Luke J Spence
Lecturer: Trumpet
Dr. Luke Spence enjoys a multi-faceted career as a performer, educator, and arts leader. In addition to being a faculty member at the Crane School of Music since 2022, Spence is second trumpet of the South Florida Symphony, Co-Principal Trumpet of the Orchestra of Northern New York, member of Anima Brass, and a performing artist for both S.E. Shires Co. and Denis Wick Products.
Praised by Fanfare Magazine for his "great artistry", labeled "exquisite" by the International Trumpet Guild Journal, and hailed as "a true expert in phrasing" by the National Association of College Wind & Percussion Instructors Journal, Spence is known for his impact on the genre of vocal transcriptions. His debut solo album 20th Century Art Songs is celebrated for its unique approach and emphasis on repertoire seldom explored by instrumentalists. In 2023, the album was honored as a finalist for The American Prize. Spence can also be heard with Anima Brass on celebrated post-minimalist composer Kali Malone's recent album titled All Life Long. Upon its release, All Life Long was named Pitchfork's "Best New Album", The Guardian's "Album of the Week", and rose to the #4 spot on Billboard's Classical Crossover chart. Critics have called Anima's contributions "enthralling" and said the album will both "pull on the listener's heartstrings" and leave them in "a state of transcendental bliss". As a freelance orchestral musician, Spence has performed with numerous ensembles including the National Philharmonic, Washington Chamber Orchestra, Fairfax Symphony, Lancaster Symphony, Reading Symphony, and the Mid Atlantic Symphony. Over the years, he has performed for sold-out crowds at Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center, and toured across the U.S., Europe, and China.
A firm believer that music has the power to be an agent of social change, Spence is a leader and fierce advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He serves as the General Manager and founding Board of Directors member of the International Pride Orchestra, a non-profit charity orchestra that brings together LGBTQIA+ musicians from around the world to present concerts, celebrate community, and raise funds for LGBTQIA+ causes. He also serves as Co-Chair of the International Trumpet Guild's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and has both judged and chaired competitions at the International Women's Brass Conference.
Spence earned his DMA and MM at the University of Maryland where he studied with Chris Gekker and holds a BM with a minor in musicology from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music where he studied with Roy Poper and was the recipient of the 2014 James Stamp Award.