Marshall Gilkes is a renowned trombonist and composer in the world of classical music. Born on September 1, 1978, in Camp Springs, Maryland, Gilkes grew up in a musical family. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Gilkes started playing the piano at the age of four and later switched to the trombone at the age of ten. Gilkes attended the University of North Texas, where he studied jazz and classical music. He also studied with Michael Davis, a renowned trombonist, and composer. After completing his studies, Gilkes moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. Gilkes quickly established himself as a talented trombonist and composer in the New York City music scene. He performed with various jazz and classical ensembles, including the Maria Schneider Orchestra, the WDR Big Band, and the Metropole Orchestra. He also worked as a sideman for many famous musicians, including Wynton Marsalis, Darcy James Argue, and Bob Mintzer. In 2007, Gilkes released his debut album, "Lost Words," which received critical acclaim. The album featured Gilkes' original compositions and arrangements and showcased his unique style and virtuosity on the trombone. The album also featured some of the top jazz musicians in New York City, including pianist Aaron Goldberg, bassist Matt Clohesy, and drummer Kendrick Scott. In 2010, Gilkes released his second album, "Sound Stories," which was also well-received. The album featured Gilkes' compositions and arrangements, as well as his improvisational skills on the trombone. The album also featured some of the top jazz musicians in New York City, including pianist Adam Birnbaum, bassist Yasushi Nakamura, and drummer Eric Harland. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Gilkes is also an educator. He has taught at various institutions, including the Manhattan School of Music, the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, and the University of North Texas. He has also conducted masterclasses and workshops around the world, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians. Gilkes has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2003, he won the International Trombone Association's Frank Rosolino Award for outstanding jazz trombone performance. In 2008, he was named the Rising Star Trombonist in DownBeat magazine's Critics Poll. In 2010, he won the J.J. Johnson Award for Trombone from the International Association for Jazz Education. Gilkes has also been recognized for his work as a composer and arranger. In 2012, he was commissioned by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to write a piece for their "Jazz for Young People" series. The piece, titled "The Spirit of the Blues," was performed by the orchestra and received critical acclaim. In 2015, Gilkes released his third album, "Köln," which was recorded live in Cologne, Germany. The album featured Gilkes' compositions and arrangements, as well as his improvisational skills on the trombone. The album also featured some of the top jazz musicians in Europe, including pianist Liam Noble, bassist Jasper Høiby, and drummer Paul Wiltgen. Gilkes continues to perform, compose, and educate around the world. He is known for his unique style and virtuosity on the trombone, as well as his innovative compositions and arrangements. He is a true ambassador of classical music and a role model for aspiring musicians everywhere.

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