Meet the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
ORCHESTRA ROSTER
Trombones
Kenneth Thompkins
Principal
Kenneth Thompkins was appointed Principal Trombone of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 1997 by Neeme Järvi. Prior to this appointment he held positions in the Buffalo Philharmonic and the Florida Orchestra. He has also performed with the New World Symphony under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas. From 1992-94 he participated in the Fellowship Program of the DSO.
Thompkins received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and a Master of Music degree from Temple University. His primary teachers were Eric Carlson of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the late Frank Crisafulli, formerly of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Currently, Thompkins is on the faculty at Wayne State University. He has performed master classes and recitals at many universities including the University of Michigan, and Michigan State University. As a chamber musician, Thompkins performs with the Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings and can be heard on their recording of music by Stravinsky. Thompkins has also performed in the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival. He has had solo engagements and can be heard on recordings with the New World Symphony and the DSO.