Tuba
Gary Carper
Tuba • Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra
A founding member of The Dallas Brass and the first tubist to earn a BM in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas, Gary brings a rare jazz pedigree and decades of freelance artistry to the FSO tuba chair.
Full Biography
Gary studied Music Education at Shenandoah Conservatory (VA) and transferred to The University of North Texas where he became the first Tuba player to earn a BM in Jazz Studies / Performance.
Gary began playing professionally in 1976 and has since been a freelance musician performing in 39 states and Europe. Career highlights include founding member of The Dallas Brass, artist in residence at Southern Methodist University (TX), and a clinician for Yamaha Band Instrument Corp. Gary has been a finalist in national and international Jazz Improvisation competitions and toured with ensembles including Rodeo Bands and Guy Lombardo’s Royal Canadians.
Since 2008, Gary has been the Adjunct Instructor of Low Brass at University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Current ensembles include Tuba with The Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra, The New Town Jazz Band and The Edelweiss Band plus numerous other groups on Tuba and Trombone between Baltimore and Richmond.