Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. David Perkel was hailed by the Baltimore Sun; “…it was beautifully realized, especially by the trombonist who tapped into the mysticism of the score with soulful, sustained tone and graceful phrasing.” The National Society of Arts and Letters wrote, “…the piece’s novelty was a pair of melodious solos for trombone, handled with gorgeous sonority by principal trombonist David Perkel.”
Dr. Perkel is a well-rounded orchestral and jazz artist. He has performed with many orchestras including the National Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, Richmond (VA) Symphony, Harrisburg Symphony, San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Symphony, National Philharmonic, Virginia Chamber Orchestra, and the National Gallery Orchestra. Additionally, in 1999, he was appointed principal trombone of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. He has been featured as a soloist in the ASO several times, including “Overture for Trombone and Strings” by Alan Hovhaness and the 2nd movement of Jim Pugh’s “Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra.”
As a jazz musician, Perkel has performed and/or recorded with numerous jazz luminaries including Chris Potter, Steve Turre, Branford Marsalis, Dianne Schuur, Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra, United States Air Force Airmen of Note, Afro Bop Alliance, Steve Williams and Jazz Nation, Jane Monheit, Jerry Bergonzi, Bob Mintzer, Jim Pugh, the famed University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band and New York Voices. Since 2002, Perkel has been the lead trombonist and soloist for the Navy Band Commodores jazz ensemble.
Dr. Perkel earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas, a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The Catholic University of America.
He is an active educator, having spent five years as an artist-in-residence at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival in Tennessee and a one-year teaching appointment at Towson University. He is also a sought-after clinician, having given masterclasses across the United States, including the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of New Mexico-Albuquerque, Midwest Clinic, University of Delaware, Tennessee Tech University, Eastern Trombone Workshop, and Towson University. Dr. Perkel plays Edwards trombones and Griego mouthpieces exclusively.
Why David Plays Edwards
“I have been playing Edwards trombones in orchestras, solo recitals, chamber ensembles, jazz ensembles, and commercial settings for almost twenty years. These instruments allow me to get the sound I desire, are free-blowing, and they have such amazing evenness in all registers. They are, without a doubt, the best trombones I have ever played. Working with Christan to find the best orchestral and jazz horns for me has always been a fantastic experience! He is extremely knowledgeable about each model and has always helped select the horns that suited me best.”