Conductor and Member of the Board: David Bryan

David Bryan is only the second conductor in the history of the Big Horn Brass – succeeding his former teacher, the late Dr. William Tuttle. During his years on the podium, BHB has expanded its repertoire and concert season. Audiences in Portland, Beaverton, West Linn and Vancouver WA have been delighted by Big Horn’s outstanding performances, characterized by eclectic programming and David’s relaxed, informative communication with the audience.

David brings over thirty years of wide-ranging performing experience as a professional trombonist to his work with the BHB. He is a member of the orchestras for both Portland Opera and Oregon Ballet Theater, and has performed and recorded with the Oregon Symphony. He has also performed with symphony orchestras in Honolulu, Seattle and Eugene, and is the principal trombonist of the Oregon Coast Music Festival.

David has backed up many international artists in their northwest appearances, from Natalie Cole to Luciano Pavarotti, and has played in the pit orchestras for touring musicals featuring artists such as Jerry Lewis and Marie Osmond. His work as a lead trombonist in local groups such as the Woody Hite Band, the Carlton Jackson/Dave Mills Band and the Portland Jazz Orchestra is well known and regarded in Portland’s musical community. David played lead/solo trombone on many of Norman Leyden’s popular big band specials. He also enjoys long-standing membership and musical friendships in the Columbia Brass, Oregon Renaissance Band, and Pioneer Brass.

David’s initial musical training was guided by his mother, a fine pianist and teacher. He took up the trombone in fifth grade, and while a student at Clackamas High School he became the principal trombonist of the Portland Youth Philharmonic under Jacob Avshalomov. continuing in that orchestra during studies at Clackamas Community College and Portland State University. During these years he also benefited from many musical activities with the Portland Brass Society, often playing in ensembles conducted by his predecessor with the BHB, Bill Tuttle. David received a Bachelor of Music degree from Linfield College in 1985.

In addition to the Big Horn Brass, David also conducts the Northwest Horn Orchestra (Jen Harrison, founder), which has presented annual performances to enthusiastic audiences at Portland’s Historic Old Church since 2007. In 2012 he became the conductor of the Rose City Trombones. David’s passion as the conductor of these ensembles is to communicate the beauty of the full musical range of brass music to aficionados and newcomers alike. David also enjoys following the activities of, and spending time with, his grown children – son Ted and daughter Emily.