Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Artist David Perkel was hailed by the Baltimore Sun; “...it was beautifully realized, especially by the trombonist who tapped into the mysticism of the score with soulful, sustained tone and graceful phrasing.” The National Society of Arts and Letters wrote “...the piece’s novelty was a pair of melodious solos for trombone, handled with gorgeous sonority by principal trombonist David Perkel.” All About Jazz wrote, “...mention must be made of lead trombonist David Perkel’s lustrous tone on the cozy ‘If the Shoe Fits.” 

He has performed with many other orchestras including the National Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Symphony, and the Harrisburg Symphony. Additionally, in 1999 he was appointed principal trombone in the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. He has been featured as a soloist in the ASO several times, including “Overture for Trombone and Strings” by Alan Hovhaness and Jim Pugh’s “Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra.” 

An active educator, Dr. Perkel is professor of trombone and euphonium at Towson University and professor of trombone at George Washington University. Most recently, he completed a residency at East Carolina University where he worked with the jazz ensemble and trombone studio. Dr. Perkel plays Edwards trombones and Griego mouthpieces exclusively.