Robert Garrison - Trumpet
Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Robert Garrison is a versatile performer of classical, baroque, and jazz genres based in New York City. With a deep passion for music, Robert strives to inspire and educate young musicians through his playing and sound concept. His aim is to make music enjoyable for all audiences, regardless of tempo.
Robert served as Acting 2nd Trumpet with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and is currently an Extra Musician with the Metropolitan Opera. He has had the privilege of performing in two "Best Classical Music Performances" named concerts: one with the New York Philharmonic during their opening of the new David Geffen Hall in 2022, and another with MusicAeterna during their US Tour in 2019. Robert has also performed as guest principal trumpet with the New York City Ballet, Sarasota Orchestra, and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and has also performed with many professional orchestras including the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, The Florida Orchestra, and many more. In September of 2022, he toured with the New York Philharmonic to Stillwater, Oklahoma, during their residency at Oklahoma State University.
Additionally, he has worked with up-and-coming composers, recording a sonata for trumpet and piano titled "Radiate" written by Katie Jenkins, which won first prize in the Women Composing for Trumpet competition in 2021. He also has commissioned Shelbie Rassler on her trumpet and piano piece "... and soon you will be on its shore...", which was premiered at Mississippi State University in 2024.
As a composer and arranger, Robert's view of bringing jazz concepts into the classical genre shows in some of his compositions. He has written for brass quintet, large brass ensemble, and trumpet ensemble. His arrangement of Kevin McKee's Vuelta del Fuego for 7 trumpets placed 3rd overall in the National Trumpet Competition in 2018.
Robert completed his B.M. in trumpet performance major at the University of North Texas in 2019 and later attended the Juilliard School for his M.M. He has studied under renowned teachers, including Christopher Martin, Raymond Mase, John Thiessen, Caleb Hudson, Ryan Anthony, Dr. Jason Bergman, Adam Gordon, Tanya Darby, and Dr. Leonard Candelaria. Robert has also attended various music festivals, including the Tanglewood Music Center, Spoleto Music Festival, National Orchestra Institute, Brevard Music Center, and the Aspen Music Festival and School.
Robert is a Yamaha Artist and a Patrick Mouthpieces Performing Artist
You can follow his Instagram account, where he posts short clips of his playing, @robertgarrisontrumpet, as well as his Facebook account: Robert Garrison. His musical Instagram account has been featured in the International Trumpet Guild in an article, where he is used as an example for how musicians are recommended to use their practice social media accounts.