Felix Padilla has served as the Bass Trombonist of the U.S. Army West Point Band and the New Haven Symphony Orchestra since 2019 and 2023, respectively. He has also performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra, Boston Pops Orchestra, New York City Ballet Orchestra, and the American Ballet Theatre Orchestra.
As a soloist, Felix has appeared with The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” USMA West Point Band, and Columbus State University Trombone Ensemble. He can be heard as soloist on CSU Trombone Ensemble’s album Full Tilt and on James Markey’s album Psychedelia.
Felix was awarded a brand new bass trombone as the winner of the 2018 Southeast Trombone Symposium’s S.E. Shires Solo Competition. Furthermore, he achieved the runner-up position in the Orchestral Excerpts Competition during the same event. Further accolades include being a finalist in the 2019 International Trombone Association’s Edward Kleinhammer Competition and the 2017 American Trombone Workshop’s Bass Trombone Division II Competition.
Felix earned a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory, where he studied with James Markey, and a Bachelor of Music from Columbus State University, studying with Dr. Bradley Palmer.
“My Edwards bass trombone allows me the versatility of sound, articulation, and color necessary to sing with my voice through the instrument. The ability to create the sound inside of my head with ease is such a joy!”