Presser is pleased to have David Bilger, principal trumpet with The Philadelphia Orchestra, edit the trumpet part for this new arrangement of the Ives classic. With the kind permission of the William Schuman estate, he was able to incorporate the articulations found in Schuman's orchestral setting, which makes this version highly useful for study of the orchestral trumpet part, as well as an outstanding patriotic solo! Includes parts for both C and B Flat trumpets.

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DAVID BILGER

Hailed by The New York Times for his playing of “easy brilliance” and by The Washington Post for his “engaging legato touch,” David Bilger has held the position of principal trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra since 1995. Prior to joining the Orchestra, he held the same position with the Dallas Symphony.

As a soloist, Mr. Bilger has appeared with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Dallas Symphony, Houston Symphony, Sapporo (Japan) Symphony, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Richmond Symphony, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Philharmonia Virtuosi of New York, and others. His solo appearances with the Philadelphia Orchestra include performances of the Tomasi Trumpet Concerto at Carnegie Hall, and on tour in North and South America in 1998; Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in February 2003; Copland’s Quiet City in October 2004; and Bloch’s Proclamation in 2006. In 2008 he is scheduled to perform the US premiere of Herbert Willi’s trumpet concerto entitled Eirene (Greek for “Peace”) with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Mr. Bilger has performed recitals in New York, Washington, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and other major American cities.

Mr. Bilger has appeared with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, with which he recorded Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2. Other chamber music appearances include Chamber Music Northwest, the New York Trumpet Ensemble, Saint Luke’s Chamber Ensemble, as well as guest appearances with the Canadian Brass and the Empire Brass. He recently released a recording of new electro-acoustic music for trumpet and synthesizers with composer Meg Bowles.

Mr. Bilger is currently on the music faculties of The Curtis Institute of Music and Temple University, and he has formerly been affiliated with Swarthmore College, Catholic University, Rice University, and the University of North Texas. He has performed master classes at dozens of institutions, including The Juilliard School of Music, Indiana University, the University of Michigan, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Peabody Conservatory. He has also taught at the Pacific Music Festival and the National Orchestral Institute.

Mr. Bilger was educated at The Juilliard School of Music and the University of Illinois. He and his wife, Cynthia, have three children, Emily, Richard, and Abraham.