B.M., Hope College; M.A., D.M.A., University of Iowa
Aren Van Houzen is a nationally traveled and renowned trumpeter currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Music at Truman State University where he teaches Trumpet. Aren additionally serves as Second trumpet for Orchestra Iowa, Principal trumpet for the Quincy Symphony Orchestra, Trumpet for Durward Ensemble https://www.durwardmusic.com, and second trumpet in Orquesta Alto Maiz. https://www.salsaband.band. He also maintains and recruits a private trumpet studio of aspiring All-Staters and curious young minds.
Aren has served as Vice President of Artistic Engagement for Quincy Civic Music Association, bringing the world of music to Quincy, IL and also finished up nine years of service on the Orchestra Iowa players committee.
Aren has been a featured soloist with several performing organizations in the tri-state area and continues to promote a modest soloist/clinician schedule. Of notable performances, he has recently performed the Arutunian Trumpet Concerto with the Quincy Symphony Orchestra. He has worked with Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, his brother Branford Marsalis, pianist Emanuel Ax, premiered multiple works from Grammy winning composer Michael Daugherty and has performed with Simon Estes. Further notable experience in the music industry has included performing contracts with Clyde Beatty Cole Brothers Circus (1996), Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra (summers 1997-99), touring shows of The Sound of Music, Weird Al, Foreigner, Styx, Art Garfunkel, and a Harry James tribute band. Aren has also apprenticed with mouthpiece and mute manufacturers while offering custom trumpet alterations in the late 1990’s. He has earned his education through Hope College; B.Mus 1994, and the University of Iowa; M.A 1996, D.M.A. 2008. Fun fact, Aren was also the Owner/Operator of Van Houzen Brewing Company, which operated in the state of Iowa from 2011-2017.