Jer Umholtz is currently a Temporary Assistant Professor of Trombone at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), a position he has held since 2022. He completed doctoral and master’s level studies in trombone at University of North Texas (UNT) and Ohio University, respectively. He has performed with the Colorado Mahlerfest  Orchestra since 2022, and is currently principal trombonist of the Altoona Symphony Orchestra in Altoona, PA.

Dr. Umholtz has performed with several orchestras in Pennsylvania and Texas, including the Dallas Opera for the 2022-2023 season, Pittsburgh Opera, Johnstown
Symphony, Flower Mound Community Orchestra, Red River Lyric Opera, Rockwall Philharmonic, and Allen Philharmonic. He was also formerly principal trombonist of the Sherman Symphony (TX). He is also a member of the Keystone Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Jack Stamp and Timothy Paul, and has performed with the Keating Jazz Orchestra, M&J Big Band, and Jazz In Your Face. Umholtz enjoys performing with the IUP Faculty Brass Quintet, formerly known as the “Hoodlebug Brass” and other opportunities for chamber music. He was a member of the Center Brass Quintet, an honors graduate quintet at UNT for two years. Umholtz remains an active freelance musician in various capacities throughout Pennsylvania.

Umholtz recently performed the music of Jiri Laburda at the 2024 International Trombone Festival, an annual event that he also competed in and performed in frequently over the last eight years. He also competed in the Lätzsch Trombone Festival Competition in Germany in 2018. Umholtz enjoys conducting the IUP Trombone Choir and IUP University Band and has developed a strong interest in arranging and composing, particularly for trombone ensemble.

Umholtz studied trombone with Tony Baker, Lucas Borges, Christian Dickinson, James Erdman, Natalie Mannix, and Steve Menard.