Biography

​Dr. Philip Martinson joined the faculty at Southwestern Oklahoma State University as Assistant Professor of Music in 2017. A tenured member of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic (second trombone), Martinson also performs as principal trombone of the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra, and is active as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician throughout the United States. Recent engagements include performances at the 2021 International Trombone Festival, the International Music by Women Festival, the University of Toronto Scarborough, the University of Florida International Brass Festival & Conference, OK Mozart International Music Festival, and the American Trombone Workshop.

Prior to joining the OKC Philharmonic, Martinson held the position of second trombone with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra (FL) for three seasons. Additionally, he was co-principal trombone of the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra in Branson, Missouri, and has performed with professional ensembles in Ohio, Indiana, and Florida including the Canton Symphony Orchestra, the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (FL), among others. Martinson was selected as a member of the William Cramer memorial trombone choir at the 2021 International Trombone Festival, and as a presenting artist at the 2017 ITF he presented a lecture entitled, “Sound Development through Non-Traditional Techniques.”

Recognition and advancement in the International Trombone Association Robert Marsteller, Gilberto Gagliardi/Weril, and Larry Wiehe solo competitions, as well as competing as a finalist in the 2016 American Trombone Workshop National Solo Competition, further speak to his proficiency as a trombonist. He holds degrees from Indiana University, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of Akron. His primary teachers include Dr. Irvin Wagner, Peter Ellefson, Stephen Fissel, Ed Zadrozny, and Dr. Jim Robertson. He is a native of Huntley, MT.