (cum laude) from Northwestern University in 2008, where the trombone faculty included Michael Mulcahy and Charlie Vernon of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Randy Hawes of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra; and Peter Ellefson, formerly of the Seattle Symphony. He also attributes a great deal of progress to summer studies at Tanglewood, Music Academy of the West, the National Orchestral Institute, Roundtop, Aspen, and the Atlantic Brass Quintet Seminar.
Douglas was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. As a child, he attended public schools of Northbrook and was a member of Midwest Young Artists. He currently makes his home on Capitol Hill in DC with a pug named Jake, who serves as a constant reminder to relax, eat well, and sleep plentifully.
Assistant Principal Trombone, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra
No one told Douglas Rosenthal to give up playing music. Not even his patient siblings, who endured many early-morning practice sessions; even they encouraged their brother to follow his passion. As the years passed, that passion evolved from simply playing music to advocating for music, musicians, and music-lovers.
Douglas is based in Washington, DC. He is the Assistant Principal Trombonist of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra/Washington National Opera Orchestra, a position that began his fully-professional career in 2012.
Since then, he has increased his involvement as a union member. He is currently the delegate from his orchestra at the Kennedy Center to the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians, and he serves as an Executive Board Member of the DC Federation of Musicians (Local 161-710). Through these roles, he and his colleagues have facilitated a stronger community presence: in providing concerts, in standing with other unions, and in connecting with politicians.
Douglas is also a private lesson teacher of all brass instruments. In 2015, he joined the faculty of Levine Music, a program for people of all ages and skill levels in the DC/Metropolitan Area.
Douglas studied in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and the New World Symphony. Both programs gave him strong experience in honing his craft as a performer while also learning how to be a leader, an advocate, and an all-around citizen.
He earned a Bachelor of Music (cum laude) from Northwestern University in 2008, where the trombone faculty included Michael Mulcahy and Charlie Vernon of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Randy Hawes of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra; and Peter Ellefson, formerly of the Seattle Symphony. He also attributes a great deal of progress to summer studies at Tanglewood, Music Academy of the West, the National Orchestral Institute, Roundtop, Aspen, and the Atlantic Brass Quintet Seminar.
Douglas was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. As a child, he attended public schools of Northbrook and was a member of Midwest Young Artists. He currently makes his home on Capitol Hill in DC with a pug named Jake, who serves as a constant reminder to relax, eat well, and sleep plentifully.
Leadership/Faculty:
Brian Casey Jones
Principal Trombone, Oregon Symphony
Casey Jones studied music at the New England Conservatory in Boston with Norman Bolter, former trombonist of the Boston Symphony, and at the University of Maryland with Craig Mulcahy, principal trombone of the National Symphony Orchestra. Previous to school he studied with Brian Plitnik. Prior to his appointment to the Oregon Symphony, he played two seasons with The Florida Orchestra, one as second and one as principal. He has also played with the Jacksonville Symphony and the Sarasota Opera.
Casey is a winner of the Steven Zellmer-Minnesota Orchestra competition, the U. S. Army-sponsored Tenor Trombone Solo Competition, and the Southeast Trombone Symposium S.E. Shires Solo Competition. He has performed as a guest artist at the American Trombone Workshop and is on faculty with the D.C. Trombone Workshop. Casey is a S.E. Shires performing artist.
In his free time, Casey enjoys playing strategy-based video games, reading sci-fi, and spending time with his three cats, PJ, Stanley, and Bluey.
Principal Trombone, Oregon Symphony
Casey Jones studied music at the New England Conservatory in Boston with Norman Bolter, former trombonist of the Boston Symphony, and at the University of Maryland with Craig Mulcahy, principal trombone of the National Symphony Orchestra. Previous to school he studied with Brian Plitnik. Prior to his appointment to the Oregon Symphony, he played two seasons with The Florida Orchestra, one as second and one as principal. He has also played with the Jacksonville Symphony and the Sarasota Opera.
Casey is a winner of the Steven Zellmer-Minnesota Orchestra competition, the U. S. Army-sponsored Tenor Trombone Solo Competition, and the Southeast Trombone Symposium S.E. Shires Solo Competition. He has performed as a guest artist at the American Trombone Workshop and is on faculty with the D.C. Trombone Workshop. Casey is a S.E. Shires performing artist.
In his free time, Casey enjoys playing strategy-based video games, reading sci-fi, and spending time with his three cats, PJ, Stanley, and Bluey.
Photo courtesy of Toby Oft
Derek Hawkes
Assistant Principal Trombone, Nashville Symphony
Born to a musical family in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Derek W. Hawkes started his musical studies at an early age as he grew up in Plano, Texas. He studied primarily with John Kitzman, former Principal Trombone of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra; H. Dennis Smith, former Principal Trombone of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra; and most recently, Toby Oft, Principal Trombone of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Hawkes was a multiple-year substitute on trombone, euphonium, and bass trumpet with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and was the Principal Trombone of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra in Maine. Most recently, he spent two seasons as Second Trombone of the Jacksonville Symphony beginning in 2015. He began his position as Assistant Principal/Second Trombone of the Nashville Symphony in September 2017.
Hawkes graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Trombone Performance at Southern Methodist University in 2014. Upon seeing a large hole in the path from student to professional in a very specific field, he utilized the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program at the Meadows School of the Arts, creating and completing the very first known Bachelor of Arts focusing on Orchestral Management. He also pursued studies as a Graduate Diploma candidate at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Hawkes is a Bach Artist, and also advocates for Conn and King jazz instruments under the greater Conn-Sellmer umbrella. He plays a 1979 Bach 42B, restored and rebuilt by Dallas-area brass technician Eric Edwards and treated by Ron Pinc of R.J. Pinc Brass Repair. He also plays Greg Black Mouthpieces exclusively in his classical playing, and is an artist advocating for ChopSaver.
Assistant Principal Trombone, Nashville Symphony
Born to a musical family in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Derek W. Hawkes started his musical studies at an early age as he grew up in Plano, Texas. He studied primarily with John Kitzman, former Principal Trombone of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra; H. Dennis Smith, former Principal Trombone of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra; and most recently, Toby Oft, Principal Trombone of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Hawkes was a multiple-year substitute on trombone, euphonium, and bass trumpet with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and was the Principal Trombone of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra in Maine. Most recently, he spent two seasons as Second Trombone of the Jacksonville Symphony beginning in 2015. He began his position as Assistant Principal/Second Trombone of the Nashville Symphony in September 2017.
Hawkes graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Trombone Performance at Southern Methodist University in 2014. Upon seeing a large hole in the path from student to professional in a very specific field, he utilized the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program at the Meadows School of the Arts, creating and completing the very first known Bachelor of Arts focusing on Orchestral Management. He also pursued studies as a Graduate Diploma candidate at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Hawkes is a Bach Artist, and also advocates for Conn and King jazz instruments under the greater Conn-Sellmer umbrella. He plays a 1979 Bach 42B, restored and rebuilt by Dallas-area brass technician Eric Edwards and treated by Ron Pinc of R.J. Pinc Brass Repair. He also plays Greg Black Mouthpieces exclusively in his classical playing, and is an artist advocating for ChopSaver.
Corey Sansolo
Director, DC Trombone Workshop
Trombonist Corey Sansolo enjoys a diverse performing and teaching career in the Chicagoland and Washington, D.C. areas. He is a member of the Axiom Brass and the Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra, director of the DC Trombone Workshop, and is currently serving as the second trombonist of the York Symphony Orchestra.
In the past year, Corey has made frequent appearances with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Philharmonic, and Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, he has served as guest principal trombone with the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra, Northbrook Symphony, and Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago.
Corey has also performed with the Grand Rapids Symphony, National Philharmonic, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, New Orchestra of Washington, American Pops, Opera Camerata of Washington and Washington Opera Society. In addition to his brass chamber work with the Axiom Brass, he has performed with the Tower Brass and Washington Trombone Ensemble. As a soloist, Corey has been a finalist in competitions for the International Trombone Association and the American Trombone Workshop. Versatile across many genres, he has performed with Streetlight Manifesto, Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution, San Fermin, and Marian McLaughlin's Spirit House Ensemble.
An experienced educator, Corey maintains a strong private studio of low brass students who regularly earn seats in top youth orchestras and all-state bands and jazz ensembles. His students have been finalists in the American Trombone Workshop National Solo Competition and the US Army Orchestra Concerto Competition and have earned scholarships to continue their musical studies at prestigious universities. He has coached chamber music at the Eastman Summer Trombone Institute and for the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras and founded the MoCoBones Trombone Ensemble program. Corey currently coaches low brass sectionals for the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras and serves as a brass instructor for Sistema Ravinia. He has recently given masterclasses at the University of Arkansas and Nazareth College.
Born in Connecticut and raised in Maryland, Corey received his Bachelor's of Music Degree and Performer's Certificate from the Eastman School of Music and his Master's of Music degree at the University of Maryland. He has attended the National Orchestral Institute, the Chautauqua Music Festival, and the Miami Music Festival. His teachers include Craig Mulcahy, Dr. John Marcellus, Andrew Chappell, John Huling, and Dale Cheal.
Director, DC Trombone Workshop
Trombonist Corey Sansolo enjoys a diverse performing and teaching career in the Chicagoland and Washington, D.C. areas. He is a member of the Axiom Brass and the Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra, director of the DC Trombone Workshop, and is currently serving as the second trombonist of the York Symphony Orchestra.
In the past year, Corey has made frequent appearances with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Philharmonic, and Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, he has served as guest principal trombone with the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra, Northbrook Symphony, and Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago.
Corey has also performed with the Grand Rapids Symphony, National Philharmonic, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, New Orchestra of Washington, American Pops, Opera Camerata of Washington and Washington Opera Society. In addition to his brass chamber work with the Axiom Brass, he has performed with the Tower Brass and Washington Trombone Ensemble. As a soloist, Corey has been a finalist in competitions for the International Trombone Association and the American Trombone Workshop. Versatile across many genres, he has performed with Streetlight Manifesto, Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution, San Fermin, and Marian McLaughlin's Spirit House Ensemble.
An experienced educator, Corey maintains a strong private studio of low brass students who regularly earn seats in top youth orchestras and all-state bands and jazz ensembles. His students have been finalists in the American Trombone Workshop National Solo Competition and the US Army Orchestra Concerto Competition and have earned scholarships to continue their musical studies at prestigious universities. He has coached chamber music at the Eastman Summer Trombone Institute and for the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras and founded the MoCoBones Trombone Ensemble program. Corey currently coaches low brass sectionals for the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras and serves as a brass instructor for Sistema Ravinia. He has recently given masterclasses at the University of Arkansas and Nazareth College.
Born in Connecticut and raised in Maryland, Corey received his Bachelor's of Music Degree and Performer's Certificate from the Eastman School of Music and his Master's of Music degree at the University of Maryland. He has attended the National Orchestral Institute, the Chautauqua Music Festival, and the Miami Music Festival. His teachers include Craig Mulcahy, Dr. John Marcellus, Andrew Chappell, John Huling, and Dale Cheal.
Greg Hammond
The U.S. Army Brass Quintet
SSG Gregory Hammond joined The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" in November of 2015. He was born in Lancaster, PA, but grew up in Fairport, NY, where he started playing trombone at the age of 10. Hammond graduated from the Eastman School of Music with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Trombone Performance, including the Performers Certificate. After spending some time as a substitute music teacher in the Rochester, NY area, he moved to Houston, TX to pursue a master's degree in Trombone Performance at the Shepherd School of music at Rice University. While in Houston, Hammond worked as a teacher and freelance musician including several performances with the Houston Symphony Orchestra. He was also a member of the 2014 Disneyland All American College Band in Anaheim, CA. You can hear Hammond playing bass trombone on Colossus Big Band’s first album “Colossus”. His teachers include Allen Barnhill (Rice), Mark Kellogg and John Marcellus (Eastman School), and Larry Poole.
The U.S. Army Brass Quintet
SSG Gregory Hammond joined The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" in November of 2015. He was born in Lancaster, PA, but grew up in Fairport, NY, where he started playing trombone at the age of 10. Hammond graduated from the Eastman School of Music with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Trombone Performance, including the Performers Certificate. After spending some time as a substitute music teacher in the Rochester, NY area, he moved to Houston, TX to pursue a master's degree in Trombone Performance at the Shepherd School of music at Rice University. While in Houston, Hammond worked as a teacher and freelance musician including several performances with the Houston Symphony Orchestra. He was also a member of the 2014 Disneyland All American College Band in Anaheim, CA. You can hear Hammond playing bass trombone on Colossus Big Band’s first album “Colossus”. His teachers include Allen Barnhill (Rice), Mark Kellogg and John Marcellus (Eastman School), and Larry Poole.
Bryan Woodward
Assistant Director, DC Trombone Workshop
Bass Trombonist Bryan Woodward is an active performer and teacher in the Washington D.C. area. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Maryland under the tutelage of Matthew Guilford. He is currently trombonist with the Mulligan Brass Trio, assistant director of the DC Trombone Workshop, and maintains a private studio in Montgomery County.
Born in Virginia, Bryan received a Bachelor of Music from Shenandoah Conservatory in 2014 and a Master of Music from the University of Maryland in 2016. He currently holds the studio assistantship at Maryland where he teaches all minor trombone students.
As a performer, Bryan has been a finalist with the American Trombone Workshop Solo Competition in 2014 and an alternate in the International Trombone Festival Excerpts Competition in 2015. He has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Symphony, New England Symphonic Ensemble, Washington Choral Arts, and Mid-Atlantic Big Band in venues across the world. Highlights include the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Concert Hall Zaragoza, and Dizzy’s Jazz Club at the Lincoln Center.
In his free time, Bryan enjoys doing amateur audio and recording work. He also considers himself a pretty good cook, and frequents the grill outside when the weather is nice. He currently resides in Laurel, MD with his soon to be wife Sara and their adorable corgi, Toby.
Assistant Director, DC Trombone Workshop
Bass Trombonist Bryan Woodward is an active performer and teacher in the Washington D.C. area. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Maryland under the tutelage of Matthew Guilford. He is currently trombonist with the Mulligan Brass Trio, assistant director of the DC Trombone Workshop, and maintains a private studio in Montgomery County.
Born in Virginia, Bryan received a Bachelor of Music from Shenandoah Conservatory in 2014 and a Master of Music from the University of Maryland in 2016. He currently holds the studio assistantship at Maryland where he teaches all minor trombone students.
As a performer, Bryan has been a finalist with the American Trombone Workshop Solo Competition in 2014 and an alternate in the International Trombone Festival Excerpts Competition in 2015. He has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Symphony, New England Symphonic Ensemble, Washington Choral Arts, and Mid-Atlantic Big Band in venues across the world. Highlights include the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Concert Hall Zaragoza, and Dizzy’s Jazz Club at the Lincoln Center.
In his free time, Bryan enjoys doing amateur audio and recording work. He also considers himself a pretty good cook, and frequents the grill outside when the weather is nice. He currently resides in Laurel, MD with his soon to be wife Sara and their adorable corgi, Toby.
David Perkel
George Washington University and Towson University
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, David Perkel was hailed by the Baltimore Sun; “...it was beautifully realized, especially by the trombonist who tapped into the mysticism of the score with soulful, sustained tone and graceful phrasing.” The National Society of Arts and Letters wrote “...the piece’s novelty was a pair of melodious solos for trombone, handled with gorgeous sonority by principal trombonist David Perkel.” All About Jazz wrote, “...mention must be made of lead trombonist David Perkel’s lustrous tone on the cozy ‘If the Shoe Fits.”
Perkel is a versatile orchestral and jazz artist. He was the Second Trombonist of the Richmond (VA) Symphony for five years and has performed with many other orchestras including the National Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, Harrisburg Symphony, San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Symphony, National Philharmonic, Virginia Chamber Orchestra, and the National Gallery Orchestra. Additionally, in 1999, he was appointed principal trombone in the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. He has been featured as a soloist in the ASO several times, including "Overture for Trombone and Strings" by Alan Hovhaness and the 2nd movement of Jim Pugh’s “Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra.”
As a jazz musician, Perkel has performed and/or recorded with numerous jazz luminaries including Chris Potter, Steve Turre, Branford Marsalis, Dianne Schuur, the Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra, the United States Air Force Airmen of Note, Afro Bop Alliance, Steve Williams and Jazz Nation, Jane Monheit, Jerry Bergonzi, Bob Mintzer, Jim Pugh, the famed University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band and New York Voices. He was also the lead trombonist and soloist for the Navy Band Commodores jazz ensemble, for sixteen years.
Perkel earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas, a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The Catholic University of America.
An active educator, Dr. Perkel is professor of trombone and euphonium at Towson University and professor of trombone at George Washington University. Previously, he was the low brass professor at Frostburg State University, and spent five years as an artist-in-residence at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival in Tennessee. Perkel is also a sought-after clinician, having given master classes across the United States, including the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of New Mexico-Albuquerque, Midwest Clinic, University of Delaware, Tennessee Tech University, Eastern Trombone Workshop, and Towson University. Dr. Perkel is an Edwards Artist and plays Edwards trombones and Griego mouthpieces exclusively.
George Washington University and Towson University
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, David Perkel was hailed by the Baltimore Sun; “...it was beautifully realized, especially by the trombonist who tapped into the mysticism of the score with soulful, sustained tone and graceful phrasing.” The National Society of Arts and Letters wrote “...the piece’s novelty was a pair of melodious solos for trombone, handled with gorgeous sonority by principal trombonist David Perkel.” All About Jazz wrote, “...mention must be made of lead trombonist David Perkel’s lustrous tone on the cozy ‘If the Shoe Fits.”
Perkel is a versatile orchestral and jazz artist. He was the Second Trombonist of the Richmond (VA) Symphony for five years and has performed with many other orchestras including the National Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, Harrisburg Symphony, San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Symphony, National Philharmonic, Virginia Chamber Orchestra, and the National Gallery Orchestra. Additionally, in 1999, he was appointed principal trombone in the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. He has been featured as a soloist in the ASO several times, including "Overture for Trombone and Strings" by Alan Hovhaness and the 2nd movement of Jim Pugh’s “Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra.”
As a jazz musician, Perkel has performed and/or recorded with numerous jazz luminaries including Chris Potter, Steve Turre, Branford Marsalis, Dianne Schuur, the Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra, the United States Air Force Airmen of Note, Afro Bop Alliance, Steve Williams and Jazz Nation, Jane Monheit, Jerry Bergonzi, Bob Mintzer, Jim Pugh, the famed University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band and New York Voices. He was also the lead trombonist and soloist for the Navy Band Commodores jazz ensemble, for sixteen years.
Perkel earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas, a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The Catholic University of America.
An active educator, Dr. Perkel is professor of trombone and euphonium at Towson University and professor of trombone at George Washington University. Previously, he was the low brass professor at Frostburg State University, and spent five years as an artist-in-residence at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival in Tennessee. Perkel is also a sought-after clinician, having given master classes across the United States, including the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of New Mexico-Albuquerque, Midwest Clinic, University of Delaware, Tennessee Tech University, Eastern Trombone Workshop, and Towson University. Dr. Perkel is an Edwards Artist and plays Edwards trombones and Griego mouthpieces exclusively.
Composer in Residence:
Frank Gulino
Frank Gulino, a native of New York City, now resides in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, where he maintains an active schedule as a composer and bass trombonist. Frank holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Bass Trombone Performance from The Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, where he studied with Randy Campora, Jim Olin, and David Fedderly, all of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Frank has also studied with Vincent Belford of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and jazz artist Bob Ferrel.
As a trombonist, Frank has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Music Center at Strathmore, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), and the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, home of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. He has also served on the faculties of both the DC Trombone Workshop and the Shepherd Trombone Workshop. Frank is an artist/clinician for the Edwards Instrument Company and performs on Edwards Trombone and Griego mouthpieces.
As a leading composer of contemporary brass music, Frank has had works commissioned, performed, and recorded by some of the world's foremost brass players, including international euphonium virtuoso Steven Mead, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra bass trombonist Gerry Pagano, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra bass trombonist Brian Hecht, National Symphony Orchestra principal trombonist Craig Mulcahy, Boston Symphony Orchestra principal tubist Mike Roylance, and Christopher Dudley, solo trombonist of the Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester in Bergen, Norway. Frank's works have been performed at venues around the world, such as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.; the Joseph Alessi Seminar in Fossano, Italy; the International Trombone Festival; the American Trombone Workshop; the International Tuba Euphonium Conference; the Lasnamäe Muusikakool in Tallinn, Estonia; the Korskirken in Bergen, Norway; the Jazeps Vitols Latvian Academy of Music in Riga, Latvia; the Jeju Arts Center in Jeju Province, South Korea; and dozens of colleges, universities, and conservatories, both domestically and abroad. Frank is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and is a four-time ASCAP Plus Award winner.
Frank's works, published by The FJH Music Company, Cimarron Music Press, and 200 Miles to Arnstadt Publications, are available from major music distributors all over the world, including J.W. Pepper, Hickey's Music Center, SheetMusicPlus, and many others. Additionally, Frank's work has appeared on both the Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) and the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) repertoire lists and has additionally appeared on the required repertoire lists for both the ITA George Roberts Bass Trombone Competition and the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Competitions.
Frank Gulino, a native of New York City, now resides in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, where he maintains an active schedule as a composer and bass trombonist. Frank holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Bass Trombone Performance from The Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, where he studied with Randy Campora, Jim Olin, and David Fedderly, all of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Frank has also studied with Vincent Belford of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and jazz artist Bob Ferrel.
As a trombonist, Frank has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Music Center at Strathmore, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), and the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, home of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. He has also served on the faculties of both the DC Trombone Workshop and the Shepherd Trombone Workshop. Frank is an artist/clinician for the Edwards Instrument Company and performs on Edwards Trombone and Griego mouthpieces.
As a leading composer of contemporary brass music, Frank has had works commissioned, performed, and recorded by some of the world's foremost brass players, including international euphonium virtuoso Steven Mead, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra bass trombonist Gerry Pagano, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra bass trombonist Brian Hecht, National Symphony Orchestra principal trombonist Craig Mulcahy, Boston Symphony Orchestra principal tubist Mike Roylance, and Christopher Dudley, solo trombonist of the Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester in Bergen, Norway. Frank's works have been performed at venues around the world, such as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.; the Joseph Alessi Seminar in Fossano, Italy; the International Trombone Festival; the American Trombone Workshop; the International Tuba Euphonium Conference; the Lasnamäe Muusikakool in Tallinn, Estonia; the Korskirken in Bergen, Norway; the Jazeps Vitols Latvian Academy of Music in Riga, Latvia; the Jeju Arts Center in Jeju Province, South Korea; and dozens of colleges, universities, and conservatories, both domestically and abroad. Frank is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and is a four-time ASCAP Plus Award winner.
Frank's works, published by The FJH Music Company, Cimarron Music Press, and 200 Miles to Arnstadt Publications, are available from major music distributors all over the world, including J.W. Pepper, Hickey's Music Center, SheetMusicPlus, and many others. Additionally, Frank's work has appeared on both the Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) and the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) repertoire lists and has additionally appeared on the required repertoire lists for both the ITA George Roberts Bass Trombone Competition and the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Competitions.
Collaborative Pianist:
Sophia Kim Cook
Born in Montréal, Canada Sophia Kim Cook pursued piano studies first at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal, and finishing at McGill University, Schulich School of Music, receiving both her Bachelors with Honours and Masters of Music there.
Described as a ‘a steadying presence at the piano’ (Washington Post) and a ‘virtuostic piano backbone’ (DC Arts Beats), Ms. Kim Cook is a sought out collaborative pianist and orchestral pianist, having played for a myriad of soloists and ensembles, including the National Symphony Orchestra, the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, Maryland Symphony Orchestra and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. She is also collaborative pianist for many conferences and workshops including the International Trumpet Guild Conference, the American Trombone Workshop, the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute, and the Fredericksburg Brass Institute. In 2018, she joined the Boulanger Initiative as a Performance Ambassador promoting works by women composers.
Sophia was invited to record a CD with the principal trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony, Timothy Higgins which was released in the spring 2013. “To talk about the trombone or the pianist individually doesn't do this recording justice. Their collaboration transcends to another level of beauty and artistry. Absolutely Breathtaking.”
Born in Montréal, Canada Sophia Kim Cook pursued piano studies first at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal, and finishing at McGill University, Schulich School of Music, receiving both her Bachelors with Honours and Masters of Music there.
Described as a ‘a steadying presence at the piano’ (Washington Post) and a ‘virtuostic piano backbone’ (DC Arts Beats), Ms. Kim Cook is a sought out collaborative pianist and orchestral pianist, having played for a myriad of soloists and ensembles, including the National Symphony Orchestra, the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, Maryland Symphony Orchestra and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. She is also collaborative pianist for many conferences and workshops including the International Trumpet Guild Conference, the American Trombone Workshop, the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute, and the Fredericksburg Brass Institute. In 2018, she joined the Boulanger Initiative as a Performance Ambassador promoting works by women composers.
Sophia was invited to record a CD with the principal trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony, Timothy Higgins which was released in the spring 2013. “To talk about the trombone or the pianist individually doesn't do this recording justice. Their collaboration transcends to another level of beauty and artistry. Absolutely Breathtaking.”
Staff:
Frankie Yu
Operations Manager, DC Trombone Workshop
Frankie Yu received her bachelor's degree in trombone performance from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University studying with former principal trombonist of the Baltimore Symphony David Fetter. Upon graduating from Peabody, she moved on to receive a master's degree in trombone performance with a concentration in music education from the New England Conservatory studying with former Boston Symphony Orchestra trombonist, and renowned music educator, Norman Bolter.
After graduate school Frankie explored the world of music behind the stage, gaining experience in music administration in various departments. While living in Florida she started in the Artistic Operations Department with The Florida Orchestra working in the music library. Soon after she became the assistant personnel manager and joined the Development Department as development coordinator. Currently, Frankie works in the Marketing Department as the lead patron services representative with the Oregon Symphony.
Frankie enjoys playing in a wide range of ensembles including small chamber groups, large trombone choirs, and full symphonic orchestras.
Operations Manager, DC Trombone Workshop
Frankie Yu received her bachelor's degree in trombone performance from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University studying with former principal trombonist of the Baltimore Symphony David Fetter. Upon graduating from Peabody, she moved on to receive a master's degree in trombone performance with a concentration in music education from the New England Conservatory studying with former Boston Symphony Orchestra trombonist, and renowned music educator, Norman Bolter.
After graduate school Frankie explored the world of music behind the stage, gaining experience in music administration in various departments. While living in Florida she started in the Artistic Operations Department with The Florida Orchestra working in the music library. Soon after she became the assistant personnel manager and joined the Development Department as development coordinator. Currently, Frankie works in the Marketing Department as the lead patron services representative with the Oregon Symphony.
Frankie enjoys playing in a wide range of ensembles including small chamber groups, large trombone choirs, and full symphonic orchestras.
Clayton Heath
Digital Media Manager
Clayton Heath is a freelance bass trombonist and music educator in Pittsburgh, PA, and serves as the Adjunct Lecturer of Low Brass at Frostburg State University. In addition to being a member of The Brass Roots and funk-brass band Run the Meat, Clayton is an active substitute with River City Brass Band, Beauty Slap, and is currently in a one-year trial with Johnstown Symphony Orchestra.
He has been fortunate to perform with other area ensembles including Pittsburgh Opera, members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra brass, and the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra. In 2017, Clayton was a finalist and placed in several competitions at the International Women’s Brass Conference in Rowan, NJ. He has had the honor to perform as a soloist with members of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, as well as performing with the United States Navy Band, and in multiple National Anthem performances for nationally televised major league events. Clayton holds a Masters degree in Performance from Duquesne University, as well as degrees in Performance, Musical Arts, and Education from Alderson-Broaddus College. His primary teachers include Jeff Dee, Murray Crewe, Dr. Timothy DeWitt, and Dr. Brian Plitnik.
Beyond the bass trombone, he enjoys fishing and other outdoor activities, amateur woodworking, and competitive arm wrestling.
Digital Media Manager
Clayton Heath is a freelance bass trombonist and music educator in Pittsburgh, PA, and serves as the Adjunct Lecturer of Low Brass at Frostburg State University. In addition to being a member of The Brass Roots and funk-brass band Run the Meat, Clayton is an active substitute with River City Brass Band, Beauty Slap, and is currently in a one-year trial with Johnstown Symphony Orchestra.
He has been fortunate to perform with other area ensembles including Pittsburgh Opera, members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra brass, and the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra. In 2017, Clayton was a finalist and placed in several competitions at the International Women’s Brass Conference in Rowan, NJ. He has had the honor to perform as a soloist with members of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, as well as performing with the United States Navy Band, and in multiple National Anthem performances for nationally televised major league events. Clayton holds a Masters degree in Performance from Duquesne University, as well as degrees in Performance, Musical Arts, and Education from Alderson-Broaddus College. His primary teachers include Jeff Dee, Murray Crewe, Dr. Timothy DeWitt, and Dr. Brian Plitnik.
Beyond the bass trombone, he enjoys fishing and other outdoor activities, amateur woodworking, and competitive arm wrestling.