The principal trombonist of the Victoria Symphony and bass trombonist of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, Graham Middleton is an experienced and versatile performer who is pleased to join the faculty of the Victoria Conservatory of Music. In 2024, Graham served as acting bass trombone of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, where he still performs as a regular guest on both tenor and bass trombone. He previously held positions with the Portland Opera Orchestra, Boise Philharmonic, Eugene Symphony, Yakima Symphony, Columbus Symphony, and Opera Cleveland, among others. He has also performed with the Seattle, Oregon, San Diego, and Baltimore Symphonies, as well as in many musical theatre productions and a variety of chamber music and solo settings.
A supportive and knowledgeable low brass educator, Graham teaches at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and the VSO School of Music. Before relocating to Canada, he taught at numerous universities and community music schools in the United States, including Oregon State University, Willamette University, and the Peabody Institute Preparatory Programs. Graham’s students have won prizes in competitions and have been admitted to competitive music schools, but he is most proud of how many have developed vibrant musical identities that they are able to communicate through performance as a result of their studies. He aims to meet each student where they are, often addressing a blend of instrumental technique, musical interpretation, and mental skills for performance.
Graham received his bachelor degree in trombone performance from Northwestern University and master degree in trombone and chamber music performance from the University of Michigan. He also studied at the Peabody Institute and Aspen Music Festival.