Principal Trumpet of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Hunter Eberly is a native of Muskegon, Michigan. Hunter started playing the trumpet at the age of eight under the tutelage of his mother and continued his studies in high school with Charley Lea of the Grand Rapids Symphony. He attended Grand Valley State University, where he studied with Richard Stoelzel and earned his Bachelor of Music degree. Hunter continued his education by attending The Colburn School in Los Angeles. There, he studied with James Wilt of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and earned a Professional Studies Certificate.
Prior to his appointment in Detroit, Hunter served as Principal Trumpet of the Jacksonville Symphony. He has performed as Guest Principal Trumpet with the Cincinnati Symphony, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra in China. He has also performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Grand Rapids Symphony.
In addition to classical playing, Hunter enjoys playing many other genres of music. Most notably, he has performed with a large number of Motown’s greatest performers including Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, The 4 Tops, and Mary Wilson of The Supremes.
As a soloist, Hunter has performed numerous times with the Detroit Symphony, including his 2016 performances of the John Williams Trumpet Concerto, which were recorded and are to be released on the Naxos label.
Hunter has won several awards, including first prize in the National Trumpet Competition Undergraduate Solo Competition, first prize in the National Trumpet Competition Trumpet Ensemble division, and second prize in the International Trumpet Guild Mock Orchestra Competition.
Outside of performing, Hunter maintains a small private teaching studio and regularly coaches college students and young professionals in audition preparation. In addition to his private studio, Hunter has taught the trumpet studios at Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University. He has also given masterclasses at The University of Michigan, Michigan State University, University of Florida, and numerous other colleges and universities throughout the United States.
Hunter currently resides in Eastpointe, Michigan with his wife Kimberly, son Archer, and dog Daisy. When he is not playing the trumpet, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors.
Hunter is a Yamaha Performing Artist.