Join us on Sunday, September 28th, 2025 for an afternoon of inspiration, learning, and performance at the Texas All-State Slide Summit.
Tenor Trombone Session (Rescheduled), September 28th (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) with Sebastian Vera
Highlights include:
• Masterclass covering aspects of technique, sound, and musicianship, especially focused on performance of the 2025-2026 TMEA etudes
• Performance demonstrations by our guest artist, showcasing virtuosity and interpretation
• All-State audition preparation tips that go beyond just the music
• Group performance opportunities for all attendees to play along with our guest artist
• Individual solo performance opportunities on stage with personalized feedback from our guest artist for premium admission holders
• Instrument, mouthpiece, and other trial opportunities and resources provided by Houghton Horns
$40.00 General Admission
Media Consent:By registering for this event, you agree to allow Houghton Horns to use any photos, videos, or other media taken during the event for promotional purposes.
Please select the correct number of tickets below, then click the red “Get Tickets” button to proceed!
John Sebastian Vera, a native of Texas, became the principal trombonist of the Pittsburgh Opera in 2010. He is a founder of the Third Coast Trombone Retreat and also trombone faculty at Duquesne University and Head of Brass and Percussion at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
In addition to the Pittsburgh Opera, Mr. Vera has played with the symphonies of Dallas, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Buffalo, Kennedy Center Opera House, Malaysian Philharmonic, New York City Ballet, Vermont, Harrisburg, Charleston, American Ballet Theatre, and Orquesta Sinaloa de las Artes in Mexico amongst others.
A multi-year All-State musician and graduate of Marcus High School, he began his studies with Jon Bohls in Texas and continued his education at Southern Methodist University where he studied with John Kitzman of the Dallas Symphony. He then spent a year studying with Ed Zadrozny as a graduate assistant at the University of Akron, and finished his graduate work in New York City at the Mannes College of Music studying with David Finlayson and James Markey of the New York Philharmonic.
In 2011, he spent the summer in Haiti volunteer teaching and performing in the Orchestre Philharmonique Sainte Trinite as well as the Ecole de Musique Dessaix Baptiste which became one of the more profound experiences of his life.
A dedicated chamber musician, he also was a founding member of the critically acclaimed Guidonian Hand Trombone Quartet in which he played from 2008–2014. With the quartet, John performed over 100 concerts and gave master classes all over the country. Heralded by the New York Times for their “expertly played performances” they have been recipients of numerous national grants which have enabled them to commission countless composers to create new and innovative works for four trombones. In 2014 was the premiere of River of Fundament, a movie by film artist Matthew Barney, in which John recorded for and acted in along with the quartet.
Mr. Vera can also be heard on the HBO documentary The Words that Built America as well as on euphonium in the PBS documentary Abraham and Mary Lincoln, A House Divided as well as many commercial and video game soundtracks as well as James Markey’s solo release, “On Base”.
Sebastian is an artist for Thein Instruments, has a signature JSV mouthpiece line he developed with Houghton Horns and resides in Pittsburgh. His favorite musicians include Sigur Ros, Radiohead, the Books, and Efterklang. When he can get away from the trombone he most enjoys basketball, traveling and reading about psychology, and social science. Check out his podcast he hosts with Nick Schwartz called the Trombone Retreat available everywhere you download your podcasts. Follow him on Instagram @js.vera.
Join us on Saturday, September 20 & 28 2025, for inspiration, learning, and performance at the Texas All-State Slide Summit, designed exclusively for tenor and bass trombonists.
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Dear Attendees,
We want to share an important update regarding tomorrow’s Texas All-State Slide Summit event.
Due to unexpected technical flight delays at DFW, our morning session artist Sebastian Vera will not be able to arrive in time for Saturday’s scheduled block.
The morning session has been rescheduled for Sunday, September 28, from 2:00–5:00 PM.
• This live event will be held in the same location as originally planned.
• Your registration will automatically transfer to the new session.
👉 The afternoon session for Bass Tromboneon Saturday 9/20 is still ON as scheduled.
👉 If you are unable to attend the rescheduled date, you have the option to receive store credit (excluding tax) with Houghton Horns.
📩 Please contact us to confirm you’ve received this update.
👥 If you know other attendees who may not check email promptly, we’d appreciate you sharing this update with them as well.
We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work to ensure you still receive the full experience with Sebastian Vera.
Thank you for your patience — we look forward to seeing you!
Led by world-class artists Sebastian Vera and Brian Hecht, this immersive event will feature two focused sessions:
• Tenor Trombone Session, September 28th (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) with Sebastian Vera
• Bass Trombone Session, September 20th (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM) with Brian Hecht
• Lunch will be available on-site Saturday the 20th
Highlights include:
• Masterclasses covering aspects of technique, sound, and musicianship, especially focused on performance of the 2025-2026 TMEA etudes
• Performance demonstrations by our guest artists, showcasing their virtuosity and interpretation
• All-State audition preparation tips that go beyond just the music
• Group performance opportunities for all attendees to play along with our guest artists
• Individual solo performance opportunities on stage with personalized feedback from our guest artists for premium admission holders
• Instrument, mouthpiece, and other trial opportunities and resources provided by Houghton Horns
$40.00 – $60.00 Per Session
Ticket Option Description:
• $60 Premium Admission – Includes masterclass, group activities, full session access, and a solo performance opportunity on stage with personalized feedback from our guest artists–12 spots only (6 per each session).
• $40 General Admission – Includes masterclass, group activities, and full session access.
Media Consent:By registering for this event, you agree to allow Houghton Horns to use any photos, videos, or other media taken during the event for promotional purposes.
Please select your preferred session and number of tickets below, then click the red “Get Tickets” button to proceed!
137 E Hill St Keller,
TX
76248United States+ Google Map
John Sebastian Vera, a native of Texas, became the principal trombonist of the Pittsburgh Opera in 2010. He is a founder of the Third Coast Trombone Retreat and also trombone faculty at Duquesne University and Head of Brass and Percussion at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
In addition to the Pittsburgh Opera, Mr. Vera has played with the symphonies of Dallas, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Buffalo, Kennedy Center Opera House, Malaysian Philharmonic, New York City Ballet, Vermont, Harrisburg, Charleston, American Ballet Theatre, and Orquesta Sinaloa de las Artes in Mexico amongst others.
A multi-year All-State musician and graduate of Marcus High School, he began his studies with Jon Bohls in Texas and continued his education at Southern Methodist University where he studied with John Kitzman of the Dallas Symphony. He then spent a year studying with Ed Zadrozny as a graduate assistant at the University of Akron, and finished his graduate work in New York City at the Mannes College of Music studying with David Finlayson and James Markey of the New York Philharmonic.
In 2011, he spent the summer in Haiti volunteer teaching and performing in the Orchestre Philharmonique Sainte Trinite as well as the Ecole de Musique Dessaix Baptiste which became one of the more profound experiences of his life.
A dedicated chamber musician, he also was a founding member of the critically acclaimed Guidonian Hand Trombone Quartet in which he played from 2008–2014. With the quartet, John performed over 100 concerts and gave master classes all over the country. Heralded by the New York Times for their “expertly played performances” they have been recipients of numerous national grants which have enabled them to commission countless composers to create new and innovative works for four trombones. In 2014 was the premiere of River of Fundament, a movie by film artist Matthew Barney, in which John recorded for and acted in along with the quartet.
Mr. Vera can also be heard on the HBO documentary The Words that Built America as well as on euphonium in the PBS documentary Abraham and Mary Lincoln, A House Divided as well as many commercial and video game soundtracks as well as James Markey’s solo release, “On Base”.
Sebastian is an artist for Thein Instruments, has a signature JSV mouthpiece line he developed with Houghton Horns and resides in Pittsburgh. His favorite musicians include Sigur Ros, Radiohead, the Books, and Efterklang. When he can get away from the trombone he most enjoys basketball, traveling and reading about psychology, and social science. Check out his podcast he hosts with Nick Schwartz called the Trombone Retreat available everywhere you download your podcasts. Follow him on Instagram @js.vera.
Brian Hecht is an internationally renowned soloist, orchestral musician, and educator who has captivated audiences all across the world. His playing has been described as “Stunning” by the San Diego Magazine and the Blanco Performing Arts Center hails him as “One of the foremost trombonists of his generation” chronicling his performances as “Sonic Brilliance” and “Remarkable Artistry”. With a sound that can whisper secrets and ignite emotion, Brian is a soloist who transcends borders. His artistry, a captivating blend of rich overtones, technical brilliance, emotional depth, and innovative spirit has resonated with audiences across Asia, Europe, North and South America. Whether exploring the grand canvases of the classical repertoire or venturing into the uncharted territories of contemporary music, Brian consistently delivers performances that are both exhilarating and profoundly moving. He is a true storyteller on the trombone who can transport his listener from any venue into his imagination through his music.
His solo engagements have included professional ensembles such as The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, The United States Navy Band, The United States “Pershing’s Own” Army Band and Orchestra as well as countless professional chamber ensembles all across the globe from Thailand, Spain, China and Hungary to all over the United States.
He is a tenured member of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra who has previously held tenured positions with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C. He is a highly regarded and sought after orchestral musician being called upon to perform with other notable ensembles including the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Naples Philharmonic, Washington National Opera, Lyric Opera of Baltimore, and the Kennedy Center Ballet.
Recent solo engagements include being a Featured Artist at the Numskull Brass Festival in Caudete, Spain, the Thailand International Trombone Festival in Bangkok, Thailand, Texas Christian University’s Trombone Summit along with several performances at the International Trombone Festival in May 2024. Brian is in constant demand as a Guest at Universities all across the US including recent residencies at The University of Texas at Austin, Louisiana State University, Texas Tech University, and San Diego State University.
Brian received his Master of Music degree from Northwestern University and his Bachelor of Music degree from The University of Texas at Austin. He passes along the insights from his illustrious career through an online platform he co-founded, Slide School.
He plays the Thein Brass “Brian Hecht” model and Griego “Hecht” Mouthpieces exclusively.
Get ready for an electrifying day of trumpet excellence! Higher • Faster • Louder Trumpet Day brings together top-tier artists, educators, and industry experts for a full day of music-making, education, and inspiration.
Whether you’re a student, professional, educator, or enthusiast, this is your chance to dive deep into the world of trumpet performance with:
🎓 All-State EtudeMasterclass led by Principal Trumpet of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Kyle Sherman.
🎶 Live Performances showcasing a range of styles and techniques from our guest artists.
🧠 Presentations & Discussions covering concepts in trumpet playing, maintenance & equipment, and preparation tips for college auditions, competitions, and festivals.
🎤 Roundtable Q&A where YOU can ask questions and gain insights from some of the best in the business.
🎺 Instrument Petting Zoo – explore and test a wide selection of trumpets from Yamaha, Bach, S.E. Shires & more, along with mouthpieces and accessories, all with expert guidance.
🥪 Grab a Bite – catered lunch provided with registration.
👕 T-Shirt – receive a premium cotton ‘Higher Faster Louder’ tee with registration.
Heads up!T-shirt designs might look a little different in person. Colors, sizing, and placement can vary slightly from what you see on your screen.
Schedule of Events:
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Playability Hacks & Secrets with expert Wayne Tanabe
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM – TMEA Masterclass with Kyle Sherman / Fundamentals Presentation with McKenna Hill
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM – Catered Lunch
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Performances and presentations by Kyle Sherman, Brian Walker, Cody McClarty & McKenna Hill (playing demos, college audition/competition/festival prep, various other concepts)
Reserve your spot today! Space is limited and this is an event you won’t want to miss…..
$45.00 Day Pass (registration)
Media Consent:By registering for this event, you agree to allow Houghton Horns to use any photos, videos, or other media taken during the event for promotional purposes.
Please select your preferred session and number of tickets below, then click the red “Get Tickets” button to proceed!
137 E Hill St Keller,
TX
76248United States+ Google Map
Praised by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for his “gorgeous and moving solo work,” Kyle Sherman joined the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra as Principal Trumpet in 2016. Originally from La Grange, Texas, Mr. Sherman is an alumnus of the Yale School of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, Tanglewood Music Center, the National Repertory Orchestra, and the Round Top Festival. Kyle has appeared with the Dallas Symphony, and as a soloist with the Garland, Arlington, and Las Colinas symphony orchestras. He has also performed on the Broadway national tours of the Book of Mormon, Porgy & Bess, and Matilda, among others.
An active and dedicated educator, he regularly appears as a clinician and recitalist at universities throughout Texas and the United States. His current and former students can be found in the Dallas and Fort Worth Youth Symphonies, as well as college music schools throughout the country.
Kyle Sherman is a Yamaha performing artist.
Dr. Brian Walker is currently the Associate Professor of Trumpet at the University of North Texas. Prior to his appointment at UNT, Brian Walker was Professor of Trumpet at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas for twelve years. As a teacher, his students have been accepted into many undergraduate and graduate music programs and currently perform in orchestras and premier military groups throughout the United States. His students are frequently featured at the National Trumpet Competition and International Trumpet Guild Conferences as competitors, presenters, and performers. As a performer, he has appeared with various orchestral groups in the DFW region and is currently Second Trumpet with the Richardson Symphony Orchestra. As a commercial musician, Dr. Walker has played for various Broadway and Musical Theater organizations in Dallas and Fort Worth. As a soloist, Dr. Walker has given recitals throughout the United States and in Greece, France, China and Brazil. He was featured soloist on the Tarleton State Wind Ensemble’s performance at Carnegie Hall in 2014 and this ensemble’s performance at the Texas Music Education Association Conference in 2022.
Brian is active in the International Trumpet Guild where he serves on the Board of Directors, on the Recording Projects Committee, Chairs the Conference Golf Scramble Scholarship Fundraiser Committee and Chairs the Financial Investments Committee. Dr. Walker also serves as an adjudicator for the National Trumpet Competition and ITG Competitions and is often sought as a pedagogue for masterclasses throughout the United States.
Dr. Walker holds degrees from the University of North Texas (DMA), The Florida State University (MM) and Southeastern Oklahoma State University (BM) where he studied with Michael Miles, Christopher Moore, and John Holt, respectively.
He is a Yamaha Performing Artist and plays exclusively on Yamaha trumpets.
Cody McClarty was appointed to the Assistant Principal Trumpet position of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in May 2018. Prior to this, he served two years as Principal Trumpet for the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, Garland Symphony Orchestra, and the Arlington Symphony Orchestra. Mr. McClarty has also performed with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Chamber Symphony, Houston Symphony Orchestra, San Antonio Symphony, Santa Fe Symphony, Tulsa Symphony, and the Breckenridge Music Festival. In the summer of 2014, he was a member of the National Repertory Orchestra. Mr. McClarty joined the Music in the Mountains festival orchestra in the summer of 2019, in Durango, Colorado. He has also been offered positions with the Air Force Academy Band, the Navy Band, as well as a one-year position with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Mr. McClarty is a native of Fort Worth, Texas and began trumpet studies under his older brother, James McClarty. Cody earned his BM in Trumpet Performance from Southern Methodist University, under the tutelage of Tom Booth. While at SMU, he also studied with Ryan Anthony, and Kevin Finamore. Other notable teachers include Tom Cupples, and Wiff Rudd.
Cody is a Shires Trumpet Artist.
McKenna Hill is a doctoral candidate in Trumpet Performance and Pedagogy at the University of North Texas (UNT). Her research and performance interests include trumpet pedagogy, chamber music, historical performance practice, and interdisciplinary arts. During her doctoral studies, Hill held a Teaching Assistantship as a member of the Center for Chamber Music Studies Brass Quintet and a Teaching Fellowship for the trumpet department, where she contributed to both applied instruction and ensemble coaching.
Hill currently maintains an active performance schedule in the Dallas–Fort Worth region, including engagements with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Winds, the Lone Star Wind Orchestra, and serves as the fourth/utility trumpet with the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Hill has appeared in renowned ensembles across the United States, such as the Round Top Festival Institute Orchestra, the Colorado MahlerFest Orchestra, the Miami Music Festival Orchestra, the American Baroque Opera Company, and Harmonia Stellarum.
Hill earned her Master of Music at UNT in Trumpet Performance with a specialization in Early Music and holds a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance from Texas A&M University–Commerce (now ETAMU). As a proud alumna of East Texas A&M University, Hill is thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to the department that initially fostered her growth as an artist and educator. Go Lions!
Wayne Tanabe is the senior technical manager for Yamaha Artist Services in New York City. He has been associated with brass instrument repair for the past 39 years, and founded The Brass Bow repair shop in 1983. With his former company Chicago Brass Works, he has also built a line of custom handmade trumpets. Widely recognized for his pioneering work in the field of brass instrument repair, Wayne has developed and refined the use of cryogenics, ultrasonic cleaning and magnetic dent removal, and has served as a consultant for instrument design and development of components for various manufacturers.
It’s time again for the annual Jumpstart Academy, which will introduce the 2025/26 TMEA region etudes for horn. For the first time, this event will be held at our new facility on Hill St in Keller! There will be be two afternoon sessions:
Session #1 1:00-2:30pm
Session #2 3:00-4:30pm
$35 Admission Fee
Please choose a session and you’ll be added you to the list for your preferred time slot by emailing: karen@houghtonhorns.com
As in previous years, emphasis will be placed on appropriate fundamentals, musical style/articulation, technical issues and helpful hints which will provide a strong foundation for the work ahead.
This promises to be a highly informative opportunity. Nobody will be forced to play in front of the class (it’s a lesson, not an audition!). Come ready to gain insight and prepare for success!
Join us for an evening with performer, teacher and composer Dr. James Naigus! Select participants will perform compositions by Dr. Naigus for a live audience of attendees, exploring the music and receiving immediate feedback from the composer himself. If you are interested in performing, please email janet@houghtonhorns.com. Horn players in attendance are invited to participate in a mass horn choir, and participants should plan to bring their horn and a stand. There will also be a short Q&A session if time allows.
As a dedicated teacher, active performer, and prolific composer, Dr. James Naigus seeks to inspire the next generation of musicians and creative thinkers through artistic empowerment and enthusiastic innovation. He is Assistant Professor of Horn at the University of Georgia and hornist with the Georgia Brass Quintet. He is co-founder of the Cor Moto Horn Duo with Dr. Drew Phillips, and co-editor/contributor of the Creative Hornist and Technique Tips columns in the Horn Call, the journal of the International Horn Society. In 2024 he was awarded the prestigious Michael F. Adams Early Career Scholar Award from UGA.
He frequently plays with the Atlanta Symphony and Charleston Symphony, and has played with the Wichita Symphony, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony, Orchestra Iowa, Brevard Symphony, Gainesville Chamber Orchestra, Valdosta Symphony, and Ocala Symphony Orchestra. In 2019 he was selected to perform with the WCIT World Orchestra in Yerevan, Armenia. He has toured Europe in 2017 & 2014 and South America in 2011 as a member of the American Chamber Winds. He also frequently performs on recitals at the Midnorth, Midwest, Midsouth and Southeast Horn Workshops, and International Horn Symposiums, and in 2024 hosted the Southeast Horn Workshop in Athens, GA.
Naigus has been a member of the faculty and staff at the prestigious Kendall Betts Horn Camp for the last several years, as well as the Heartland Horn Camp. Additional teaching interests include music theory, concert and commercial composition, film music, and technology.
With a catalogue of over 100 published works, Naigus’ compositions have been performed throughout the United States and beyond, with enthusiastic reception and rave review. Venues of note include the New York Philharmonic, the West Point Band, Music Academy of the West, and the Rafael Mendez Brass Institute. He is also an award winning film composer, and has written commercial compositions for clients such as Google.
He is a graduate of the University of Iowa (DMA) studying with Jeffrey Agrell, studied horn and composition with Paul Basler at the University of Florida during his masters degree, and while attending the University of Michigan for his undergraduate degree studied with Soren Hermansson, Bryan Kennedy, and Adam Unsworth. Prior appointments include the University of Central Missouri and the University of Iowa.
Join us for a day with special guest, Trombone Timo! This event will feature student ensemble performances, a solo performance by Trombone Timo, professional guidance and career advice for aspiring young musicians, participant solos, excerpts and activities. The event will involve student participation and possible playing volunteers, so be sure to bring your trombone! Participants are welcome to stay for the entirety of the event, or come and go as their schedule allows.
Timothy Jay Maines II (aka: Trombone Timo) is a professional trombonist, experienced educator and a social media expert. He has performed with various ensembles such as the Chicago Symphony, Pacific Music Festival Orchestra, Richmond Symphony, Music Academy of the West and the New World Symphony.
Over the years, Tim has become a tremendously successful social media influencer. He currently has 340,000 followers on TikTok, 670,000 followers on Youtube and 167,000 followers on Instagram. Tim’s notable collaborations with Brass Witch, Robinson’s Remedies, and Houghton Horns have generated significant impact. His videos and projects have featured Philadelphia Orchestra and Metropolitan Opera Music Director, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, as well as Metropolitan Opera trombonist Weston Sprott, and New York Philharmonic Principal Trombone Joseph Alessi, among others. Mr. Maines has also served as a social media consultant for the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara California.
Mr. Maines earned his Bachelor’s of Music degree at the University of Texas at Austin, continued to Northwestern University for his Master’s, then completed his Master of Musical Arts degree at Yale University. Aside from trombone and social media, Mr. Maines enjoys video games with friends, swing dancing, studying languages, and exploring the great outdoors.
Join us for an afternoon with Principal Horn of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Daniel Hawkins! Daniel will begin the class with an unaccompanied solo performance, followed by a demonstration and walkthrough of his daily routine and essential fundamentals. This class will involve student participation and possible playing volunteers, so be sure to bring your horn!
Hawkins currently holds the Howard E. Rachofsky Chair as Principal Horn of the DSO. He formerly held the position of Utility Horn with the San Francisco Symphony since 2017 and, in the 2019/20 Season, held the position of Associate Principal Horn with the SFS. Prior to this appointment, Hawkins served with the San Antonio Symphony, Houston Symphony, Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra, Meadows Symphony Orchestra and Southern Arkansas Symphony. Daniel Hawkins just recently won First Place in the International Horn Competition of America in 2022, was the award winner of the Music Teacher’s National Association Young Artist Competition in 2014 and won the Meadows School of the Arts Undergraduate and General Concerto Competition in 2012 and 2015.
A native of Chandler, Texas, Hawkins began playing the horn at age 11, and took lessons with Dr. Charles Gavin at Stephen F. Austin State University at age 15. Hawkins studied at the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University from 2012-2015, receiving a Bachelor of Music, and continued his studies at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University where he received his Master of Music. Hawkins’s teachers include DSO Second Horn Haley Hoops (Becky & Brad Todd Chair), former DSO Principal Horn Greg Hustis, and William VerMeulen at Rice University.
Join us for an evening with Utility Trombone of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Brian Hecht! Brian will begin the class with an unaccompanied solo performance, followed by a demonstration and walkthrough of his tenor and bass trombone daily routines and essential fundamentals. This class will involve student participation and possible playing volunteers, so be sure to bring your trombone. Both tenor and bass trombonists are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Hecht, a native of Dallas, joined the DSO in September 2021. Prior to coming to Dallas, he held the bass trombone position with the Atlanta Symphony and Premier United States Navy Band in Washington, DC.
He has performed with other major ensembles throughout his career including the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra (under the baton of Simon Rattle), San Francisco Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Naples Philharmonic, Washington National Opera, Lyric Opera of Baltimore and the Kennedy Center Ballet.
Hecht has been a featured soloist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, U.S. Navy Band, U.S. “Pershing’s Own” Army Band and Orchestra, the Armed Forces Octet at ITF 2018, Kennesaw State University Wind Ensemble, Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, STS Professor’s Choir, University of Texas Trombone Choir, University of Georgia Trombone Choir, University of Central Arkansas Trombone Choir, Texas State University Trombone Choir, Penn State Trombone Choir and the Georgia Brass Band. He can be heard on several of the U.S. Navy Band’s CDs and DVDs as well as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s CDs Vaughan Williams: Dona Nobis Pacem and Christopher Theofanidis’ Creation/Creator.
He has been the recipient of numerous performance awards including first prize at the 2009 Zellmer-Minnesota Orchestra Trombone Competition, 2009 Edwards Big 12 Bass Trombone Solo Competition and the ETW’s 2009 Trombone Quartet Competition. In addition, he was a finalist in three major international competitions in 2009 including the ITA’s Edward Kleinhammer Competition, the Donald Yaxley Competition and the International Trombone Quartet Competition.
Hecht received his Master of Music degree from Northwestern University, where he studied with Michael Mulcahy, Charles Vernon and Peter Ellefson. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied with Dr. Nathaniel Brickens. Other influential teachers include Jon Bohls of the Dallas Metroplex area and Charles Villarrubia at UT-Austin.
Brian has been a regular Guest Artist/Faculty at the Southeast Trombone Symposium since 2014. Most recently he was a Featured Artist at the 2019 Hungarian Trombone Bootcamp in Budapest, Hungary. In addition, he has been a Featured Artist at the International Trombone Festival, Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival (Jeju, South Korea), Korea Trombone Symposium (Seoul, South Korea), Jinbao International Music Festival (Tianjin, China), Festival of Trombones (Dallas, TX) and the American Trombone Workshop (Washington, D.C.).
