Robert Walp – Music Director
Robert Walp joined the Houston Symphony Orchestra as Assistant Principal Trumpet in 1983. Originally from Pasadena, California, Mr. Walp studied with Walter Laursen (Principal Trumpet, Pasadena Symphony Orchestra) and Thomas Stevens (Principal Trumpet, Los Angeles Philharmonic) before moving to Chicago to study with Vincent Cichowicz at Northwestern University.
As a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Mr. Walp studied with Adolph Herseth and Arnold Jacobs of the Chicago Symphony. After graduating from Northwestern University in 1982, Mr. Walp worked with Albert Calvayrac in France, and Timofei Dokshizter, Solo Trumpet of the Bolshoi in Moscow.
Well known for his success in teaching young people, Robert Walp substituted for Vincent Cichowicz at Northwestern University, leading masterclasses, teaching, and giving a recital at his alma mater. Mr. Walp also served on the faculty of Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music for five years. His students are some of the most sought-after by major conservatories and schools of music.
Active as a chamber musician as well as a recitalist, Robert Walp has performed with the Carmel (California) Bach Festival, Rheingau Musikfestival in Germany, Albi Festival in France, and Gidon Kremer’s Laurie Festival in Köln and St. Petersburg, Russia. His solo appearances include numerous recitals throughout the US and Europe, and concerti with the symphonies of Houston and Brazosport, Texas.
Mr. Walp joined the Houston Brass Band as music director in 2006 and has led the band through an unprecedented period of improvement, tackling increasingly more challenging works and engaging the band with the community.