Philadelphia Trombonist and Trumpeter Retire After Combined 62 Years of Service

Another major orchestra has announced the recent retirements of two brass players from their respective sections. After 34 years, Eric Carlson has retired from Philadelphia Orchestra. Carlson joined the low brass section in 1986 after being a member of both the Baltimore Symphony and North Carolina Symphony. A graduate of Wheaton College, Carlson’s primary teachers were Edward Kleinhammer and Arnold Jacobs, both former members of the famed Chicago Symphony low brass section.

Also retiring from Philadelphia is Robert W. Earley, a trumpeter who joined the brass section in 1992. Earley received his musical training from Baldwin-Wallace College and the New England Conservatory and has listed James Darling, Armando Ghitalla, and William Vacchiano to be his primary teachers. Prior to joining Philadelphia, Earley was a member of the Montreal Symphony and had performed with the Boston Symphony, the Boston Pops, and the Opera Company of Boston.

Photo Credits: Jessica Griffin