Adam Houk

Bachelor of Music (Trombone Performance)
Western Michigan University (2007)

Master of Music (Trombone Performance)
DePaul University (2009)

Why did you choose to attend WMU?

My high school teacher, Tony Bianchetta, attended WMU and spoke highly of Dr. Wolfinbarger's teaching. After auditioning and getting to know Dr. Wolfinbarger I thought that he would be a very good teacher for me. In addition, I felt that the studio size at WMU was great. There were enough students to have a variety of players but each player still gets individual attention from the professor, not a graduate student.

What do you consider to be your most important professional achievements to date?

As a recent college graduate, I'm just now starting to pursue performing opportunities. Nevertheless, my biggest achievements thus far include winning auditions for two very good regional orchestras, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and the Madison Symphony Orchestra. I was also recently selected as a semifinalist in the North Carolina Symphony 2nd trombone audition, and was named an Associate Trombonist with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.

What is your fondest memory of your time in the trombone studio (or music program) at WMU?

My fondest memory of my time at WMU is when Dr. Wolfinbarger took a quartet of students on a week-long tour to universities in Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas.  At each school Dr. Wolfinbarger presented clinics and we performed recitals.  The other performers were Ruth Lindgren, Evan Conroy, and Brandon Drew.

General information

Adam Houk is a Chicago-based freelance trombonist, active as both a chamber and orchestral musician. He is a member of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, Green Bay Symphony, and the Dubuque Symphony. In addition to these orchestras he has performed with many ensembles in Chicago, including the Grant Park Orchestra, Illinois Philharmonic, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Oistrach Symphony Orchestra, Lira Ensemble, Northwest Festival Orchestra, as well as the San Angelo Symphony (Texas) and the Madison Symphony (Wisconsin). Adam has also performed with chamber groups such as the Chicago Trombone Project and the State Street Brass Quintet.