As both a soloist and a principal symphonic trumpeter, Pamela Smitter has captivated audiences around the world with her soulful yet powerful trumpet artistry. Performing with profound expression and a rare blend of compelling and nuanced musical styles, she is highly regarded for her musical orchestral leadership and teaching skills.

For more than two decades, Dr. Smitter has been the principal trumpet with the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. Currently, she also performs as principal trumpet with the Miami Symphony Orchestra. Pamela has performed internationally in the HornPipes! Duo and released her first album, HARK!, with this ensemble in 2010. Previously, she was the principal trumpet “solista” in the Orquesta Sinfónica de Maracaibo, and subsequently, with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Venezuela and the Sinfonietta de Caracas. These associations provided the impetus for numerous solo engagements throughout Venezuela.

Dr. Smitter completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Michigan State University in December, 2020. She received her Master of Music degree in Trumpet Performance from the University of Michigan studying under Armando Ghitalla. As Adjunct Professor of Music, she most recently served on Purdue University-Fort Wayne’s brass faculty, and held similar positions at Grand Valley State University, Hope College, and Alma College (in Michigan). Her Bachelor of Arts degree in K-12 Music Education led to a permanent teaching certificate after working three years as a fulltime band director. She served as Lead Musician for the Carnegie Hall LinkUP! orchestra educational program from 2004-2012, coaching more than 100 participating area teachers and colleagues as musician-mentor, and interacting in local music classrooms.

Pamela Smitter coordinated and facilitated the high-profile Festival of Trumpets concert for the 2013 International Trumpet Guild conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 2014, she presented a master class at the Exploring Trumpets in Greece festival, and conducted the Michigan State University Graduate Brass Quintet in accompanying world-renowned soloist Vincent DiMartino. She also performed as principal trumpet with the Michigan State University Wind Symphony at Carnegie Hall.

Dr. Smitter has studied at the Art of Practicing Institute, performed with the Gaudete Brass Quintet, and been a frequent soloist at the annual White Lake Chamber Music Festival. Recently she has served as adjudicator for the Sphinx Orchestral Partners Association (SOPA) Excerpt Competition, and the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA) through Carnegie Hall.

Dr. Smitter greets every opportunity with exceptional purpose, extraordinary spirit, and a zest for unparalleled success.