Hunter Eberly was appointed Principal Trumpet, the Lee & Floy Barthel Chair, of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 2013.
In addition to his duties with the Detroit Symphony, Hunter has performed as Guest Principal Trumpet with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati Symphony, the Orchestre Symphonique de Quebec, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, the Grand Teton Festival Orchestra, and others. Hunter has also served as principal trumpet of the Jacksonville Symphony and has performed and toured with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He has also performed with a large number of Detroits greatest performers, most notably Eminem, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, The 4 Tops, and Mary Wilson of The Supremes.
Hunter has performed numerous times as a soloist during his tenure with the Detroit Symphony, including concerti by Tomasi, Jolivet, Haydn, Arutunian, and Telemann. His 2016 performance of the John Williams Trumpet Concerto was recorded live and is available on the Naxos label.
A native of Muskegon, Michigan, Hunter started playing trumpet at the age of eight under the tutelage of his mother. Hunter earned his Bachelor of Music from Grand Valley State University, studying with Richard Stoelzel. He continued his education at The Colburn School in Los Angeles, earning a Professional Studies Certificate under the instruction of James Wilt of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. During his studies, Hunter won several national and international awards including first prize in the National Trumpet Competition Undergraduate Solo division, first prize in the National Trumpet Competition Trumpet Ensemble division, and second prize in the International Trumpet Guild Mock Orchestra Competition.
Hunter has a passion for teaching and has taught the trumpet studios at Michigan State University, Grand Valley State University, and The University of Michigan as a lecturer/guest professor of trumpet. He has also given masterclasses and recitals at numerous conservatories and universities throughout the US and Canada. Hunter maintains a small private teaching studio and also regularly coaches college students and professionals in audition preparation.
Hunter and Kim live on a small farm with their two children, two dogs and numerous other animals. When he is not performing or teaching, he enjoys archery, hunting, fishing, and being in the outdoors. Hunter is a Yamaha Performing Artist.