Adam Rainey, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, joined the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in the 2022–23 season as Bass Trombonist. He was previously the Bass Trombonist with the Kansas City Symphony from 2014–2022. In 2012, Rainey made his debut with the Boston Symphony Orchestra playing Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream under the baton of Bernard Haitink. Later that year, he recorded John Williams’s Fanfare for Fenway with the Boston Pops under the baton of the composer himself in celebration of Fenway Park’s centennial. He has also performed with The Philadelphia Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Grant Park Festival Orchestra.
Rainey has attended the Pacific Music Festival (Japan) and spent two summers as a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music under the instruction of Douglas Yeo and James Markey. Additionally, he has studied with Norman Bolter, Mark Gaal, Steve Lange, Peter Norton, and Toby Oft. Rainey received second prize at the 2011 Zellmer-Minnesota Orchestra Trombone Competition and was a finalist at the International Trombone Association’s Edward Kleinhammer Competition. During the summer, he performs with the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder, Colorado. Rainey is an Edwards Instruments Artist.
“With its rich sound, freedom, and versatility, the Edwards bass trombone is my clear choice. It is the best trombone I’ve ever played.”