David Puchkoff is the newly appointed Principal Trumpet of the New York City Ballet Orchestra. Originally from Poughkeepsie, he is excited to return to New York. Puchkoff began his professional career in the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” at Fort Myer, Virginia. As a member of the Concert Band from 2019-2023, he performed at the White House, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Pentagon, and numerous historic landmarks across Washington, DC. In addition to the Army Band, Puchkoff has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington Symphonic Brass, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and as guest principal trumpet with the American Ballet Theater Orchestra. Additionally, Puchkoff performs on baroque trumpet with the Washington Bach Consort, the National Cathedral Baroque Orchestra, and Three Notch’d Road Baroque Orchestra.

He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music in 2019, where he studied with James Thompson. Puchkoff was awarded the Sidney Mear Trumpet Prize as well as fellowships to join the National Repertory Orchestra and the Aspen Music Festival Orchestra, where he studied with Raymond Mase and David Krauss.

In his spare time, Puchkoff enjoys mountain biking, hiking with his dog Barnaby, perfecting various types of pastries, and experimenting with new culinary cuisines.