James Vaughen (’23) Joins Detroit Symphony Orchestra as Assistant Principal Trumpet

Acclaimed Curtis alumnus James Vaughen (’23) was appointed assistant principal trumpet of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO). Mr. Vaughen currently serves as assistant principal trumpet of the Chicago Grant Park Festival Orchestra and recently held a one-year principal position with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. He joined the DSO alongside new principal harpist Alyssa Katahara (Winifred E. Polk Chair) at the start of the 2024–25 season.

While at Curtis, Mr. Vaughen studied trumpet with faculty member David Bilger. He has performed throughout Europe with the London Symphony Orchestra, spent four months on tour with the Canadian Brass, and most recently won first prize and audience award at the 2023 Aeolus International Competition for Wind Instruments. Passionate about advancing solo trumpet repertoire, he often performs in recitals and competitions. In 2021, he took first in all three divisions of the International Trumpet Guild Ryan Anthony Memorial Competition, won the 2020 Roger Voisin Memorial Trumpet Competition, and placed 3rd in the 2021 Ellsworth-Smith International Trumpet Competition. In 2022, he was awarded Special Jury Prize at the Maurice André International Trumpet Competition.

Read the DSO’s announcement HERE.

Visit Mr. Vaughen’s official website.

Banner photo of Mr. Vaughen by Curtis Perry and portrait by Cristina Cutts and Cutts Photo.