Biography
Katie Franke is a professional tenor trombonist based in Washington, D.C. In 2023, she earned a coveted position in the trombone section of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, becoming the first woman in the history of the ensemble to join the trombone and low brass sections. Additionally, she was appointed Adjunct Applied Professor of Trombone at the George Mason University Dewberry School of Music in 2024.
A native of Falls Church, VA, Katie holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (2020), where she studied with Peter Ellefson, and a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory (2022), where she studied with Steve Lange. She also studied with trombonists Craig Mulcahy and William McElheney.
In addition to her role with "The President's Own," Katie is an active orchestral trombonist, having appeared with ensembles including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, New Mexico Philharmonic, The Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, and the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra. As a soloist, she has performed Steven Verhelst’s Kaleidoscope with the Indiana University Trombone Choir at the American Trombone Workshop. She has also been a participant in the National Orchestral Institute, Festival Napa Valley’s Blackburn Music Academy, the Kennedy Center Summer Music Institute, and the Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy (PRISMA) in Canada.
As a dedicated educator, she has presented masterclasses at prestigious institutions including Indiana University, The Ohio State University, and The University of Maryland. She was also a featured speaker on the education panel at The American Trombone Workshop. She has judged competitions for the American Trombone Workshop and the International Trombone Association. Katie has taught students of all ages nationwide and looks forward to continuing her academic career as the Adjunct Professor of Trombone at the George Mason University Dewberry School of Music.