Lance LaDuke is internationally known as a performer, writer, speaker and educator. In addition to his duties on trombone and euphonium (and singer/court jester) in Boston Brass, Lance teaches at Duquesne and Carnegie Mellon Universities. Prior to joining Boston Brass, he served as principal solo euphonium with the River City Brass Band, the only full time professional brass band in the country. Lance has written for countless organizations, including sketches for radio, stage and themed attractions. He studied comedy improv and was a member of several improv troupes and regularly steps in front of audiences around the country in a number of character and comic roles.

A graduate of Michigan State University, Lance received a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, with a cognate in English. After graduate study at the University of Akron (euphonium performance) and George Mason University (instrumental conducting), Lance joined the United States Air Force Band in Washington D.C. While there, he performed for two presidents, countless dignitaries and heads of state and in hundreds of protocol functions, ceremonies, and public relations tours. He maintained a Top Secret security clearance, played for well over a million people from the White House to Red Square, and can be seen (with a magnifying glass) in the movie A Clear and Present Danger.

Lance has also performed with many of the top professional brass groups in the country, including the Brass Band of Battle Creek and the Nothing But Valves brass quartet. He has taught and/or given master classes at some of the world’s finest universities and conservatories, including Juilliard, the Royal Academy of Music in London and Yong Siew Toh in Singapore. He has appeared on over thirty recordings, has produced nine others and has toured extensively throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia. His performances have been seen and heard on numerous television and radio programs.

Lance co-wrote and produced (with Deanna Swoboda) Band Blast Off, a band recruiting DVD and is currently in development on another. His comedy songs, including a touching elegy to a dead goldfish and a song about getting underwear for Christmas, are available for viewing through lanceladuke.com. Additionally, he has recently launched a speaking career, sharing his ideas on practice, leadership, and self-development.