Ross Venneberg, D.M.A.
Franklin College > Academics > Majors, Minors and Programs > Music at Franklin College > Ross Venneberg, D.M.A.

I strive to foster a love of music that will last a lifetime for every student I interact with. My goal for my students is that they become independent thinkers and take ownership of their learning by being curious and asking a lot of questions. I hope to be one of many resources they will use on their journey towards discovering their own artistic voice. 

Title

Visiting Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Instrumental Activities

Educational Background

  • D.M.A., University of Washington – Seattle, WA
  • M.M., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee – Milwaukee, WI
  • M.M., Manhattan School of Music – New York, NY
  • B.A., Saint Mary’s College of California – Moraga, CA

Year Joined Franklin
2021

Expertise

I am a classically trained trumpet player who has performed with a variety of professional ensembles, including the Philharmonia Orchestra (London), Lake Washington Symphony, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Napa Valley, St. James Cathedral Brass (Seattle), Seattle Chamber Brass, and The Bay Brass. During the summers, I have performed at the Aspen Music Festival, Marrowstone Music Festival, Miami Classical Music Festival, and Spoleto Festival U.S.A. I have performed with ensembles throughout the United States and toured abroad in Austria, China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. As a chamber musician, I have collaborated with members of the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony and the Seattle Symphony, among others.

As a conductor and educator, I have conducted ensembles at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the University of Washington, the Northwest Brass Festival, and the Sitka Fine Arts Camp. I also have a strong passion for education and outreach, and have held teaching positions at Milwaukee High School of the Arts, UW-Milwaukee Youth Wind Ensemble, and Manhattan School of Music Arts-in-Education and Distance Learning programs. I have presented master classes and lectures on a variety of musical topics at grade schools, colleges, universities, and conservatories throughout the United States and China.

What advice do you have for students that are interested in the Franklin College music program?

We are so glad to hear that you are interested in either pursuing musical studies at Franklin College or participating in one of our ensembles. If this is you, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to us via email and schedule a visit to campus to meet the faculty members, tour the campus, and sit in on a class or rehearsal. If you are a current Franklin College student and are interested in joining an ensemble or taking private lessons, come visit us in the Johnson Center for the Arts. Since we are a small program and college community, you won’t just be a number in a classroom; you will get individualized attention from the faculty members and we will work with you to help you achieve your goals. 

Selected Professional Accomplishments

Publications

  • “Mark Gould: The Pedagogue” International Trumpet Guild Journal, October 2021

Honors and Awards

  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee – Chancellor’s Graduate Student Award
  • University of Washington – Boeing Endowment for Excellence Fellowship in Music
  • Manhattan School of Music – Dean’s List
  • Saint Mary’s College of California- cum laude graduation honors

In My Spare Time

In my spare time I enjoy being outside and active, whether it be playing baseball, basketball, and golf, or in nature hiking, fishing, and camping.