Associate Principal horn Jennifer Frank-Umana joined the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra in 2007. Before coming to the Calgary Phil, she was a member of the Portland Symphony Orchestra, and an active freelance musician in the Greater Boston and New England Area, where she was also finishing her graduate studies. She has performed with the Dallas Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, Portland Symphony, and the Rhode Island Philharmonic, and has participated in several music festivals, including the National Repertory Orchestra, and the National Orchestral Institute.
Frank-Umana grew up in Dallas, Texas, and began playing the horn when she was 12. Frank-Umana received her bachelor of music degree from Southern Methodist University and her master of music degree from the New England Conservatory. Her principal teachers include Gregory Hustis, former Principal horn of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and James Sommerville, Principal horn of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Other influential teachers include William VerMeulen, Richard Sebring, Julie Landsman, Michelle Baker, and Jennifer Montone.
She is a mom to two wonderful boys and enjoys getting outside, walking her dog Wrigley, and spending time with her family.