Myles Blakemore // Class of 2011 - GDYO Alumni Spotlight

I’m proud of the fact that I literally get to make a living as a musician. It still blows my mind to think that I am paid for something I’m passionate about.

Myles Blakemore is Assistant Professor of Trombone at the University of Maryland School of Music. Prior to this position he served as Trombonist in the US Navy Band. He has held other notable positions such as Trombonist in the US Naval Academy Band, a fellowship with the New World Symphony under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas, the Rosemary and David Good Fellowship with the Minnesota Orchestra, and 2nd Trombone in Symphony in C in New Jersey.

As an orchestral musician, he has performed with the Baltimore Symphony, Charleston Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Malaysian Philharmonic, National Symphony, Richmond Symphony, Virginia Symphony and Washington National Opera, among others. Myles has also attended premier music festivals including Aspen Music Festival, Brevard Music Center, and National Repertory Orchestra.

As a soloist, Myles has been a featured artist at the American Trombone Workshop and
the International Trombone Festival. He can be heard on his debut album “Bach-ish”,
which features works inspired by Bach. Blakemore has served on the faculties of Howard University and Morgan State University. He currently spends his summers teaching at the DC Trombone Workshop and the Brass Institutes of America and performing at the Wintergreen Music Festival.

A Dallas native, Myles is a graduate of Southern Methodist University, where he studied with John Kitzman. He received his Master’s Degree at the Manhattan School of Music where he studied with Per Brevig in the Orchestral Program.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE GDYO EXPERIENCE OR MEMORY?

GDYO had a HUGE impact on my life and career. It was my first chance at getting to play orchestral music. The works we performed are still some of my favorites to this day like An American in Paris, Chairman Dances, and La Forza del Destino. Those experiences definitely shaped my want to pursue music after graduation. So I’d say my favorite experience was the music itself.

TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU’VE BEEN UP TO SINCE GRADUATING FROM GDYO.

I feel like life has been quite thrilling since graduating GDYO. I’ve gotten to live and work musically in New York City, Minneapolis, Miami, and now DC. All of which has been meaningful in its own way. However getting to work in the U.S. Navy Band has been quite special. I really feel like I get to be in “the room where it happens” one might say. I’ve gotten to perform up close and personal for Senators, Congress members, the First Lady, Vice President, and President. It’ll be a chapter in my life I certainly won’t forget. I’ve also been fortunate enough to get to work closely with the next generation of musicians as a college professor. I’ve enjoyed it so much that I’m leaving the Navy Band to teach full time at the University of Maryland starting in the fall. Something I couldn’t be more excited about!

WHAT LIFE ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF SO FAR AND WHY?

I’m so proud of all the students I’ve gotten the opportunity to work with so far in my career. It’s heartwarming to see their lives unfold after our work together ends. I’m also proud of the fact that I literally get to make a living as a musician. It still blows my mind to think that I am paid for something I’m passionate about.

TELL US ABOUT SOME OF YOUR PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL GOALS FOR THE FUTURE.

On a professional note I’m looking forward to building a thriving studio at UMD as well as recording more solo albums. On a personal note I’m excited to put roots down here. I want to have get a house somewhere in the DC/Maryland area.

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

My family, partner, and mentors. I feel like everyone in my life is doing their best and I’m not in it alone.

ANY HOBBIES, FUN FACTS OR LIFE HIGHLIGHTS OUTSIDE YOUR CAREER THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

My hobbies are always changing, but currently I’m getting into weightlifting and cocktail making.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CURRENT GDYO STUDENTS?

This is a long and sometimes tough path. So don’t forget to go easy on yourself and have fun where you can.

THANK YOU MYLES FOR STEPPING INTO GDYO’S ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT!

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW WOULD BE INTERESTED IN SHARING THE ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT OR WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE GDYO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION,
CONTACT CHARILYNE ROJAS AT CHARILYNE@GDYO.ORG.