Biography:

Graham Middleton joined the Victoria Symphony in British Columbia as principal trombone in 2025. He also holds the bass trombone seats with the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and Portland Opera Orchestra. Previously, Graham held positions with the Vancouver Symphony, Boise Philharmonic, Eugene Symphony, Yakima Symphony, Columbus Symphony, and Opera Cleveland. He has also performed with the Seattle Symphony, Oregon Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Spokane Symphony, the Oregon Bach Festival, and the Sunriver Music Festival.

Also an experienced craftsman and instrument builder, Graham has been sought after by brass musicians throughout the United States and Canada who wish to modify, customize, or repair their instruments. He first learned the art of building custom trombones at the S.E. Shires Company, where he was eventually the director of handslide production. He expanded this expertise in a variety of settings, including building piccolo trumpets at Schilke Music Products in Chicago and mouthpieces at Marcinkiewicz in Oregon. Combining his twenty years’ experience building horns with the sensitivity of an active high-level performer, Graham has focused his recent work on custom projects and slide optimization.

A supportive and knowledgeable educator, Graham teaches low brass at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music, Oregon State University, and Willamette University. He previously taught at George Fox University, Mt. Hood Community College, Kenyon College, Adrian College, and the Flint Institute of Music.

Graham received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan. He also studied at the Peabody Institute and the Aspen Music Festival.