Chad Winkler joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as fourth/utility trumpet in November 2008. Chad has traveled with the PSO on nine international tours and performed in the most prestigious concert halls in Europe and Asia. Chad has performed on several recordings with the Pittsburgh Symphony, including the PSO's recent release of Gustav Mahler's Symphony #5. During the 2010-2011 season, Chad performed as acting principal trumpet in several concerts with the PSO. Chad can be heard on weekly PSO radio broadcasts across the country. Prior to winning the PSO position, Chad held positions with the Wheeling (WV) Symphony, the West Virginia Symphony and the Erie Philharmonic. He has also performed with the orchestras of Honolulu and Jacksonville, as well as acting principal trumpet with the orchestras of the Pittsburgh Ballet and Pittsburgh Opera.
Originally from Morgantown, WV, Chad earned his Bachelor of Music degree from West Virginia University, where he studied with his father, Dr. John Winkler. Chad earned his Master of Music degree from Duquesne University, where he studied with Pittsburgh Symphony Principal Trumpet, George Vosburgh.
Chad began his trumpet studies at age 12. In 1996, Chad attended the Interlochen Arts Camp, where he was a winner of the concerto competition. Chad performed with Interlochen’s World Youth Symphony Orchestra at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA. Chad also attended the Brevard Music Center from 1998-2000, where he was twice the winner of the concerto competition. Chad also won the National Trumpet Competition in 1995, 1998 and 2000.
Chad spent the summers of 2001-2008 as a member of the music staff orchestra at Camp-of-the-Woods in Speculator, NY, where he performed as soloist and principal trumpet.
Chad and his wife Elissa, a music educator with a thriving voice studio, live in Bethel Park, PA with their son, Hudson and daughter, Selah.