David Bilger, principal trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra, has been named the William F. and Pamela P. Prokasy Professor in the Arts in the Hugh Hodgson School of Music within the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.
A soloist and chamber musician of international reputation, Bilger will help lead the trumpet program at the school previously headed by Fred Mills, a founding member of the Canadian Brass, who died in 2009.
Hailed by The New York Times for his playing of “easy brilliance” and by The Washington Post for his “engaging legato touch,” Bilger has held the position of principal trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra since 1995. Prior to joining the orchestra, he held the same position with the Dallas Symphony.
“UGA is becoming one of the best places to study brass anywhere, and Dave Bilger’s presence here will continue to enhance our international reputation,” said Dale Monson, director of the school of music. “Fred Mills’ impact made the future of this position a point of interest across the music world. Dave Bilger is one of the finest trumpet performers and pedagogues today, and we feel fortunate to welcome him to UGA.”
Bilger joined the faculty on a part-time basis beginning this fall, teaching trumpet alongside assistant professor Brandon Craswell.
“It is very exciting for me to join the faculty at UGA,” Bilger said. “Musicians in the U.S. are faced with very serious challenges during these difficult economic times, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to give the next generation of brass players the tools they will need to be not only fine performers, but also ambassadors for the musical art form.”