Artist Picture

David Binder

Trombone

DSO member since 2015

David Binder joined the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as Second Trombone in September 2015. He previously served as Co-Principal Trombone of the Finnish National Opera in Helsinki, Finland for three seasons, and continues to perform with the Grand Teton Music Festival during the summer. He has also performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, Music of the Baroque (Chicago), the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Tapiola Sinfonietta (Finland). As a soloist, David has performed recitals in Finland, Switzerland, and across the US, and has won solo competitions at the American Trombone Workshop, the International Trombone Festival, and the International Women’s Brass Conference.

Binder received a 2018 Kresge Artist Fellowship through the Kresge Foundation in Detroit. The fellowship is awarded in recognition of a demonstrated track record of artistic achievement and high-quality work, and the potential to reflect, enhance, or impact communities within metro Detroit. During his fellowship year, Binder performed recitals of contemporary works for solo trombone and chamber ensemble.

A Chicago native, he completed his bachelor’s degree receiving brass department honors at Northwestern University, studying with Michael Mulcahy, Peter Ellefson, Timothy Higgins, and Randall Hawes. While at Northwestern, he was also a regular member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and pursued additional studies with Jay Friedman. During his time in Europe, Binder traveled extensively to study with prominent trombonists including Ian Bousfield and Jamie Williams.

Binder is a sought-after teacher, presenting masterclasses at Northwestern University, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Indiana University. In Detroit he maintains a private studio and is highly involved with the DSO Civic Youth Ensembles program, leading rehearsals and sectionals for low brass students.