What a handsome fellow...       

Blaine Cunningham is originally from Bryant, AR.  He started out playing the saxophone, but out of a desire for a new challenge and pure curiosity, decided to learn to play the tuba.  He graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, TN, and went on to enroll at the University of Arkansas.  After several indecisive years of changing majors, he was finally able to accept the fact that his one true passion in life was playing the tuba.  He played in as many ensembles as he possibly could at the University including, the University Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Tuba Ensemble, Marching Band, and Basketball Band.  He studied with three great teachers, Prof. Russell Pettitt, Prof. Kabin Thomas, and the award-winning performer, the one and only Dr. Benjamin Pierce.  He was also an active member and president of his chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.  In his final year, he performed the Vaughan Williams Concerto for Bass Tuba with the North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra as winner of the university’s annual concerto competition.  He also placed third in the ITEC-Regional Solo Competition in Kansas City, MO.  He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2004 with a Bachelors Degree in Tuba Performance.  He then continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and studied with world-renowned teacher, artist, and composer, Prof. John Stevens.  At UW, he performed with the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Tuba Ensemble, and graduate brass quintet.  He was a finalist in the UW Concerto Competition and a featured soloist in his last concert with the Tuba Ensemble.  He has played with several orchestras including, the North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra, and Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra.  He is currently a private lesson teacher in Northwest Arkansas and lives in Fayetteville with his lovely wife, Jennifer.