About
Will Houchin is an aspiring performer and educator based out of Tucson, Arizona. Originally from Prescott, AZ, Will currently studies at the University of Arizona, under the guidance of Dr. Kelly Thomas, pursuing a dual degree in Music Education and Music Performance. Before attending the UofA, He has had the great fortune to work extensively with tubists Michael Fay, Christian Carichner, Dr. Kent Eshelman and Patrick Sheridan, as well as trombonist and renowned pedagogue David Vining. He also has participated in masterclasses with Jay Krush, David Pack, Chris Brubeck, the Side Street Strutters, the Boston Brass, Sam Pilafian, Rex Martin, and Gene Pokorny.
Will is a member of the University of Arizona Tuba Quartet which most recently won the 2010 International Tuba Euphonium Conference Quartet Competition. He also recently performed at the 2009 Southwest Regional Tuba Euphonium Conference as well as with the 2009 National Intercollegiate Band under the baton of Col. John Bourgeois.
As a performer, Will has performed with a variety of different groups serving as the tubist of the New Orleans influenced “Boneshakers Brass Band” and “Prescott Dixieland“, Arizona’s premier high school Dixieland combo. As a member of “Prescott Dixieland” he played many venues around Prescott and the State of Arizona as well as a tour of Italy and Germany in the summer of 2007. He has served as principal tubist for Northern Arizona University’s top concert band and also performed with the NAU Student Brass Quintet, NAU Pep Band, NAU Marching Band, NAU Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble (or NAUTEE), and sang in the NAU Men’s Chorale, which included a performance of Benjamin Britten’s “War Requiem” with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. More recently he has served as principal in the UA Wind Ensemble and as the “bass” player in the UA Jazz B.
Passionate about education, Will currently works as the “Wind Specialist” and adviser to Dan Bradstreet and the Pride of Prescott Marching Band. During his three years as a staff member, the band has consistently received Superior and Superior W/ Distinction ratings at Arizona marching band festivals (Div. II). He has also worked with Jennifer Hamilton on staff for the Coconino High School Marching Band in Flagstaff, AZ. Will also maintains a small private lesson studio. His students have consistently been named to regional and All-State bands in Arizona.
When he’s not performing, practicing, or sleeping, Will runs Blind Eye Designs, a graphic design company that specializes in promotional materials, merchandise designs, and various other print and web projects for musicians and music based companies. Blind Eye Designs can be found on the web at www.blind-eye-designs.com
Will has served as president of the NAU and UA Chapters of the International Tuba and Euphonium Association and is an alumni of the Kappa Xi chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
