Epidode #11 - Timothy Higgins

Epidode #11 - Timothy Higgins

Author: The Brass Ark & Bob Reeves Brass February 10, 2021 Duration: 58:16

Timothy Higgins was appointed to the position of Principal Trombone of the San Francisco Symphony by Michael Tilson Thomas in 2008. He was previously the acting Second Trombonist with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, DC.  Mr. Higgins, a Houston native, has a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Northwestern University and has performed with the Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Milwaukee Symphony, Virginia Symphony, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Music of the Baroque, Aspen Music Festival, Grand Teton Music Festival, Sun Valley Summer Symphony, Washington National Opera, and Baltimore Symphony.  His principal teachers have been Michael Mulcahy (Chicago Symphony), Michael Warny (Houston Grand Opera), and Royce Landon (Des Moines, Iowa).  He has participated in music festivals with the Roundtop Music Festival, the National Repertory Orchestra, and the Tanglewood Music Center.

Along with a busy orchestra career, Timothy Higgins is a sought after arranger of music.  He was the sole arranger of the National Brass Ensemble's Gabrieli recording. Additionally, he has arranged music for CT3 Trombone Quartet, National Brass Quintet, Bay Brass, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Brass Ensemble.  Timothy Higgins has also composed works for brass instruments in solo and chamber settings. His arrangements and compositions have been performed by the Washington Symphonic Brass, the Bay Brass, the San Francisco Symphony brass section, the Chicago Symphony brass section, the Los Angeles Philharmonic brass section, and numerous university brass ensembles. His arrangements and original compositions are available through his publishing company, 415Music.

As a teacher, Timothy been a faculty member of the Pokorny Seminar since 2012, and is currently on faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Northwestern University. He has also led masterclasses in Japan, China, Canada and the United States, including classes at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto, the New World Symphony, Vanderbilt University, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Juilliard School of Music.

In 2005, Timothy won the Robert Marsteller Solo trombone competition, as well as the ITA Trombone Quartet competition with CT3.  While attending the Tanglewood Music Center, Mr. Higgins was awarded the Grace B. Upton Award for Outstanding Fellow. In 2013, Timothy released his solo CD, Stage Left.

Learn more about Timothy Higgins at www.415music.com.

The show notes for this episode are at www.bobreeves.com/blog/timothy-higgins-trombone-interview/.

This podcast is sponsored by The Brass Ark (www.brassark.com) and Bob Reeves Brass (www.bobreeves.com). 


Ever wondered what happens in the minds of the musicians who bring that rich, sliding sound to life in orchestras, jazz clubs, and studios? The Trombone Corner pulls up a chair for candid, often surprising conversations with the artists behind the instrument. Hosted by the team at The Brass Ark and Bob Reeves Brass, this series goes far beyond technical talk, though you’ll certainly pick up insights about gear and practice routines. Each episode feels like a backstage pass, where players from across the globe share their personal journeys-the unexpected gigs that changed everything, the challenges of a demanding solo career, and the simple joy of finding the perfect phrase. You’ll hear stories from seasoned symphony veterans, innovative soloists pushing boundaries, and session legends whose work you’ve probably heard on countless recordings. It’s a deep dive into the culture and community of trombone playing, celebrating the dedication it takes to master this versatile brass voice. Tune in for a warm, engaging listen that connects the person to the music they create, making this podcast a unique find for musicians and avid music lovers alike.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 47

The Trombone Corner
Podcast Episodes
Episode #27 - John Sebastian Vera & Nick Schwartz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:53
The Trombone Corner Podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass and The Brass Ark. Join hosts Noah and John as they interview John Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz, trombonists and podcast hosts of The Trombone Retreat…
Episode #26 - Adam Woolf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:14
The Trombone Corner Podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass and The Brass Ark. Join hosts Noah and John as they interview Adam Woolf, trombonist and sackbut specialist from the UK. Meet us at the SoCal Trombone Day…
Episode #25 - Megumi Kanda [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:29
The Trombone Corner Podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass and The Brass Ark. Join hosts Noah and John as they interview Megumi Kanda, Principal Trombone of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. About Megumi Kanda Meg…
Episode #24 - Dr. Brett Baker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:55
This episode of the Trombone Corner is brought to you by The Brass Ark and by Bob Reeves Brass. Join hosts Noah Gladstone and John Snell as they talk with trombonist Dr. Brett Baker. Brett Baker is viewed internationally…
Episode #23 - Andy Martin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:59
Coming from a musical family, trombonist Andy Martin launched his career while still in his teens. His technique and virtuosity quickly established him on the Los Angeles music scene. As an instructor, Martin has influen…
Episode #22 - Douglas Yeo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:36
Recognized worldwide as a leading low brass performer, teacher, scholar, and author, Douglas Yeo is Clinical Associate Professor of Trombone at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for the 2022–2024 academic years.…
Episode #21 - Bill Reichenbach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:14
Bill Reichenbach grew up in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Takoma Park, Maryland where he studied trombone with Gene Brusiloff and Robert Isele. After high school, Bill was accepted to the Eastman School of Music in Roch…
Episode #20 - Michael Davis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:21
Trombonist/composer Michael Davis has enjoyed a diverse and acclaimed career over the past 40 years. Widely known as the trombonist for five world tours with the Rolling Stones, he toured and recorded extensively with Fr…
Episode #19 - Kenneth Thompkins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:46
Kenneth Thompkins was appointed Principal Trombone of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra by Neeme Jarvi. Prior to this appointment he held positions in the Buffalo Philharmonic and The Florida Orchestra and New World Symphon…
Episode #18 - Angel Subero [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:57
Angel Subero is a Venezuelan trombonist who attended the Conservatorio Itinerante in Caracas, Venezuela, where he studied with the legendary Michel Becquet. After coming to the United States in 2001, he attended Boston C…