ROBERT GARRISON

Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Robert Garrison has distinguished himself as one of the most versatile trumpeters of his generation, navigating classical, baroque, and jazz traditions with exceptional fluency. After years of freelancing in New York City, he now serves as Acting Co-Principal Trumpet of the Sarasota Orchestra while maintaining an active career with leading ensembles across the United States and abroad. His performances include appearances with major orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the New York City Ballet, and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, as well as guest principal roles with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Rochester Philharmonic.

Garrison’s artistry has been recognized through performances featured among the year’s most notable classical events, including productions at the Spoleto Festival, the reopening of David Geffen Hall with the New York Philharmonic, and MusicAeterna’s acclaimed U.S. tour. A committed advocate for contemporary music, he has collaborated with emerging composers, recorded new works for trumpet, and commissioned pieces that explore the evolving sound of modern brass performance. His own compositions and arrangements reflect an interest in the dialogue between jazz and classical idioms, with works written for brass quintet, large brass ensemble, and trumpet ensemble. His arrangement of Kevin McKee’s Vuelta del Fuego for seven trumpets received national recognition.

Garrison completed his formal training at the University of North Texas and The Juilliard School, studying with renowned pedagogues including Christopher Martin, Raymond Mase, John Thiessen, Caleb Hudson, Ryan Anthony, and Tanya Darby. He has further refined his craft at leading summer programs such as Tanglewood, Aspen, Spoleto, Brevard, and the National Orchestral Institute.

He is a Yamaha Performing Artist and a Patrick Mouthpieces Artist. His digital presence, particularly his Instagram account, has been highlighted by the International Trumpet Guild as an example of how musicians can meaningfully integrate social media into their artistic practice.