Charles Vernon began his orchestral career in 1971 as bass trombone with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. He also held positions with the San Francisco Symphony and the Philadelphia Orchestra, before joining the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1986.

A native of Asheville, Vernon spent 15 summers at BMC—as a Counselor and Assistant Dean, and then on the faculty for 11 years. He attended Brevard College and Georgia State University, where he studied with William “Bill” Hill, and at Arizona State University with Gail Wilson. Other teachers included Arnold Jacobs and Edward Kleinhammer, former tuba and bass trombone of the CSO, respectively. Vernon has been on the faculties of Catholic University, Brevard Music Center, Philadelphia College of Performing Arts, Roosevelt University, Curtis Institute of Music and Northwestern University. Currently professor of trombone at DePaul University, he also makes many solo and teaching appearances around the world.”