Jeffrey Gray joined the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in 2011 as bass trombonist. He previously held the same position with the Grant Park Orchestra of Chicago from 2003-2014, and the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra from 2000-2011. Mr. Gray received his formal music training from The Juilliard School and Bowling Green State University. His most influential teachers include Don Harwood, Joe Alessi, Paul Hunt and Dennis Smith.
Jeff made his solo debut with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in 2016 performing Eric Ewazen’s Concerto for Bass Trombone with Maestro Gunther Herbig.
In 2000, Mr. Gray was the winner of two international student competitions; the Lewis Van Haney Philharmonic Prize and the Donald Yaxley Solo Competition, both sponsored by the International Trombone Association. At the time, he was one of only a few trombonists to win both international competitions for bass trombone in the same year. He was a featured soloist at the 2000 International Trombone Festival in Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Mr. Gray currently teaches trombone, bass trombone, and brass chamber music at the Eastman School of Music and the Eastman Community Music School. He has also taught at Roberts Wesleyan University, Ithaca College, and LeMoyne College. His students have gone on to professional performing and teaching positions throughout the country. An enthusiastic teacher, Mr. Gray enjoys working with students of all ages and abilities.