Cellist Sam Tripp, originally from Wilmington, North Carolina, began his cello studies at the age of twelve with Jake Wenger and continued his training with Dr. Brooks Whitehouse during his junior and senior years at the UNC School of the Arts. Since the fall of 2023, Sam has been pursuing an undergraduate degree in cello performance at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where he currently studies with Professor Ross Harbaugh. He has also had the privilege of participating in masterclasses with renowned cellists including Jan Vogler, Clive Greensmith, Peter Wiley, Natasha Brofsky, and Colin Carr.

Sam’s performance accomplishments are already extensive. In 2022, he made his orchestral debut performing Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto in A Minor with the Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestra as the first-place winner of the Peter Perret Youth Talent Search. He was awarded First Prize at the TMMC Scholarship Concerto Competition in 2023 and received the Presidential Music Scholarship as an incoming first-year student at the Frost School of Music.

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In addition to his solo work, Sam is deeply committed to chamber music. During his time at UNC School of the Arts, he was an active member of the Blue Ridge Piano Trio, performing in recitals, outreach concerts, the UNCSA Chamber Music Festival, and notably, the preliminary and semifinal rounds of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition in 2022. His experiences in chamber music have strengthened his collaborative skills and versatility as a musician.

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Beyond classical music, Sam is passionate about crossover music, composition, and contemporary performance. He directed, composed, and performed with his ensemble “UNCHAMBERED” in North Carolina, working to bridge the gap between classical and contemporary styles while educating and inspiring audiences of all ages. In 2021, he participated in a music production and composition workshop with jazz-fusion artist Sirintip, and since then has continued to develop his skills in integrating the cello with contemporary music through the use of effects pedals, electronics, and music production techniques.

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Sam’s dedication to both classical and modern music, combined with his commitment to performance, collaboration, and education, makes him a versatile and inspiring cellist whose artistry continues to grow with every opportunity.