Chance Huiet, a dynamic and accomplished teacher and performer, will join the Michigan State University College of Music faculty next fall as assistant professor of tuba and euphonium.
Growing up abroad before attending high school in Colorado, Huiet found his way to the tuba through a series of eclectic instruments – his first lessons were on the banjo, followed by years spent playing piano, euphonium, and bass guitar. He channeled his interests into his school’s concert and jazz bands and spent years playing bass in his own band. He followed similar musical pursuits throughout his undergraduate years, completing a degree in tuba performance at DePauw University.
After Depauw, Huiet’s commitment to building a career in music intensified. During this time, Huiet recalls, “I found that I really, finally, loved practicing. What used to feel like ‘homework’ suddenly felt more like opportunity.” Huiet was selected for a graduate assistantship at Western Michigan University where he earned his master’s degree, and then went to study with Professor Sinder at MSU.
Chance Huiet (third from left) celebrates with the brass section of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra after a performance of Hector Berlioz’s Damnation of Faust in May 2023 at Powell Hall.
While studying at MSU, Huiet won the full-time principal tuba position with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Looking back on his DMA studies at MSU, he reflects that he would not have achieved this position without experiencing the studio environment that Professor Sinder nurtures. “It was here at MSU that I found my voice on the tuba,” Huiet said.
“In an excellent studio like Professor Sinder built at MSU, there is a healthy, collaborative competition. Feeding off the energy of other musicians is invaluable,” Huiet said.
Chance Huiet. seen here prior to a concert with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, will bring his extensive teaching and performance experience to bear as the next leader of the tuba-euphonium studio at MSU.
Huiet is currently acting Principal Tuba with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and has performed with The Cleveland Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, Iceland Symphony, and Malaysian Philharmonic. He has held teaching positions at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, and Purdue University Fort Wayne, as well as working with middle and high school musicians.
At MSU, Huiet will build on the rich history of the venerated tuba-euphonium studio of Professor Philip Sinder, an MSU College of Music legend who retires this fall. From 1927 to 1980, the inimitable Leonard Falcone served as the tuba-euphonium studio teacher at MSU, with his concurrent duties as Director of Bands from 1927-1967. Following his retirement, interim teachers covered from 1980 to 1982 when a young Philip Sinder arrived. In all, the Falcone/Sinder link covered 96 years.
“There’s a lot of insight I draw from Professor Sinder’s approach and his thoughtful nature,” Huiet said. “He is such an inspiring performer and teacher. He’s the most humble, understated superstar in the tuba world.”
Huiet said that it is sometimes hard to believe that ten years after studying with Professor Sinder he will be returning to lead the studio, but he knows the environment he wants to create. It is one of positivity and creativity.
Professor of Tuba and Euphonium Philip Sinder is retiring from MSU after directing the tuba-euphonium studio for 43 years.
“My ideal is that it’s a real team, and we’re all in it together,” he said. “We’re all helping each other improve. Professor Sinder created an energizing and supportive culture and I’m honored to continue this legacy.”
Huiet is excited to get to campus, and Professor Sinder has great confidence in him.
“Chance Huiet will be terrific in this new role,” Professor Sinder said. “He brings a balance of high level orchestral, chamber, and solo playing along with significant experience in leading a studio and musical entrepreneurship.”
Huiet will visit campus in February to participate with Professor Sinder in auditions of incoming students. He begins his position new position at MSU on August 16, 2025.
