Anthony Kirkland, DMA

Anthony Kirkland currently serves as trumpet instructor at Augusta University. He is a retired member of the United States Air Force Band’s Ceremonial Brass in Washington, D.C. During his time in the Ceremonial Brass, he performed at the White House, U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Arlington National Cemetery, the National Cathedral, and many other national venues. Additionally, he performed internationally with the Air Force Band in Norway, Sweden, Russia, and The Netherlands. In 1997 he had the honor of performing "Taps" at the funeral and memorial service for actor and retired Brigadier General James Stewart in Los Angeles, California. He also performed on several Air Force Band recordings, was active in the band’s Chamber Players recitals, and led the Ceremonial Brass Quintet for seven years.

Following his career in the Air Force, Dr. Kirkland taught for twelve years at Mississippi State University. During his tenure at Mississippi State, he performed with the Meridian Symphony, the Mississippi Symphony, the Louisiana Philharmonic, and was principal trumpet of the MSU-Starkville Symphony. In 2014, he was soloist during the MSU Wind Ensemble’s Italian tour and led a brass ensemble performance at the Papal Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi. In 2019 he performed trumpet solos with the MSU Choir during its tour of Spain.

Dr. Kirkland holds the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Troy University, a Master of Music History and Literature degree from Florida State University, and a Doctorate in Trumpet Performance from the University of Maryland. His book, Wind Band Excerpts for Trumpet and Cornet, was published by Balquhidder Music in 2016.

He presented a lecture at the International Trumpet Guild’s 2019 Conference titled "Wind that Trumpet Audition - Know your Band Excerpts."