It’s time for the University’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music to toot its own horn.

Bilger will teach at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music for the next two years as a visiting professor but has plans to then move to Athens to teach full-time.

David Bilger, principal trumpeter for the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra, has joined the ranks of the faculty in the HHSOM as a visiting professor. He will be continuing his role in the the Philadelphia Orchestra for the next two years, and at the same time will act as visiting professor of trumpet at the University, where he has been given the William F. and Pamela P. Prokasy Professorship in the Arts.

“I am absolutely thrilled,” said Ryan Moser, a second-year graduate teaching assistant of trumpet from Baton Rouge, La, said of the hire. “It’s very rare to have someone of his position giving advice to us — it’s invaluable.”

Along with teaching classes alongside Brandon Craswell, assistant professor of trumpet, Bilger will also be coaching and mentoring the Bulldog Brass quintet.

Moser, who plays trumpet in the Bulldog Brass, said Bilger’s experience will be an incredible asset to the quintet.

“As a trumpet player, I know Mr. Bilger has lots of insight and a lot to bring to the table,” he said.

Before this year, Bilger had contact with several University professors and performers, which played a part in his choosing to come to teach in Athens.

In their early careers, Bilger and Jean Martin-Williams, professor and chair of the HHSOM brass section, both performed in summer ballet performances at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Bilger has also performed with David Zerkel, professor of tuba in the HHSOM, who frequently performs with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

“Mr. Bilger is one of the preeminent orchestral performers in this country and was aware of the brass program here at UGA and the excellence it achieved through the late Fred Mills,” said Martin-Williams.

The previous Prokasy professor, Fred Mills, was a founding member of Canadian Brass and a long-time professor of trumpet and chamber music at the University.

“Fred Mills could have retired, but he chose to teach because he loved it so much, and I think that is a common thread for the instructors here at UGA, including Mr. Bilger,” she said.

Martin-Williams said Bilger’s arrival was mutually beneficial, as the HHSOM was in need of a trumpet professor and Bilger was in need of a place to teach.

“We’re very appreciative that the University was able to make this happen at a time when it’s difficult to make new hires,” she said.

Bilger plans to be a visiting professor for the next two years, and will then join the faculty of the HHSOM as a full-time instructor.

Bilger arrived in Athens near the end of last week and has already begun teaching.