Sam Russ

Sam Russ is a Chicago based tuba player. He is pursuing his Master's Degree at the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music, studying with Gene Pokorny and Matthew Gaunt. Prior to this, Russ earned his Bachelor's Degree in Tuba Performance at Oberlin Conservatory, studying with Dennis Nulty and David Saltzman. He also holds a degree in Classics from Oberlin. In 2022, Russ was a member of the inaugural National Brass Ensemble Academy where he studied with Jeff Anderson and Yasuhito Sugiyama. In addition to his orchestral experience, Russ played sousaphone in the New Orleans style brass band Smokin' Brass.

Originally from Damariscotta, Maine, Russ is proud to be a "Mainer" and enjoys all forms of spending time outdoors. In addition to his musical pursuits, he is a licensed Maine Sea Kayak Guide and an avid runner.