BIOGRAPHY

Jen sliding pink glasses down her nose

MEET JEN HINKLE.

Jen plays bass trombone, can successfully ride a unicycle, and once fought a bear with a bag of trash.

To say she’s unique is an understatement.

"JEN'S BRAIN IS A BEEHIVE OF ECCENTRIC IDEAS, GLITTER, AND THE MANIACAL ENTHUSIASM OF AN UNSUPERVISED TODDLER PULLING TUPPERWARE OUT OF A CABINET."

A COLLEAGUE

Jen holding a bass trombone in front of balloon animals

A SPARK OF ELECTRICITY

Described by a colleague as “an industrial blender full of disco balls and lightning, wrapped in an evening gown,” bass trombonist and multi-genre low-brass specialist Jen Hinkle is a breath of fresh air and a spark of electricity in the music world. Their artistry, energy, and ingenuity are welcomed in all settings from orchestral stages and Broadway pits to nightclubs, classrooms, and churches.

Since arriving in New York from the West Coast, Jen’s artistic mastery, eccentric curiosity, and brilliant personality have made her one of the most sought-after commercial artists in the city.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Easily adaptable to a wide variety of musical styles, Jen has been engaged by a myriad of ensembles including: The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; Broadway shows including WICKED, ALADDIN, BEAUTIFUL, WARPAINT, MISS SAIGON, LES MISÉRABLES, THE LION KING, ON THE TOWN, KING KONG; The Afro-Bop Alliance Big Band; Monarch Brass; Ed Neumeister’s Assembláge Jazz Orchestra; Grammy-nominated artist Dan Pugach’s Nonet; the Oregon, Seattle, Spokane, New Jersey, and New Haven Symphonies; and countless chamber music ensembles and orchestras throughout the United States.

Jen dressed as Audrey Hepburn with a cigarette holder and bass trombone

FINDING A NICHE

In addition to holding symphony orchestra and college teaching positions, Jen has participated in panel discussions and judged competitions for the International Trombone Festival and International Women’s Brass Conference. A passionate educator and performer, Jen often performs solo recitals and leads clinics, studio classes, and masterclasses at colleges, elementary and high schools, and industry symposiums across the country.

While music is Jen’s primary artistic focus, her creative capabilities, interests, and talents span a variety of subjects including visual art, literature, composition, animal training, public speaking, disability advocacy, and community engagement. Their many areas of interest have led to quite a diverse and interesting career, and Jen is passionate about lecturing on the importance of following your own path and finding your own unique niche in your career field.

The Mona Lisa holding a bass trombone with "Jen Hinkle is straight-up weird" on a neon card

THE FUN PART OF THE BIO

When she’s not holding a trombone, Jen can be found writing and illustrating children’s books, painting trombones and velociraptors into classical masterworks, and doing totally normal things like teaching her service dog to talk, hiking with llamas, or fighting rogue black bears in Colorado.

She also runs an active and engaging Twitch channel for both trombone warmups and a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of her commissioned and/or ‘just for fun’ art projects.

Jen shares her very bright and colorful life with service dog Kita and cats Iggy, Ella, Chloe, and Judy.

Jen Hinkle is a performing artist for Edwards Instruments, and uses she/they pronouns.

Updated 4/24

MEET THE HINKLE FAMILY!

Sierra Hinkle
Friend, Goofball, Snack Thief
1995-2022

  • Kita & Sierra

    Best buds for life.

  • Ella

    So sweet. So deceptive.

  • Iggy

    Mr. Mischief up to no good.

  • Tongues Out!

    Jen, Kita & Sierra at the barn.

  • Happy Kita

    TREAT PLEASE!

  • Iggy & Ella

    Definitely innocent.

  • Feelings

    Wedding photobooth magic.

  • HEY THERE!

    Iggy says hello.

  • Jen & Sierra

    A noble steed.

  • Ella's Foot Razors

    Silence, human.

  • A Happy Trio

    Love all around.

  • Fort Meowface

    Ella was having a time.

  • Sierra

    Such a good boy.

  • Cool Car Kids

    The coolest duo ever.