MUSE • Musicians United for Social Equity

Biography

Winner of Richmond Magazine’s Theresa Pollak Prize for Excellence in the Arts, the selectors wrote,“Richmond, VA native and human dynamo Samson Trinh pulls together a variety jazz, rock and old standards into performances that end up surprising both the audience and the conductor. His joy in creation is truly infectious.”  Samson’s arrangements and orchestrations include music for jazz ensemble, concert band, holiday favorites, chamber ensemble, commercial jingles, ukulele, and full orchestra including commissioned pieces for the Richmond Symphony. As an orchestrator, conductor, producer, and saxophonist, he has worked and performed with Nellie McKay, Sara Bareilles, k.d. lang, Chris Kaswell, Paul Williams, Rob Thomas, Rene Marie, Al Jarreau, The Temptations, Christina Perri, Colbie Caillat and Robbin Thompson.

Samson is the founder and educator of UKE ‘n’ ROLL, featured in USA Today, which publishes ukulele music and lessons for enthusiasts and educators to provide an alternative teaching method to refresh the music program in school systems and inspire the community using the world’s easiest, most engaging and addictive instrument — the ukulele. Samson is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University where he earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and Master of Music in Education.

Samson resides in Richmond with his wife, Kristin and their dogs, Ella and Zuzu. He continues to write, perform and teaches music to the lower school division at The Steward School. Samson authored and published The Complete Ukulele Method.