Richard Harris joined the Houston Symphony as second trumpet in 2018. Previously, for eight years he was a member of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, where he became the only musician in an American orchestra to win auditions for each position in one trumpet section. A Yamaha Performing Artist, he has performed with the Seoul and Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestras, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Kansas City Symphony and many other orchestras. Rich served on the faculty at Winthrop University from 2013-2018 and at UNC Charlotte from 2007-2009.
Rich studied with Thomas Booth and Barbara Butler and holds degrees from Texas Tech University and Southern Methodist University. Born in Lander, Wyoming, Rich is the youngest of five siblings. A chess enthusiast, through his volunteer work with inner-city schools in Charlotte, Rich taught and ran chess camps for underprivileged kids. In 2013, he met his wife, Angela. They have two children, Edward and Eva.
Though you previously served as a contracted substitute, this is your first official season with the Houston Symphony. How does it feel to be an official member of the orchestra?
Becoming a member of this orchestra has been the culmination of my entire life’s work as a musician. Sitting next to these world-class musicians each day is inspiring, and compels me to refine and hone my craft in new ways.
What inspired you to become a musician?
I have always been surrounded by music. My mother is violinist, and my father loved to play classical guitar. We listened to classical music often in our house. When I was 5, my mother asked me to pick an instrument to learn. I wanted to learn the trumpet, but since trumpet is rarely taught to children at that age I wasn’t able to start until I was 8. Instead, I picked the cello, which I still play today.
Is there a notable performance or event in your career you’d like to share?
There are two significant performances that come to mind. In 2012, I organized and performed a benefit concert for a school that helps children with autism spectrum disorders learn life skills that enable them to be more independent. The concert was a big success, and the money we raised helped many children. The other performance was this year when I was honored to perform at the funeral for former first lady Barbara Bush with the Houston Symphony Brass Quintet.
What does music mean to you?
Music is capable of speaking to the absolute truth, beauty, and love in all things. It expresses ideas that words can never fully say.
