Bert Witzel was born in Annapolis, MD and got his start in music playing the alto saxophone. He gradually made his way to the double bass and studied at the Baltimore School for the Arts High School. Bert was then accepted into the Curtis Institute of Music on a full-scholarship where he studied with Hal Robinson, principal bass of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Edgar Meyer, renowned bass soloist. Upon graduation Bert was appointed principal bass of the Louisville Orchestra (KY). In 2019 Bert was appointed section bass of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

Bert has performed as a substitute bassist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, and Philadelphia Orchestra. He has participated in two international orchestral tours: a tour of Asia with the Cincinnati Symphony and a tour of South America with the National Symphony Orchestra. Bert has also performed in numerous summer music festivals: the Artosphere Festival, Britt Festival, Oregon Coast Music Festival and Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival.