Formerly Principal Trombonist with the Houston Symphony until 2021, Allen Barnhill joined the orchestra in 1977 and has appeared as a soloist on numerous occasions. Winner of the Swiss Prize in the 1979 Geneva International Solo Competition, he was also featured in the 2008 world premiere of Cindy McTee’s Solstice for Trombone and Orchestra.
As an ensemble collaborator, he has appeared in concert and on recordings with the Houston Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, San Antonio Symphony, Chicago’s Music of the Baroque Ensemble and The Houston Symphony Chamber Players.
Currently Associate Professor of Trombone at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, he has also held faculty positions at The University of Texas, The University of Houston, Sam Houston State University and St. Thomas University.
A native of Elizabethtown, NC, Allen graduated from The Eastman School of Music where he studied with Donald Knaub. He enjoys water skiing, snow skiing and golf.