Forrest Albano

Forrest Albano is currently Interim Utility Trumpet with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and holds the positions of Principal Trumpet with The Dallas Opera and Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. He has also performed with orchestras including The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, American Symphony, and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Beyond the classical stage, Forrest has traveled the country playing lead trumpet and collaborating with musicians from The Tonight Show, American Idol, and The Voice. He has also performed with the Dallas Brass Band as soprano cornet, helping the band earn first prize in the First Section of the North American Brass Band Competition. He has appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras and in chamber music series throughout New York and Dallas, where reviewers praised his “musicality and control over his instrument,” with one from Brass Band World describing his performance as “most beautiful.” In 2016, Forrest founded Mid Cities Brass, bringing more than 30 newly commissioned works to audiences outside the traditional concert hall.

In addition to his performance career, Forrest has made significant contributions as an instructor, mentor, and director. He frequently appears as a guest artist, teaching masterclasses at universities and secondary schools. At the Salvation Army, he oversaw the musical education of more than 300 students each summer while mentoring over 80 students during the academic year. He actively teaches privately, guiding students to the highest chairs in their state, youth orchestras, and to opportunities such as the Interlochen Center of the Arts. He aims to pass on his knowledge and help shape the future of music.

Forrest earned a BA in Music Education from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he studied with Rick Bogard, and an MM in Trumpet Performance from Southern Methodist University, where he studied with Kevin Finamore.