KNOXVILLE — Jeremy Wilson’s budding career as a trombonist has hit a high note with an invitation to join the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

Jeremy Wilson

Wilson, who is from McMinnville, earned his bachelor’s degree in music education and trombone performance in 2005. He won an audition in Vienna and was chosen to play second trombone as one of a few Americans to ever be in the orchestra. He will join the orchestra in September.

“Obviously, I am shocked, stunned, elated, overwhelmed and unbelievably overjoyed that I was chosen,” Wilson said. “I don’t know when it will sink in, but the fact is that come September I will have the honor and privilege to perform with one of the greatest orchestras in the world.”

Don Hough, Wilson’s trombone instructor at UT, said his former student’s achievement is very impressive.

“It’s huge. It just doesn’t happen,” said Hough, who retired in December. “People have waited 20 to 30 years to get into this orchestra.”