Coming from Lumberton, Texas, Ashley Peaster grew up with a family that is dominated by state champion wrestlers and track athletes. After dedicating a decade to soccer, she diverged from family tradition to carve her own path in music.

Ashley is pursuing a Masters of Music (MM) in Trumpet Performance at Oklahoma City University's Wanda L. Bass School of Music (OCU) under Professor Michael Anderson. With a degree from The University of Oklahoma (OU): BME-Instrumental/General in hand, Ashley is an integral part of the OCU Wind Bands and Symphony Orchestra. As principal trumpet of the Wind Philharmonic this past year, she brought her energy to every performance, captivating audiences with her devotion and skill. Notably, Ashley has shared the stage with the OCU Symphony Orchestra, performing Mahler's Symphony No. 1 “The Titan”. She will join the Orchestra again this fall to perform Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10. When she's not performing in large ensembles, Ashley performs at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, lending her skills to various ensembles and special occasions.

Ashley's time at The University of Oklahoma (OU) was marked by her infectious energy and unstoppable drive, reflected in her involvement with the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band and the OU Symphony Orchestra. Under the guidance of renowned musicians like Drs. Karl Sievers, Lacey Phelps, Shanti Simon, Michael Hancock, Jonathan Shames, and Mr. Brian Britt, she honed her skills and left a lasting impact on the university's musical scene. Through studying from Dr. Karl Sievers, she was passed down the teaching of the celebrated and renowned trumpet pedagogue, William Adam. Ashley's musical talents extended beyond the university; she showcased her experience at AdamFest 8 with the OU Trumpet Studio Ensemble and collaborated with the Bethany Area Winds & Percussion. Her journey was filled with solo and ensemble performances that showcased her skills.

Ashley's dynamic skill and tenacity earned her an exclusive invitation to the Corfu International Trumpet Festival in Corfu, Greece this past summer. There, amidst performances and masterclasses, she connected with trumpet virtuosos from around the country and the world, fueled by her boundless enthusiasm. Ashley had the opportunity to perform in a world premiere of A Corfu Festival with the Mantzaros Philharmonic. After the festival, she collaborated and performed in a recital in Northern Italy for the International Police Association (IPA), where she lit up the stage alongside fellow trumpeters, guided by the expertise of Mauro Maur, Retired Principal/Solo Trumpet of the Rome Opera, further enhancing her international musical experience and connections. This concert also included a world premiere of the International Hymn of the International Police Association in Monfalcone, Italy, which will be played at all major IPA events and ceremonies in 66 countries. 

Ashley's musical journey includes attendance at numerous masterclasses, refining her skills under renowned musicians. Notably, she was coached by Peter Bond, retired Principal Trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera at OCU in 2023, alongside sessions with trumpet pedagogues Drs. David Hunsicker and Ryan Gardner at OCU and OU, respectively. In 2024, she attended the Victory Brass Quintet of the 1st Infantry Division Army Band masterclass and recital, further enriching her musical journey. She also learned from distinguished ensembles like the Marine Brass Ensemble at OU in 2022. Additionally, Ashley gained insights from individual brass virtuosos Achilles Liarmakopoulos of the Canadian Brass and trumpet soloist Matilda Lloyd during masterclasses at OU in 2019. 

With each note she plays, Ashley proves that with passion and determination, dreams can soar to new heights. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys exploring her creative side through painting, immersing herself in the culture of local cities, and cherishing moments with her beloved cat, Suzie.