Hometown:
Chicago, IL
Education:
The Juilliard School, MMus Bass Trombone Performance, Graduating 2025
Northwestern University, BMus Bass Trombone Performance, Graduated 2023
Bio:
Reid Harman is currently pursuing his MMus at The Juilliard School under Blair Bollinger. He received his BM from Northwestern University in 2023, where he studied with Michael Mulcahy, Randy Hawes, Tim Higgins, Doug Wright, and Chris Davis. He has performed with the New World Symphony, Juilliard Trombone Choir, and more. Reid appeared as a soloist with the Merit Trombone Choir at the International Trombone Festival in 2019 and was a winner of Brevard's Jan and Beattie Wood Concerto Competition in 2021.
What inspired you to become a musician?
While I lived in Toronto from 2013-2016, I was a part of the Hannaford Youth Brass Band. It continues to be one of the greatest musical experiences I’ve ever had, and the amount of joy I got out of it made me realize that I wanted to pursue music professionally.
Who are your all-time favorite composers and/or pieces? Why?
My favorite pieces are the Chaccone from Bach’s Second Violin Partita, Mahler 2, and Wagner’s Ring Cycle. All three of these pieces carry powerful messages that resonate with me. These are the pieces that invoke an emotional response in me, and I feel like being able to do that is the hallmark of great music.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
My first instrument was euphonium! I didn’t make the switch to trombone until my junior year of high school.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
I love reading and spending time with family and friends.
Why did you choose the NRO?
I chose NRO to learn how to thrive in a fast-paced performance environment where I can make music at the highest level with other talented students. Having such an intense performance schedule is an experience akin to a professional career that isn’t obtainable through student life, which makes it extremely valuable.