Jay Bertolet is the Tuba & Euphonium Professor at Florida International University since 1995. Jay was Principal Tubist with the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra from 1985 until 2003 when the FPO ceased operations. A native of Royal Oak, Michigan, Jay graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Tuba Performance degree from the University of Michigan and a Master of Tuba Performance degree from the University of Illinois.
Jay founded and directs the FIU Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, a semifinalist in the Quartet Competition at the 2002 International Tuba and Euphonium Conference. He also presented a masterclass on orchestral tuba and cimbasso playing and chaired the Arnold Jacobs Mock Orchestra Tuba Audition at the 2002 conference. Jay's students have won prestigious performing jobs including in the Washington DC military bands (currently two Marine Corps, one Navy, one Air Force). In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Jay is an active performer. He is currently the Principal Tubist for the Miami Symphony and the Kravis Pops Orchestra. He has played cimbasso and tuba for Florida Grand Opera, Naples Opera, Opera Tampa, and the concerts of Andrea Bocelli. Jay is a member of Mensa as well as of Pi Kappa Lambda.
