Robert Walp (Trumpet) 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) 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 Dokschitzer, Solo Trumpet of the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra in Moscow. Well known for his success in teaching young people, Walp substituted for Vincent Cichowicz at Northwestern University, leading master classes, 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, 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 Houston Symphony. The Houston Brass Band appointed Mr. Walp as its first Music Director in 2006 and he has led the band through an unprecedented period of improvement, tackling increasingly more challenging works and engaging the band with the community.