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About Allen
Allen Barnhill is Associate Professor of Trombone and former Chair of Brass at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, part of the Arts and Culture faculty. He joined the faculty in 2010 and holds a Bachelor of Music degree, earned with honors in 1977 from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Donald Knaub. Born in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, Barnhill began his musical journey under the guidance of band director Ray Haney, trombone instructor Jack Pindell, and piano teacher Mae Melvin. Before Rice, he served on the faculties of The University of Texas, The University of Houston, Sam Houston State University, and St. Thomas University. As a dedicated trombone educator, Barnhill has delivered master classes throughout the United States and abroad, mentoring numerous students who have advanced in professional orchestral and academic careers.
Barnhill enjoyed a distinguished 44-year tenure as Principal Trombonist with the Houston Symphony from 1977 to 2021, contributing to extensive concert seasons and recordings. He performed as a featured soloist with the orchestra on multiple occasions, including the 2008 world premiere of Cindy McTee’s Solstice for Trombone and Orchestra, lauded for his masterful control, burnished tone, seamless legato, power, and agility. A prizewinner at the 1979 Geneva International Solo Competition, where he received the Swiss Prize, Barnhill has appeared as a soloist with orchestras and bands, in recitals, and chamber music settings. His collaborations encompass performances and recordings with the Atlanta Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Chicago’s Music of the Baroque Ensemble, and the Houston Symphony Chamber Players. In 2025, following the arrival of new faculty, Barnhill transitioned to a specialized role at the Shepherd School focused on brass chamber music and orchestral repertoire.
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