Josh Decker

Trained for the orchestra, Josh enjoys a full career as a trumpet player in classical music settings including his work with The Stratus Chamber Orchestra, as well as his freelance work with Denver area ensembles such as The Boulder Opera Company, Denver Municipal Band and The Denver Brass. Josh is a founding member of Mountain State Brass Quintet, a gigging brass act that aims to provide Colorado the best in ceremonial brass for weddings and parties, as well as the perfect playlist for corporate and non-profit events. Josh is the bandleader of Out of Line Brass Band, a party band that emerged from its boogie cocoon in 2023, and has since played popular events such as Denver Mardi Gras Hotel Takeover, Vail Mardi Gras, Littleman Ice Cream’s Summer Concert Series, Edgewater Pride, Brass Hysteria and 5-Points Brass Fest. Other appearances have included principal trumpet work with the Denver Philharmonic, Symphony of the Rockies, and Boulder Messiah Choir & Orchestra.

A passionate composer of restless curiosity and wide creative reach, Josh writes for ensembles of every shape and size - from intimate chamber groups, secondary level bands and choirs, to symphony orchestra and beyond. Josh’s music lives at the intersection of tradition and groove, where lyricism shares space with grit. A lifelong connection to brass music, a love of the symphony and an obsession with jazz styles, electronic music, and dance music from all over the world are the catalysts behind Josh’s compositional output. Josh has received commissions and performances of his works by acclaimed ensembles including The Denver Brass, Palisade Trumpet Collective, Colorado Symphony Orchestra, and most recently the Stratus Chamber Orchestra.

Josh is the Education and Program Coordinator of Augustana Arts, A nonprofit with an extensive year round event calendar featuring the Stratus Chamber Orchestra, silent films with live music accompaniment, alcohol and music pairings, and collaborative concerts featuring a wide array of well known Denver-based musical acts. Within his role, Josh also oversees the Music Encounters program, offering educational experiences in Title 1 funded schools, community sites, and houseless resource centers.