John Parker

Session: Houston Symphony Trumpet Section

John Parker, a native of High Point, North Carolina, joined the Houston Symphony in May of 2016 as Associate Principal Trumpet. Previously, he was Principal Trumpet with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, a position he attained after his undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). While at UNC, Parker was a recipient of the Kenan Music Scholarship and also the Frank Comfort Education Scholarship. He attended the Aspen Music Festival and School on a full fellowship in both 2012 and 2013 and also performed twice as a soloist at the National Trumpet Competition during his undergraduate years. 

Parker has performed as principal trumpet with many prominent orchestras across the country, including the Houston Symphony, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, and the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his current position in Houston, Parker is also the Assistant Principal Trumpet of the Cabrillo Festival for Contemporary Music.

Parker has had the opportunity to perform as a soloist multiple times, including several occasions during his tenure with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. While in Charlotte, he performed Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, Shostakovich’s Concerto No. 1 for Piano and Trumpet, and Karl Jenkin’s Stella Natalis. In June of 2018, Parker had the privilege to perform Oscar Böhme’s Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra with the Houston Symphony. He has also made solo appearances with the Houston Brass Band and the Magnolia City Brass Band. 

Parker maintains an active teaching schedule, including a private lessons studio, and regularly gives masterclasses at schools throughout the greater Houston area. He has also given classes at numerous universities, including UNC Chapel Hill, UNC School of the Arts, Texas Tech University, University of Iowa, Baylor University, UNC Greensboro, Columbus State University, University of South Carolina, and Gardner Webb University.

Parker lives in Houston, Texas. He enjoys golf, Texas BBQ, and traveling with his wife of 5 years, Amy.