Houston, Texas – February 25, 2026—Symphony North of Houston announced Symphony North soloist, Wil Martin.
Symphony North of Houston Presents Will Martin as Featured Soloist at Early Spring Concert
World Premiere of Martin’s “Convergence” to Highlight March 22, 2026, Event
Symphony North of Houston is thrilled to announce that acclaimed trombonist, composer, and Cypress resident Will Martin will be the featured soloist at its Early Spring Concert, to be held at 4:00 PM on March 22, 2026, at Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas. The performance will be conducted by Symphony North’s principal conductor, Dr. Karl Blench.
Mr. Martin, known for his dynamic freelance work throughout the Houston area and his ongoing contributions to jazz, salsa, and symphonic music, will take center stage in the world premiere of his original composition, Convergence. The piece, which began as material for a modern jazz/fusion ensemble before being reimagined for symphonic orchestra, features Martin as soloist and weaves together motifs inspired by jazz, Afro-Cuban, and Spanish traditions into an exuberant, optimistic finale.
Audience members can look forward to an afternoon celebrating both musical innovation and community artistry, spotlighting the creative spirit that defines Symphony North of Houston’s programming. Admission to the concert is by donation at the door, with the option for patrons to contribute online.
Will Martin
Will Martin was raised in a musical family in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. Musically, he was a quick study, being moved to the advanced band when, on the first day of classes, his music teacher noticed the 10-year-old playing a blues progression by ear on his rented trombone. He received awards as Outstanding Musician in both symphonic and jazz categories in high school and was a Maryland All-State Orchestra member, where performing Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony was an inspiring moment. In college at the University of Maryland main campus, he served as principal trombonist in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and was both lead trombone and lead solo trombone in the 5:30 Jazz Ensemble, the university’s top jazz group. Martin later studied trombone with David Fetter and jazz with pianist George Colligan at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, MD.
Following his studies, Martin established himself as a versatile musician throughout the Baltimore–Washington region as a performer and horn-section arranger. After relocating to San Diego, he encountered salsa and Afro-Cuban music and was immediately hooked. He immersed himself in a long period of performance and composition in the Southwest, and later in the Pacific Northwest. While based in Seattle, he was featured as a section player and soloist on numerous recordings on Salsaneo and other labels, additionally contributing some original compositions. During this time, he also regularly performed with internationally known visiting artists such as David Pabón, Maelo Ruiz, Willie González, and Larry Harlow. As a leader, Martin released his debut jazz recording, Morning, featuring trumpeter Terell Stafford and pianist George Colligan. The album includes four original compositions and reached the Top 25 on the JazzWeek national radio chart.
Today Mr. Martin performs freelance around the Houston area. He continues to play jazz and salsa, compose new works, and is thrilled to be re-energizing his symphonic playing with Symphony North of Houston.
Martin lives in Cypress, TX, with his wife, Chris, and their two dogs and a cat. Chris and Will have two college-aged daughters; one is a trombonist, and both are pianists.
For More Information:
| Email: | |
| Phone: | (281) 803-9127 |
| Mail: | 21175 State Highway 249 No. 222 Houston, TX 77070-1655 |
| Web: | https://symphonynorth.org |
| Donate: | https://symphonynorth.org/donate/ |
| Concert Venue: | Salem Lutheran Church 22601 Lutheran Church Rd Tomball, TX 77377 |
