Coach Spotlight: Learn More about Chad Winkler!
Chad Winkler joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as fourth/utility trumpet in November 2008 and has been featured as soloist with the Pittsburgh Symphony. Prior to winning the PSO position, Winkler held positions with the Wheeling Symphony, the West Virginia Symphony, and the Erie Philharmonic. He has performed with the orchestras of Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Detroit as guest principal trumpet, and has also performed with the orchestras of San Francisco, Minnesota, Honolulu, Louisville, and Jacksonville, as well as acting principal trumpet with the orchestras of the Pittsburgh Ballet and Pittsburgh Opera. Winkler is also principal trumpet of the Lakeside Symphony Orchestra in Lakeside, Ohio.
Winkler has led masterclasses at the University of Michigan, Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, Butler University, West Virginia University, and the Conservatory of Music in Puerto Rico. Winkler has taught at the Masterworks Festival in Spartanburg, SC and the Eastman Trumpet Institute in Rochester, NY. Winkler also has a home studio of several middle and high school students.
Originally from Morgantown, West Virginia, Winkler earned his Bachelor of Music degree from West Virginia University, where he studied with his father, Dr. John Winkler. Winkler earned his Master of Music degree from Duquesne University, where he studied with George Vosburgh, retired Pittsburgh Symphony principal trumpet.
Mr. Winkler will be the coach for YC2’s Trumpet Ensemble starting in our 2023-24 season! All students are welcome to join! To learn more about Mr. Winkler, check out our conversation below!
How long have you been coaching chamber music? Several years -- I remember having fun coaching a brass group a few years ago. They were eager students and good players!
Why is chamber music important to you? Chamber music allows us to really hone in on ensemble skills -- most importantly, listening and making small adjustments in volume, intonation, timbre, and color. It also produces great leadership skills as we learn what lines are important to hear and what needs to be in a more supportive context.
What is one of your favorite parts of chamber rehearsals or performances? One of my favorite things is really learning my part well so that it frees me to listen and adjust to my colleagues when needed. It makes the performances that much more exciting and helps them play their best too.
What’s on your music stand right now? This week I'm playing guest principal trumpet with the Rochester Philharmonic in Rochester, NY. The program is Mahler Symphony #2 -- a terrific piece for brass!
Do you have a piece of wisdom or advice to share with our YC2 family? Practicing and working hard on your instrument builds life skills far beyond music. The value of figuring things out and being able to play your very best, and the satisfaction and enjoyment that comes from that process, can and should extend to all areas of your life. I love the tired feeling I have that comes from hard work, and I've learned to embrace it! Don't expect life to just hand you opportunities -- really go far it! It's worth it!