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german-american bass trombonist frank bunger has recently returned to california after performing as acting bass trombonist with the auckland philharmonia, in auckland, new zealand. among his top honors: he was 1st place in the 2001 zellmer competition, the world's largest cash-prize awarding trombone competition; 1st place in the 1997 eastern trombone workshop hs division competition; and 3rd place in the 2002 lewis van haney competition.
frank has performed with many of the bay area's premiere groups, including the san francisco symphony orchestra, oakland symphony, california symphony, symphony silicon valley, modesto symphony, vallejo symphony, berkeley opera, as well as the bay brass, one of the nation's premiere brass ensembles. additionally, while attending college in boston, frank performed with the thayer symphony, hingham symphony, boston civic orchestra, and the brockton symphony.
as a composer, frank has written works for groups ranging from solo trombone to full orchestra. musicians from all around the globe have expressed interest in his works, and several have left positive reviews. frank has been a regular member at the san francisco composers orchestra, a group dedicated to performing new works by its players/composers. additionally, frank has conducted and/or played in the premiere of nearly all his works.
frank is a member of the oakland symphony, and teaches at the community school for music and art in mountain view. frank plays on a bach 50t3, and a greg black 1g mouthpiece. he studied with john engelkes, doug yeo, norman bolter, and matt guilford. he holds a bachelor's degree in trombone performance from the new england conservatory of music in boston.