Harry Oehler

Director, Wind Ensemble
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Harry Oehler is an accomplished trombonist, music educator, and conductor from Skippack, Pennsylvania. Harry began studying trombone in grade school under the guidance of Jim Soete. During high school, he continued his studies privately with Blair Bollinger of the Philadelphia Orchestra before attending the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University. At Peabody, Harry earned two Bachelor of Music degrees (performance and music education) and a Master of Music in Bass Trombone Performance. Harry studied at Peabody with Randy Campora and Jim Olin while being mentored by Joe Burgstaller and David Fedderly. In addition, Harry apprenticed conducting and ensemble technique privately under Dr. Harlan Parker. Among other academic recognition, while still an undergraduate, Harry was inducted into the musical honor society, Pi Kappa Lambda.

 

Mr. Oehler is currently on faculty at Ursinus College, Ancillae-Assumpta Academy, and Community Music School, where he is responsible for his private studio lessons, coaching chamber groups, and directing a variety of ensembles, including the Ursinus Wind Ensemble, in their full concert seasons. He is a frequent clinician with a variety of educational institutions including youth orchestras and collegiate brass and music departments. A highly accomplished arranger for both solo and chamber works, Harry’s arrangements have been performed worldwide.

 

Harry has served as the principal bass trombonist of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra since 2017 under maestro James Blachly and is a founder and administrator of the professional brass quintet, Old Bay Brass. A versatile performer, Harry is frequently asked to perform with various orchestras, jazz bands, pit orchestras, and other ensembles. Harry can be heard playing on multiple recording projects from orchestral works to commercial studio projects.

Department

Music

Degrees

  • B.M. Peabody Conservatory (Trombone Performance)
  • B.M. Peabody Conservatory (Music Education)
  • M.M. Peabody Conservatory (Bass Trombone Performance)

Teaching

Ursinus College Wind Ensemble

Brass Chamber Ensemble

Private Lessons

Professional Experience

Faculty Appointments:

  • Ursinus College
  • Community Music School
  • Ancillae-Assumpta Academy
  • Peabody Conservatory (2020–2022)

 

Conducting and Ensemble Leadership:

  • Ursinus College
    • Ursinus College Wind Ensemble
    • Brass Chamber Ensemble
  • Community Music School
    • Brass Ensemble
    • Spring Valley Community Band Summer Series
  • Ancillae-Assumpta Academy
    • Prelude Band
    • Concert Band
    • Jazz Band
    • Brass Ensemble
    • Liturgical Ensemble

 

Principal Bass Trombone:

    • Johnstown Symphony Orchestra

 

Musician and Administrator:

    • Old Bay Brass

 

Freelance Performer:

    • Various organizations - recently including: Curtis Orchestra, Philly Pops, Williamsburg Symphony, Main Line Symphony, Experiential Orchestra, and more
    • National recording projects and freelance gigs in orchestras, bands, jazz bands, pit orchestras, chamber groups, and solo performances

 

Educational Outreach and Coaching:

  • Guest faculty, adjudicator, coach, and clinician with youth orchestras, school programs, and collegiate programs - recently including: University of Delaware, Wesleyan College, Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Archdiocese Festival Band, Johnstown Youth Orchestra, and more
  • Private studio instructor

Research Interests

  • Music Education
  • Conducting and Ensemble Leadership
  • Brass Pedagogy and Performance
  • Chamber Music Development
  • Arranging and Transcription
  • Youth Orchestra and Community Music Programs
  • Music Education Curriculum Design

 

Years of Service to Ursinus

2022-Current

Related News

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String Ensemble Fall Concert: A Celebration of Community and Musical Growth

This fall, the Ursinus College String Ensemble, under the direction of Prof. Melinda Rice, is set to bring an evening of evocative and diverse music to Bomberger Auditorium on November 17 at 4:00PM. Free and open to the public

The Ursinus College Wind Ensemble
Haunted Harmonies & Cinematic Thrills: A Wind Ensemble Concert at the Berman Museum of Art

Looking for a thrilling night out? Join the Ursinus College Wind Ensemble on Friday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Berman Museum of Art for an unforgettable concert filled with spooky Halloween tunes and epic movie soundtracks. Explore the museum’s art exhibits while being immersed in live performances of favorites like Night on Bald Mountain, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Phantom of the Opera, and more. Plus, it’s free and open to the public—and costumes are encouraged! RSVP for a night of music, art, and fun!