Anonymously Endowed Chair

Matthew Neff is a native of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Prior to winning the position as bass trombonist in the North Carolina Symphony, Neff was a Master Chief Musician in the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C., performing bass trombone in the Commodores jazz ensemble (2009-2019), Brass Quintet (2003-2009), and the Concert/Ceremonial Band (1992-2009). During his years in Washington, he had an extensive freelance career and performed with symphonies across the mid-Atlantic states. Recent performances include the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, American Festival Pops Orchestra, and National Philharmonic.

An advocate for music education, Neff has conducted master classes and clinics throughout the country and served as Adjunct Professor of Trombone at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia (2003-2019), all while maintaining an active private low brass studio in his home.

Neff earned an undergraduate degree in music education from Penn State University in 1992 and a Master’s degree in bass trombone performance from Catholic University of America in 2003.