David Binder joined the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as Second Trombone in September 2015. He previously served as Co-Principal Trombone of the Finnish National Opera in Helsinki, Finland for three seasons and currently performs with the Grand Teton Music Festival during summers. He has also performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, Music of the Baroque (Chicago), the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Tapiola (Finland) Sinfonietta. As a soloist, David has performed recitals in Finland, Switzerland, and across the US; and has won solo competitions at the American Trombone Workshop, International Trombone Festival, and International Women’s Brass Conference.

David received a 2018 Kresge Artist Fellowship, awarded by Kresge Arts in Detroit, a program of The Kresge Foundation. The Fellowship is awarded in recognition of a demonstrated track record of artistic achievement and high quality work, and the potential to reflect, enhance, or impact communities within metropolitan Detroit. During the Fellowship year, David performed recitals of contemporary works for solo trombone and chamber ensemble.

A Chicago native, he completed his Bachelor’s degree with Brass Department Honors at Northwestern University, studying with Michael Mulcahy, Peter Ellefson, Timothy Higgins, and Randall Hawes. While at Northwestern, he was also a regular member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and studied additionally with Jay Friedman. During his time in Europe, David travelled extensively to study with prominent trombonists on the continent, including Ian Bousfield and Jamie Williams.

David has quickly become sought after as a teacher, presenting masterclasses at Northwestern University, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Indiana University. In Detroit he maintains a private studio and is heavily involved in the DSO Civic Youth Ensembles program, leading rehearsals and sectionals for low brass students.

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