Sam Huss joined The Philadelphia Orchestra in 2025. Prior to his appointment, he served as principal trumpet of the Richmond Symphony from 2018 to 2025. He has been a guest performer with the Cincinnati, Detroit, National, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and Charlotte symphonies; the Rochester Philharmonic; and Houston Grand Opera.
Mr. Huss has been an award-winning soloist in several competitions including First Prize at the National Trumpet Competition (USA) in 2013 and Second Prize at the 2016 Ellsworth Smith International Trumpet Solo Competition. He has appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras along the central East Coast performing works by Hétu, Copland, Telemann, Gruber, Bellstedt, Shostakovich, and Vivaldi.
Mr. Huss is passionate about sharing his knowledge with the next generation of musicians as both a teacher and clinician. He served as adjunct professor of trumpet at Virginia Commonwealth University for the 2024–25 academic year. He has presented master classes at SUNY Pottsdam, Saginaw Valley State University, the Eastman School of Music, and Rice University.
Mr. Huss received a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music and a Master of Music degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. His primary teachers were James Thompson, Barbara Butler, and Charles Geyer.
Mr. Huss is married to flautist Shannon Vandzura and together they have a son, Jonah. They all enjoy time at home with their crazy cats, Polly and Penny.