Paul Arbogast grew up immersed in music — his parents performed as the country/folk duo Adam n Eve and appeared twice on Al Alberts’ Showcase. Music was a constant presence at home, and from a young age Paul found himself mentally improvising solos, often lost in imagined soundscapes that still play in his head today.
His love for the trombone began with his father, a gifted player himself, and took flight in 8th grade under the guidance of band director Paul Hess. Learning low brass techniques like jaw relaxation, breath control, and firm embouchure lit the spark that would define Paul’s path forward.
He earned a degree in Music Education from the University of Delaware and a Master’s in Jazz Studies from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. His primary teachers include John Fedchock, John Swana, Dr. Bob Streckfuss, and Dr. Jay Hildebrandt — all respected performers and mentors in both classical and jazz traditions.
Paul’s professional career has spanned Broadway tours, major concert stages, and television appearances. He has performed or recorded with over 75 top artists, including The Who, Hugh Jackman, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Lopez, CeCe Winans, Diana Ross, LL Cool J, Weird Al Yankovic, Billy Paul, and Johnny Mathis. As a member of The Midtown Men with the original cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys, Paul performed in 49 states, Mexico, and Canada, with appearances on The Today Show and Good Morning America. Notable soloist features include performances with Hugh Jackman before 20,000 fans, with Aretha Franklin at the House of Blues, and with Joey DeFrancesco at Birdland.
He currently serves as Principal Trombonist of The Philly Pops and plays regularly in theatrical productions at Philadelphia’s iconic Academy of Music.
