Hometown:
Highland Park, Illinois
Education:
Northwestern University, Bachelor of Music (2026)
Bio:
William Lewis is a trumpet player pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience at Northwestern University. He has performed as a substitute with the New World Symphony and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and has played as principal/lead trumpet of the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra and the Northwestern University Jazz Orchestra. He studies primarily with David Bilger and Derrick Gardner.
What inspired you to become a musician?
My parents inspired me to be a musician. Both of them are professional choral conductors and introduced classical music to my brothers and me at a very young age. They have and always will be my inspiration, and I hope to one day make music with the same passion, generosity, and commitment that they have always shown.
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
Mahler, Strauss, and Shostakovich. They write good trumpet parts.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
I technically (not officially) have the world record for most claps and most one-handed alternate claps in a minute.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
Going to the gym, or playing soccer with my friends.
Why did you choose the NRO?
My decision to attend the National Repertory Orchestra is driven by the opportunity to immerse myself in great orchestral repertoire while working alongside exceptional musicians. The orchestra’s programming includes many of the large-scale works that first drew me to orchestral playing, including Copland 3, and Stravinsky’s “The Firebird”. Spending the summer in Breckenridge is also a draw, as I love spending time in the outdoors (biking, hiking, etc.), and Breckenridge is such a beautiful place. I am also excited about the opportunity to work with Michael Stern again, whose experience and leadership have and will provide very valuable artistic guidance. As I pursue a career in orchestral performance, the National Repertory Orchestra represents an important step in developing my musicianship, expanding my professional network, and gaining the kind of intensive orchestral experience that will prepare me for the next stages of my career.