International
Chamber Artists

Sean currently holds principal tuba positions with the Millar Brass Ensemble, Lake Forest Symphony, and Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. He was acting principal of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra during the 1999-2000 season. As a freelance musician, Sean has performed with the Chicago Symphony, Chicago Philharmonic, Ravinia Festival Orchestra, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Ars Viva, Chicago Brass Quintet, Chicago Sinfonietta, Northwest Indiana Symphony, and Orquesta Sinfonica UANL (Monterrey, Mexico), as well as in many recording sessions.

 

Sean also enjoys brass chamber music and currently plays with the Artemis Chamber Brass and Horizon Brass Quintet. Sean moved to Chicago to get his Master of Music in Tuba Performance degree from Northwestern University. He grew up in Pennsylvania and received his Bachelor of Music degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. His principal teachers have been Rex Martin, Neal Tidwell, Dr. Gary Bird, and Gene Pokorny.

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"For an instrument like the tuba, which is often relegated to supporting roles or counting rests, chamber music provides much-appreciated opportunities for musical expression and growth. The increased ownership of the artistic experience and the pure fun of performing challenging works with friends make chamber music a critical part of a satisfying musical life."

Sean Whitaker, tuba