Trumpet Dynamics is now Brass Mastery.

This is the short version of the transition and what to expect in the future!

TLDR: We're hugely broadening the audience, and even hugelier narrowing the breadth of topics discussed.

Our esteemed guest, Jim Olcott, is someone whose work I've long admired. He's the retired professor of trumpet at Miami University of Ohio, the founder of Triplo Press, and the musical director of the Twin Cities Trumpet Ensemble. His extensive background in trumpet music promised an enriching conversation.

In this episode, we touched on several fascinating topics:

For those interested in diving deeper into Jim's world, our show notes at trumpetdynamics.com/olcott, which contain links to some of his recent recordings.

Jim candidly admitted that he might not be at the peak of his playing abilities compared to his younger years. However, I assured you, dear listener, that his performance remains outstanding, reflecting the nuanced reality of aging in the arts.

This episode is a beautiful blend of personal stories, professional insights, and even some music for you listening pleasure at the very end. With my wife Sana adding adding a few of her thoughts in the middle, it's the perfect way to get your mind focused on making some great music!

This is more than just a podcast episode; it's a journey through the realms of trumpet music, teaching, and the art of living a life deeply intertwined with music.

A few highlights from this episode:

Twin Cities' Musical Opportunities: The episode begins with a discussion at 05:00 about the benefits of moving to the Twin Cities, highlighting the abundant playing opportunities and the community's generous spirit in music.Passion for Playing and Teaching: At 09:50, there's a reflection on the joy of playing, teaching, and the aspiration to inspire others, as well as the importance of camaraderie among musicians.Age and Its Effects on Musicians: At 15:00, the conversation turns to how aging inevitably affects musicians differently, impacting their physical abilities.The Orchestra as an Instrument: A unique perspective is shared at 16:45, where the orchestra is described as an instrument in itself, offering a collective musical experience.Visualizing Music: At 19:45, the technique of visualizing dramatic scenes to enhance musical performance is discussed.Inspiring vs. Enriching Audiences: Ronald Romm's teachings on the profound difference between inspiring and enriching audiences are explored at 22:15.Self-Concept in Musicians: A deep dive into the complex nature of self-concept among musicians occurs at 28:40, emphasizing how it's shaped by perceptions rather than reality.Maurice Andre's Lessons on Trumpet Playing: At 34:35, lessons from Maurice Andre highlight the distinction between impressive and elegant trumpet playing.Triplo Press's Founding and Publication Process: The founding of Triplo Press and the criteria for vetting new pieces for publication are discussed at 39:30.The Book of Life: At 47:45, there's a philosophical exploration of the four essential actions to be included in the 'Book of Life.'Learning from William Vacchiano: Insights and lessons learned from the great William Vacchiano are shared at 52:35.Another Lesson from Maurice Andre: The episode concludes at 55:50 with another valuable lesson from Maurice Andre, focusing on the importance of being present and concentrated during performances.Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Triplo Press

Twin Cities Trumpet Ensemble

Trumpet Dynamics podcast w/ Chris Botti

Trumpet Dynamics podcast tribute to William Vacchiano

Overdubs recently recorded by JO:

It’s the Most Beautiful Time of the Year (arr. Michael Halstenson, ed. Olcott)

Picc trpt, three Bb’s, 10 flugelhorns, three, bass trumpets, opt. string bass

Little Drummer Boy (arr. Mitchell Dietz, ed. Olcott)

Eb trpt, three Bb’s, four flugelhorns, three bass trumpets, timpani, snare drum

Christmas Time is Here (arr. Michael Halstenson, ed. Olcott)

C trumpet, three Bb’s, five flugelhorns, three bass trumpets, opt. string bass

About the Guest:

James Olcott was professor of trumpet for 35 years at Miami University (Ohio), where he led a dynamic trumpet studio with several top-notch ensembles. While at Miami he was an active player throughout the area and around the country in both jazz and classical genres, including holding the position of principal trumpet of the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra for nearly 25 years.

With an abiding interest in trumpet ensemble as a musical and pedagogical tool, he founded trumpet ensembles at Miami University, began the Cincinnati Herald Trumpet Ensemble in the early '80s, and has been a leading and ongoing proponent of the idiom throughout his adult life. It was partly for this reason that he was awarded the International Trumpet Guild's Award of Merit in 2005.

He has conducted jazz bands and brass groups throughout his 45-year teaching career, including professional, semi-pro, amateur, and student trumpet ensembles in Europe, Asia, and the United States.

As a composer and arranger of music for trumpet ensemble, his works are performed worldwide and are published by Crown Music Press of Chicago, Tromba Publications of Denver, and by his own publishing firm, Triplo Press, which he founded in 1991.

Thank you for joining us on "Trumpet Dynamics" – telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

For more captivating episodes and exclusive content, visit our official website at trumpetdynamics.com. There you can dive deeper into the interviews, discover additional resources, and connect with your fellow trumpeters.

Also be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and even leave a rating and review. It really helps with the visibility of the show.

Until we meet again, may your fingers be fluid, your breath unimpeded, and your chops ever fresh.

Play hard!

Many thanks to the great Alexis Baro (listen to his interview on the podcast here) for allowing the use of "Come Together" from his outstanding album Sandstorm for the intro and closing music for the podcast.

Discover Alexis' incredible playing and his terrific contributions to the music world at alexisbaro.com

In this podcast featuring the great Rex Richardson, various facets of his life and career are explored, providing insights into his journey and philosophy as a musician:

Anthropology Degree (03:00): The podcast reveals Rex's unexpected academic background with a degree in anthropology from Northwestern University. This segment discusses how his studies in anthropology have influenced his music career.Founding Rhythm and Brass (06:30): The origins of the musical group Rhythm and Brass, which Rex helped establish, are discussed.Connections with Audiences (08:10): Rex talks about the relationship between audiences and abstract compositions, exploring how listeners interact with and interpret more complex pieces.Commitment to Musical Mastery (10:45): The conversation touches on the ability of audiences to recognize a musician's dedication to mastering their craft, emphasizing the importance of commitment in music.Meaning of Virtuoso (14:00): The true essence of being a virtuoso is discussed, going beyond technical skills to include emotional depth and artistic expression.Expression in Music (16:00): Rex shares his views on the musician's role in expression versus emoting, highlighting the distinction between conveying emotions and deeper artistic intentions.Audience Takeaways (17:45): He expresses his desire for audiences to appreciate more than just the technical aspects of his performances, aiming to leave them with a deeper, more meaningful musical experience.Multiphonics (22:00): The podcast includes an educational segment on multiphonics, demonstrating Rex's expertise in this advanced brass playing technique.Early Challenges (25:50): Rex reflects on his initial struggles with the trumpet and shares insights on how to maximize efficiency in learning and playing the instrument.Balancing Schedules (27:30): He discusses how he manages a demanding schedule that includes both constant travel and a full-time teaching role.Rex's Varied Roles (31:45): It turns out that there are people with Rex's name out there, one of whom is the current mayor of Long Beach, CA and another who is a prominent real estate professional!

Resources mentioned:

Trumpet Dynamics episode with Paul Merkelo

Trumpet Dynamics episode with Chris Botti

About the Guest:

"A startling display of virtuosity...This was something very different, played by a performer of rare gifts indeed." -- 4barsRest.com, in a review of Rex Richardson's performance at the 2013 World Music Championship in Kerkrade, Netherlands

Renowned as champion of new, genre-busting music featuring the trumpet as a solo voice, Yamaha Performing Artist Rex Richardson was named the 2008 Brass Herald International Personality of the Year, has been called “One of the finest virtuosos of our time” (Brass Herald, 2018). 

A veteran of the acclaimed chamber ensemble Rhythm & Brass, jazz legend Joe Henderson's Quintet and Sextet, William Russo's Chicago Jazz Ensemble, and the world-renowned Brass Band of Battle Creek, his hundreds of soloist appearances include festivals and ensembles on six continents, such as the Phoenix Symphony and Thailand Philharmonic Orchestras, the U.S. Army Field Band and Tokyo Symphonic Winds, England's Fodens Brass Band, and the U.S. Air Force's Airmen of Note Jazz Ensemble. 

His latest CD Freedom of Movement: 21st Century Trumpet Concertos was released to critical and public acclaim, and named a top-ten finalist for 4barsrest.com’s 2018 Solo CD of the Year. The Journal of the International Trumpet Guild called it “A triumph of virtuosity and musicianship”(March, 2019). 

Richardson has taught at Virginia Commonwealth University since 2002, served as International Tutor in Trumpet at England’s Royal Northern College of Music from 2012-2015 and at Austria’s JAM Music Lab University since 2018.

Thank you for joining us on "Trumpet Dynamics" – telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

For more captivating episodes and exclusive content, visit our official website at trumpetdynamics.com. There you can dive deeper into the interviews, discover additional resources, and connect with your fellow trumpeters.

Also be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and even leave a rating and review. It really helps with the visibility of the show.

Until we meet again, may your fingers be fluid, your breath unimpeded, and your chops ever fresh.

Play hard!

Many thanks to the great Alexis Baro (listen to his interview on the podcast here) for allowing the use of "Come Together" from his outstanding album Sandstorm for the intro and closing music for the podcast.

Discover Alexis' incredible playing and his terrific contributions to the music world at alexisbaro.com

You may recall that a few weeks ago, I played a couple of interviews with the great Vinny Ciesielski. He's a wonderful person and has been a mainstay for years in the Nashville music scene. Vinnie really acquitted himself well in the podcast, so much so that I thought it would be interesting to see what would happen if I were to give him the reins for an interview on this podcast!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-Mike shares his founding origins on trumpet in the Nashville area...04:30

-Successes and pitfalls breaking into the Nashville scene in the late 1970's...09:45

-Mike and Vinnie discuss equipment for varying situations...19:05

-The worst things often lead to the best things...22:30

-How "overuse syndrome" nearly derailed a boatload of "natural talent"...29:15

-Serve the music, and remember just because you have it doesn't mean you need it...37:00

-The spirituality of the practice of music within and without...41:30

-What Mike would teach his teenage self...52:00

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Trumpet Dynamics podcast episodes with Vinnie Ciesielski

The Way of the Peaceful Warrior

About the Guest:

Attending Towson University in Maryland, Vinnie Ciesielski majored in music performance on trumpet, which he has played professionally for over 50 years.

Since coming to Nashville in 1992, Vinnie has played on thousands of recordings with artists such as Lyle Lovett, Travis Tritt, Tracy Byrd, Smokey Norful, Tanya Tucker, Glenn Frey, T.D. Jakes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, Gregg Allman, Kirk Franklin, Queen Latifah, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Demi Lovato, Grace Potter, Delbert McClinton, Alison Krauss, Taylor Swift, The Clark Sisters, Thomas Rhett, Nuno Betencort, Marcus Scott (Tower of Power) Steven Tyler, Vince Gill, Michael McDonald, Keb Mo, Johnny Taylor, Bobby Blue Bland, Via Con Dios, Martina McBride, Don Was, Zac Brown Band, and many more.

He has performed live with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Gladys Knight, Kid Rock, Keith Richards, Jimmy Buffett, Paul Simon, Sting, Tony Bennett, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Kenny Rogers, Shelby Lynne, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The O’Jays, Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Shawn Colvin, Eddie Floyd, Booker T. and the MGs, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Bob Hope, Frankie Valli, Sheryl Crow, Adrian Belew, Bruce Hornsby, Michael McDonald, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles and The Beach Boys.

He has also appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,, Late Night with David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, CBS New Years Eve Bash, The Road, SoundStage, Disney and Universal TV specials, Nashville Now, Music City Tonight, Austin City Limits, Grand Old Opry, Rosie O’Donnell, Ellen’s Really Big Show, Crossroads, The Dove Awards and The Stellar Awards. Vinnie has performed on numerous Radio, Internet, TV and Movie soundtracks and Trailers. He has also performed with the Nashville Symphony, Chattanooga Symphony, Orchestra Kentucky, Nashville and Knoxville Jazz Orchestras.

Well known in the performance and recording community, Vinnie’s resume includes work on over 6,000 recording sessions, 50 Grammy-nominated and 25 Grammy-winning recordingsand dozens of Stellar and Dove Award nominated and winning recordings. Vinnie has also been the horn arranger on multiple Grammy, Dove and Stellar nominated and winning recordings.

Thank you for joining us on "Trumpet Dynamics" – telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

For more captivating episodes and exclusive content, visit our official website at trumpetdynamics.com. There you can dive deeper into the interviews, discover additional resources, and connect with your fellow trumpeters.

Also be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and even leave a rating and review. It really helps with the visibility of the show.

Until we meet again, may your fingers be fluid, your breath unimpeded, and your chops ever fresh.

Play hard!

Many thanks to the great Alexis Baro (listen to his interview on the podcast here) for allowing the use of "Come Together" from his outstanding album Sandstorm for the intro and closing music for the podcast.

Discover Alexis' incredible playing and his terrific contributions to the music world at alexisbaro.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Odd Meter Technical Exercises for Trumpet by Michael Hengst

Original exercises and adaptations of your favorites, all in 5/8 and 7/8 meters.

OTME

Have you ever heard the saying, "Love is what drives the world"? It’s a phrase we encounter often, but have you ever connected its essence to something you're deeply passionate about?

In this episode featuring the great Nathaniel Mayfield, we'll dive deep into this concept, and what we uncover might surprise you!

A trumpet is nothing more than a simple piece of plumbing. But when we breathe life into it, it becomes intimately personal, a vessel for our emotions, a conduit through which we pour out the deepest sentiments of our heart.

When you play or engage in your craft, whatever it may be, it’s not just about the technicalities; it's about the love and soul you invest into it. Every note, every brushstroke, every word – they become extensions of your essence, speaking your unique language of love.

So, ask yourself: when you delve into your passion, are you truly connecting with it? Are you letting it be a bridge to something larger, something divine?

Can you feel that energy, that love, coursing through you, making every act of creation a testament to your connection with the universe?

Your journey as a trumpeter, or whatever craft you may pursue, is filled with challenges. But imagine facing every intricate detail, every hurdle you overcome with an overwhelming embrace of love.

Not just as a fleeting emotion, but as a driving force that propels you to evolve, learn, and express in ways you might not have thought possible before.

Isn’t that the beauty of love? In every aspect of your life, when you let love be the guide, your experiences transform. You discover resilience in tough times, glean wisdom from setbacks, and above all, unearth the profound purpose behind your passions.

So I ask you to ponder this: are you allowing love to navigate your journey? Is it truly your guiding star?

When we allow love to influence our choices, shape our experiences, and redefine your reality, it could very well be the secret to unlocking your ultimate potential.

Here are a few highlights you'll hear in this episode with Nathaniel Mayfield:

-Music is a spiritual journey, and it doesn't matter how much we're involved with it...04:10

-Nate's personal journey with trumpet, from young boy to the present...06:00

-"I don't care about winning competitions; I just want to enjoy music"...10:30

-"You feel like a part of you is missing"...14:10

-Everything we do as it pertains to music is done out of love...17:50

-Serendipitous callings back to trumpet...20:45

-The love of trumpet was dissipated by The Grind of competing and touring...24:30

-Maturity leads to how you self-identify as it pertains to music and trumpet...31:50

-Nate describes in detail his recent psychedelic journey in Tijuana...36:00

-Reconciled previous destructive behavior from trumpet playing...01:01:00

-What might a Nate Mayfield "trumpet comeback" look like?...01:02:30

-Trumpet is our first love, which is why so many feel disillusioned by it...01:06:30

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Thank you for joining us on "Trumpet Dynamics" – telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

For more captivating episodes and exclusive content, visit our official website at trumpetdynamics.com. There you can dive deeper into the interviews, discover additional resources, and connect with your fellow trumpeters.

Also be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and even leave a rating and review. It really helps with the visibility of the show.

Until we meet again, may your fingers be fluid, your breath unimpeded, and your chops ever fresh.

Play hard!

**Many thanks to the great Alexis Baro (listen to his interview on the podcast here) for allowing the use of "Come Together" from his outstanding album Sandstorm for the intro and closing music for the podcast.

Discover Alexis' incredible playing and his terrific contributions to the music world at alexisbaro.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Odd Meter Technical Exercises for Trumpet by Michael Hengst

Original exercises and adaptations of your favorites, all in 5/8 and 7/8 meters.

OTME

What are borders but mere lines imagined by politicians to separate and divide human beings?

And just as borders between states and countries are rather arbitrary, so are the borders we put on certain instruments, even entire genres of music.

Paul Merkelo stopped in to the Trumpet Dynamics Central Headquarters to discuss his collaboration with the great Wynton Marsalis on a brand new concerto written for trumpet that is making waves in the trumpet world and beyond.

Wynton's new concerto not only pushes the finest players to their utmost limits as performers, but it transcends many of the arbitrary boundaries that have been placed upon the trumpet, and even ethnic and national identities related to music.

Paul was honored by being asked to help bring this piece into the public consciousness, and in this episode, he shares his experience of being included in the esteemed group of trumpeters who are premiering the piece around the world. The interview includes a detailed description of the process of preparing and allowing to see the light of day a piece of music that we expect will be part of the standard trumpet repertoire, regularly called upon by orchestras the world over, in due time.

We even managed to sneak in a hat tip to elephant sounds and horse whinnies, so you're going to want to hang out until the very end of the episode!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-How Paul was chosen to premiere Wynton's concerto in Canada...03:30

-The moment Paul stepped on stage to premiere the piece...06:30

-"Like jumping out of an airplane"...13:20

-We've got to build the repertoire by crossing musical borders...15:45

-You can't simply play with technical precision; you must play musically...18:30

-The "perfect" performance redefined...23:25

-The very long process of preparing for The Day of the performance...28:10

-Balancing the prep and practice with family and obligations to the day job...36:45

-Efforts to get the word out about the concerto...40:30

-How to make an elephant call with a trumpet...46:30

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Paul Merkelo's website

Gershwin's World on Medici TV featuring Paul Merkelo

A Conversation with Rafael Payare, Wynton Marsalis and Paul Merkelo

Trumpet Dynamics episode with Scott "Horse Whinny Maestro" Moore of the Memphis Symphony

About the Guest:

Paul Merkelo has been hailed as ‘the new Maurice André’ by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and is recognized as ‘a spectacular soloist... a most impressive master of his instrument’ (Montreal Gazette) who ‘knows no limits’ (Der Spiegel online - Germany) with ‘unusual lyrical gifts’ (Gramophone). Principal trumpet with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal since 1995, he has been featured frequently with the OSM, including tours to South America and at the Lincoln Center in New York, and is the first member of the orchestra to be invited to record a debut solo album with the orchestra (French Trumpet Concertos - Kent Nagano).

In 1999, he was appointed Canadian musical ambassador to China for the inauguration of the Montreal Park in Shanghai, and as soloist with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra in a national telecast. Merkelo made his New York debut at the Lincoln Center with the New World Symphony Orchestra and Michael Tilson Thomas in 1998. He has worked with conductors such as Leonard Bernstein, Charles Dutoit, Lorin Maazel, Sir Georg Solti, Zubin Mehta and Valery Gergiev, and has been invited as guest principal trumpet in the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. As a soloist, Paul has been featured with orchestras worldwide, including English Chamber Orchestra, Russian National Orchestra, Sapporo Symphony Orchestra, Venice Baroque Orchestra and Eastman Wind Ensemble.

Merkelo’s first solo recording, A Simple Songwas ranked #1 in Quebec’s classical recording chart in 2000. In 2004, Analekta released a highly praised second CD, Baroque Transcriptions, which was nominated by ADISQ for Best Classical Album of the Year. French Trumpet Concertos with OSM and Kent Nagano was nominated by the JUNO Awards as Best Classical Album of the Year-Soloist with large ensemble in 2016.

The English Chamber Orchestra will feature him with the Haydn and Leopold Mozart concerti on a UK tour in April 2020, while at the same time MediciTV will release a DVD concert of his ‘Gershwin Romance Music’ project which will showcase his jazz and improvisation skills.

Also in 2020, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has commissioned Gabriela Ortiz to write a new concerto for trumpet which will feature soloist and the principal trumpet of the orchestra.

Paul is on the faculty at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, and McGill University in Montreal. He is on the board of directors for the Youth Orchestra of the Americas (Canada), and is the founder of the Paul Merkelo Scholarship, which helps young, gifted brass players with financial aid and career guidance.

Thank you for joining us on "Trumpet Dynamics" – telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

For more captivating episodes and exclusive content, visit our official website at trumpetdynamics.com. There you can dive deeper into the interviews, discover additional resources, and connect with your fellow trumpeters.

Also be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and even leave a rating and review. It really helps with the visibility of the show.

Until we meet again, may your fingers be fluid, your breath unimpeded, and your chops ever fresh.

Play hard!

Many thanks to the great Alexis Baro (listen to his interview on the podcast here) for allowing the use of "Come Together" from his outstanding album Sandstorm for the intro and closing music for the podcast.

Discover Alexis' incredible playing and his terrific contributions to the music world at alexisbaro.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Odd Meter Technical Exercises for Trumpet by Michael Hengst

Original exercises and adaptations of your favorites, all in 5/8 and 7/8 meters.

OTME

Larry Meregillano has been performing on the trumpet professionally since he was 15 years old.

In that time, he has performed all over the world, performing in the background, in the foreground, and everywhere in between.

As you can imagine, he needed to develop a great deal of endurance in order to meet the demands of his profession, playing lead in the Disneyland Band, leading cruise ship bands, and much more.

His experience and knowledge led to him creating the The Compression Training System (CTS), a tool that is taking the brass world by storm, and changing the way thousands of players approach their craft and improving their range and endurance.

I wanted to get Larry on the show to discuss the CTS, its founding origins, how it works, how it benefits any type of player. And while this might sound like an infomercial, I humbly suggest the info shared in this episode favors the "info" more than the "mercial".

Enjoy the episode!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-Larry shares some of his travel and performing adventures!...01:45

-Why major stars wear a "mask" when among the public vs. their private selves...04:15

-The trumpet has somehow managed to remain relevant in pop culture over time...06:15

-The greats don't need to mimic or compare themselves to other great players...09:45

-Fear of success, and why we're terrified of creating something truly unique...11:55

-The basic science behind the The Compression Training System (CTS)...16:45

-Compression described as it relates to playing trumpet...20:30

-What's going on inside the mouth is the "missing link" when it comes to trumpet pedagogy...26:40

-How the CTS enables trumpeters to utilize "progressive overload training" as incorporated by professional weight lifters...31:00

-How the CTS works in improving ranger, power and endurance...36:20

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Episode sponsor:

Odd-Meter Technical Exercises by Michael Hengst: Original exercises and adaptations of your favorite exercises, all in 5/8 and 7/8 time.

Resources mentioned:

The Compression Training System (CTS)

About the Guest:

Larry Meregillano is a Eclipse artist/clinician. He started his professional career playing in big bands in San Diego in the early 1970’s. In 1976, he was hired to play in Tom Ranier’s Show band at Disneyland.

A year later, Mr. Meregillano joined the gospel group Truth and soon after went on to perform and tour with The Bill Gaither Trio. While traveling and recording with The Bill Gaither Trio, he also recorded with Sandi Patti, David T, Clydsdale, Ron Huff, Don Marsh and many others.

In 1980, Larry returned to California and became the lead trumpet player for the world-famous Disneyland Band. In the late 1980’s, Larry was hired to play in the PTL Television Orchestra with Jim and Tammy Faye Baker. From there he joined Princess Cruise lines as Musical Director.

After many years, Mr. Meregillano moved to Orlando, Florida, where he performed with many bands at Walt Disney World, MGM Studios, Epcot Center, Universal Studios and Pleasure Island. He has also been the Musical Director and performer for many cruise lines including the world-famous Queen Elizabeth 2.

Larry has toured with the Temptations and The Four Tops, and has been a sideman for Rosemary Clooney, Joe Williams, Jack Jones, Bob Hope, Celia Cruz, Frankie Avalon and many, many others. Mr. Meregillano has recorded with many artists including Hubert Laws, Latoya Jackson, and Rick Dees.

Mr. Meregillano is a busy freelance musician playing recording dates, theater, and stage shows in the Los Angeles area and around the country.

Thank you for joining us on "Trumpet Dynamics" – telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

For more captivating episodes and exclusive content, visit our official website at trumpetdynamics.com. There you can dive deeper into the interviews, discover additional resources, and connect with your fellow trumpeters.

Also be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and even leave a rating and review. It really helps with the visibility of the show.

Until we meet again, may your fingers be fluid, your breath unimpeded, and your chops ever fresh.

Play hard!

Many thanks to the great Alexis Baro (listen to his interview on the podcast here) for allowing the use of "Come Together" from his outstanding album Sandstorm for the intro and closing music for the podcast.

Discover Alexis' incredible playing and his terrific contributions to the music world at alexisbaro.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Odd Meter Technical Exercises for Trumpet by Michael Hengst

Original exercises and adaptations of your favorites, all in 5/8 and 7/8 meters.

OTME

John Daniel's ears must have been ringing throughout the month of September as several guests, including Del Lyren, Bobby Medina, Vinnie Ciesielski and others mentioned him on the podcast in this last month.

So I decided it was time to reach out and see if we could schedule a podcast!

John was game, and we ended up having a terrific discussion on Gestalt theory as it pertains to trumpet (a first on the podcast), the unique qualities of the cornet vs. the trumpet, recollections of the early days of the amazing Brass Band of Battle Creek and much more.

Enjoy the interview, and be sure to check out John's book Special Studies for Trumpet!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-John's beginning struggles on trumpet as a kid...03:00

-What is "gestalt" theory as it pertains to trumpet?...05:45

-About John's upcoming album featuring Bb and soprano cornet...08:30

-Unique characteristics of playing Bb vs. soprano cornet vs. trumpet...12:00

-Memories playing alongside the great Peter Roberts!...15:40

-There's no "right way" to play and teach a brass instrument...20:00

-A rare discussion on pedagogy here on the podcast lol...25:00

-Memories of the early days of the Brass Band of Battle Creek...33:20

-Cultural differences in cornet v. trumpet and how the BBBC has helped popularize the genre...38:45

-Moving on from a top-flight academia gig and preparing for the new album release!...41:10

-A profoundly different experience playing trumpet v. cornet...49:00

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

John's website and "Special Studies for Trumpet" book

Trumpet Dynamics Facebook group

About the Guest:

John Daniel is the Professor of Trumpet at Lawrence University. He received the Specialist in Music degree from the University of Michigan, Master of Arts in Music from the University of Iowa, and Bachelor of Music from Ball State University. His primary teachers were David Greenhoe, Richard Giangiulio, and Armando Ghitalla. Mr. Daniel previously held tenured positions at Penn State University and Abilene Christian University. While attending the University of Michigan on full scholarship, he won the graduate concerto award and was principal trumpet of orchestras in Ann Arbor and Saginaw, Michigan.

Mr. Daniel served as principal trumpet with the San Angelo Symphony Orchestra and Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra for nine years and has performed with the San Antonio Symphony, Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra, Palm Beach Opera, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and Music at Penn’s Woods Orchestra, as well as on Broadway for revivals of Annie Get Your Gun and Gypsy. He has played recitals in Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, throughout South Korea, the Eastman School of music, the Julliard School, and throughout the United States.

As a jazz musician he has appeared with Lionel Hampton, Bill Watrous, Wycliff Gordon, Marvin Stamm, Vinnie DiMartino, Phil Woods, Ernie Watts, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra and many others. Mr. Daniel released A Calling in 2004, a jazz CD featuring his compositions and is featured on a 2006 Mark Masters release, Karel Husa Trumpet Concertos. The Husa CD was on the entry list to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the category “Best solo with orchestra” and “Best classical recording”. He has been a member of North America’s finest brass band, the Brass Band of Battle Creek, since 1993. He plays Schilke trumpets, flugelhorn and cornets exclusively.

Thank you for joining us on "Trumpet Dynamics" – telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

For more captivating episodes and exclusive content, visit our official website at trumpetdynamics.com. There you can dive deeper into the interviews, discover additional resources, and connect with your fellow trumpeters.

Also be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and even leave a rating and review. It really helps with the visibility of the show.

Until we meet again, may your fingers be fluid, your breath unimpeded, and your chops ever fresh.

Play hard!

Many thanks to the great Alexis Baro (listen to his interview on the podcast here) for allowing the use of "Come Together" from his outstanding album Sandstorm for the intro and closing music for the podcast.

Discover Alexis' incredible playing and his terrific contributions to the music world at alexisbaro.com

We have the great Chris Botti on the show today. I'm really excited about this one to both record and share it with you. On a whim I checked out Chris' website and happened to see that he was going to be in my neck of the woods, which these days is Virginia Beach, Virginia.

This interview that you're about to hear is not like the definitive explanation of Chris's philosophy, his approach to technique and pedagogy, his full history as a trumpeter.

I simply went on to some Facebook groups and just said, "Hey, I'm interviewing Chris Botti, what should I ask him?" A few people responded with some really good questions, and that's basically the meat and potatoes of the interview.

Enjoy!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-Why Trumpet is Chris' "calling card" in this new music business...04:20

-The paradigm shift of the music business explained from the perspective of one at the top...08:00

-One door closes, another opens for the little guy...14:40

-Chris' inspirations and influences as a trumpeter...19:45

-Why record making and gigging need to be approached radically differently...26:00

-Chris' recording and performing sound equipment...30:20

-Chris' daily routine and maintenance of the chops while touring...36:15

-Why Chris can't bear to part ways with his Martin Committee...37:30

-Why Sergei Nakariakov rarely tours in the U.S....42:00

-Reflections from host James Newcomb on the interview...44:55

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Chris' website

Other Side of the Bell podcast with Chris Botti

About the Guest:

GRAMMY-winning trumpeter Chris Botti has been one of the most popular instrumentalists in the world for nearly three decades; he’s collaborated with some of the biggest superstars on the planet, including Sting, Paul Simon, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, Joni Mitchell, Steven Tyler, Andrea Bocelli, Herbie Hancock, Yo-Yo Ma, and others; he’s topped the jazz charts with numerous albums, earned multiple Gold and Platinum records, performed with symphony orchestras and on prestigious stages from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl to the Sydney Opera House.

In short, Chris Botti really needs no introduction. Yet with his Blue Note Records debut, he’s offering one anyway. Vol.1 is in many ways a fresh start for the trumpeter. Having successfully crossed over from jazz renown to pop stardom, Botti’s first album in more than a decade finds him crossing back, with a small group project focused on acoustic jazz and classic standards.

“I turned 60 in 2022, at a time that seemed like a restart for so many things in the world,” Botti says. “I wanted to strip away all the orchestral arrangements and special guests and focus more on my playing, the playing of my band, and these jazz classics that we always love playing on stage.”

While Botti could boast of the major names with whom he’s shared stages, this project allows him to share his enthusiasm for the jazz greats past and present that excite him – his conversation is peppered with references to everyone from Miles Davis to Keith Jarrett to Pat Metheny to Brad Mehldau. He points to landmark albums like Davis’ Kind of Blue, John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, or Metheny’s duo outing with Charlie Haden, Beyond the Missouri Sky as models for the kind of “lifestyle” music he set out to make – music that is exquisite on its own but can also set the scene for a coffee shop or hotel lounge, instantly generating a sophisticated mood.

Of course, Botti couldn’t have found a more ideal home for this artistic rebirth. Blue Note has been a standard-bearer of jazz throughout its storied history, and the trumpeter found a receptive partner in label president Don Was. “Anyone that’s lucky enough to say they’re on Blue Note Records should be pinching themselves,” Botti says. “It’s a fantastic honor. I had great runs on Verve and Columbia, so it’s amazing to now arrive on the most famous traditional jazz record label.”

Not that Vol. 1 is a complete about-face – longtime fans will immediately recognize Botti’s glowing tone and regal melodicism, as well as his flair for investing the narrative of a song with high drama and vibrant emotion. “There’s a cinematic quality that I like to hear in music, and that I’ve found that audiences really love,” he says. “The essence of that remains on this album. It’s paramount to me that there is incredible beauty and elegance to all of the performances and the way they’re recorded.”

Botti has assembled a stellar group of collaborators to achieve that blend of beauty and elegance for the album. The album was produced by the legendary David Foster, whose staggering list of credits includes three Beatles, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Michael Bublé, Diana Krall, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton and countless others.

“David commands so much respect from the musicians that he didn’t have to say much, but he would navigate the session in a very subtle way,” says Botti of the producer, who also contributed the lush, moving piano intro to “Danny Boy” that sets the tone for the album.

Botti has enjoyed a long collaboration with pianist Taylor Eigsti, while bassist Zach Moses, keyboardist Julian Pollack, and saxophonist Chad Lefkowitz-Brown are all members of his regular touring band. Veteran drummer Vinnie Colaiuta rounds out the core band.

They’re joined by a number of excellent musicians, including Israeli guitarist Gilad Hekselman, whose atmospheric, cascading lines grace the Rodgers & Hart classic “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered”; classical violinist Joshua Bell, who brings a striking passion to Botti’s stark rendition of “My Funny Valentine”; Uruguayan-born guitarist Leonardo Amuedo, whose years in Brazil are reflected in his graceful soloing on Henry Mancini’s “Two for the Road” and the bossa nova feel he brings to “Time On My Hands”; pianist Esteban Castro, whose delicate restraint belies his youth on “Old Folks”; and singer-songwriter John Splithoff, who contributes and performs his romantic song “Paris.”

Above all, it’s Botti’s clarion, heart wrenching trumpet that seizes he spotlight throughout Vol. 1. From the way he sings the yearning melody of “Danny Boy” to the keening, airy melancholy of his Harmon mute playing on Miles Davis’ “Blue In Green”; the hushed tenderness he brings to Coldplay’s “Fix You” or his shimmering flurries on “Someday My Prince Will Come;” Botti leaves no doubt of his mastery or his ability to speak directly from the soul of the instrument.

The title of Vol. 1 implies a new beginning, but perhaps even more promising is the fact that it also hints at a Vol. 2 – and beyond. “I’m so looking forward to that possibility,” Botti concludes.

Thank you for joining us on "Trumpet Dynamics" – telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

For more captivating episodes and exclusive content, visit our official website at trumpetdynamics.com. There you can dive deeper into the interviews, discover additional resources, and connect with your fellow trumpeters.

Also be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and even leave a rating and review. It really helps with the visibility of the show.

Until we meet again, may your fingers be fluid, your breath unimpeded, and your chops ever fresh.

Play hard!

Many thanks to the great Alexis Baro (listen to his interview on the podcast here) for allowing the use of "Come Together" from his outstanding album Sandstorm for the intro and closing music for the podcast.

Discover Alexis' incredible playing and his terrific contributions to the music world at alexisbaro.com

Welcome to Part 2 of my interview with Vinnie Ciesielski!

Before I say anything else, let me point out that the link I share to access the show notes during the episode is incorrect. The show notes for this episode are https://trumpetdynamics.com/trumpetvinnie2. I believe I left out the number 2 during the interview because I initially planned to have this be one giant episode, but wisely chose to break it into two parts.

And what a part this is. Vinnie and I dove deep into the "why" of playing trumpet. The "How" tends to be rather superficial, which is why I don't have much interest in podcasts like that.

But the "why" is what gets me excited, and Vinnie surely did not disappoint with his insightful comments in this one.

Enjoy!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-More in-depth dialogue on the "good day and great day" concept...05:05

-The need for healthy lifestyle for success on trumpet and overall quality of life...08:30

-Self-loathing equates to loathing your environment...13:30

-Why and how Vinnie has played with a rare condition that causes loss of feeling on the left side of his body...17:20

-If you can feel your face, you're ahead of the game!...25:00

-Shame is a wasted emotion...32:00

-Keeping things real regarding the importance of trumpet...36:00

-Adapting to radically changed physicality, and thoughtfully losing weight so it stays off...43:30

-Music a salve for tremendous joy and intense loss...53:45

-Are we "called" to trumpet?...58:45

-A father's offhand comment while watching TV proves prophetic...01:03:30

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Vinnie's website

My Fitness Pal app

Trumpet Dynamics podcast with Beth Peroutka

About the Guest:

Attending Towson University in Maryland, Vinnie Ciesielski majored in music performance on trumpet, which he has played professionally for over 50 years.

Since coming to Nashville in 1992, Vinnie has played on thousands of recordings with artists such as Lyle Lovett, Travis Tritt, Tracy Byrd, Smokey Norful, Tanya Tucker, Glenn Frey, T.D. Jakes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, Gregg Allman, Kirk Franklin, Queen Latifah, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Demi Lovato, Grace Potter, Delbert McClinton, Alison Krauss, Taylor Swift, The Clark Sisters, Thomas Rhett, Nuno Betencort, Marcus Scott (Tower of Power) Steven Tyler, Vince Gill, Michael McDonald, Keb Mo, Johnny Taylor, Bobby Blue Bland, Via Con Dios, Martina McBride, Don Was, Zac Brown Band, and many more.

He has performed live with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Gladys Knight, Kid Rock, Keith Richards, Jimmy Buffett, Paul Simon, Sting, Tony Bennett, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Kenny Rogers, Shelby Lynne, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The O’Jays, Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Shawn Colvin, Eddie Floyd, Booker T. and the MGs, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Bob Hope, Frankie Valli, Sheryl Crow, Adrian Belew, Bruce Hornsby, Michael McDonald, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles and The Beach Boys.

He has also appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,, Late Night with David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, CBS New Years Eve Bash, The Road, SoundStage, Disney and Universal TV specials, Nashville Now, Music City Tonight, Austin City Limits, Grand Old Opry, Rosie O’Donnell, Ellen’s Really Big Show, Crossroads, The Dove Awards and The Stellar Awards. Vinnie has performed on numerous Radio, Internet, TV and Movie soundtracks and Trailers. He has also performed with the Nashville Symphony, Chattanooga Symphony, Orchestra Kentucky, Nashville and Knoxville Jazz Orchestras.

Well known in the performance and recording community, Vinnie’s resume includes work on over 6,000 recording sessions, 50 Grammy-nominated and 25 Grammy-winning recordingsand dozens of Stellar and Dove Award nominated and winning recordings. Vinnie has also been the horn arranger on multiple Grammy, Dove and Stellar nominated and winning recordings.

Thank you for joining us on "Trumpet Dynamics" – telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

For more captivating episodes and exclusive content, visit our official website at trumpetdynamics.com. There you can dive deeper into the interviews, discover additional resources, and connect with your fellow trumpeters.

Also be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and even leave a rating and review. It really helps with the visibility of the show.

Until we meet again, may your fingers be fluid, your breath unimpeded, and your chops ever fresh.

Play hard!

Many thanks to the great Alexis Baro (listen to his interview on the podcast here) for allowing the use of "Come Together" from his outstanding album Sandstorm for the intro and closing music for the podcast.

Discover Alexis' incredible playing and his terrific contributions to the music world at alexisbaro.com

I want to give a special thanks to previous podcast guest Del Lyren for introducing me to our guest today, Vinnie Ciesielski. Vinnie is a longtime stalwart of the Nashville music scene. His playing can be heard on countless recordings, commercials, soundtracks, symphony concerts, and the list goes on and on.

Vinnie is also founder of a group called Vinnie And the Hitmen, of whom you can hear some samples on his website.

In this episode, Vinnie talked a good deal about his founding origins as a trumpeter, and has some poignant insights into the importance of pop music, even for those of us who maybe have a tendency to thumb our noses at it while salivating over the likes of Mahler and Strauss.

You've got be able to put food on the table at the end of the day, and sometimes mastering the art of pop music is what is necessary if you expect to put some of that food on the table with your musical skills.

Our time went by so fast, which meant as usual we were just warming up to each other by the time we had to part ways. So we went ahead and scheduled another recording session! This Part 1 is great in many respects, and Part 2 is great as well, and deeply personal. So I highly recommend you listen to that one as well.

Probably best to listen to them in order as you get to hear host and guest establish rapport before diving deep into the "why" of doing music, and how it relates to the deep needs within all of us.

That's all I'll share about Part 2, for now enjoy Part 1!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-Ciesielski is spelled how it sounds...06:00

-How to find your way into a local scene, and play what you really want to play...11:30

-Vinnie's founding origins as a trumpeter...16:15

-Good days and great days...19:00

-A solid foundation on the mental element of trumpet playing...23:00

-Pop music pays the bills...30:00

-What we call "classical" music was at one time "pop" music...33:00

-Why do we thumb our noses at "pop" music?...38:45

-Movie soundtracks and classical music finding its niche in modern culture...42:00

-The need for a pleasing personality in keeping the gig...48:00

-There are no bad days; there are only good days and great days...53:00

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Check out James Newcomb's new book: PinPoint Persuasion

Vinnie's website

Trumpet Dynamics podcast with Paul Baron and Bobby Medina

Trumpet Diagnostics

About the Guest:

Attending Towson University in Maryland, Vinnie Ciesielski majored in music performance on trumpet, which he has played professionally for over 50 years.

Since coming to Nashville in 1992, Vinnie has played on thousands of recordings with artists such as Lyle Lovett, Travis Tritt, Tracy Byrd, Smokey Norful, Tanya Tucker, Glenn Frey, T.D. Jakes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, Gregg Allman, Kirk Franklin, Queen Latifah, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Demi Lovato, Grace Potter, Delbert McClinton, Alison Krauss, Taylor Swift, The Clark Sisters, Thomas Rhett, Nuno Betencort, Marcus Scott (Tower of Power) Steven Tyler, Vince Gill, Michael McDonald, Keb Mo, Johnny Taylor, Bobby Blue Bland, Via Con Dios, Martina McBride, Don Was, Zac Brown Band, and many more.

He has performed live with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Gladys Knight, Kid Rock, Keith Richards, Jimmy Buffett, Paul Simon, Sting, Tony Bennett, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Kenny Rogers, Shelby Lynne, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The O’Jays, Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Shawn Colvin, Eddie Floyd, Booker T. and the MGs, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Bob Hope, Frankie Valli, Sheryl Crow, Adrian Belew, Bruce Hornsby, Michael McDonald, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles and The Beach Boys.

He has also appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,, Late Night with David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, CBS New Years Eve Bash, The Road, SoundStage, Disney and Universal TV specials, Nashville Now, Music City Tonight, Austin City Limits, Grand Old Opry, Rosie O’Donnell, Ellen’s Really Big Show, Crossroads, The Dove Awards and The Stellar Awards. Vinnie has performed on numerous Radio, Internet, TV and Movie soundtracks and Trailers. He has also performed with the Nashville Symphony, Chattanooga Symphony, Orchestra Kentucky, Nashville and Knoxville Jazz Orchestras.

Well known in the performance and recording community, Vinnie’s resume includes work on over 6,000 recording sessions, 50 Grammy-nominated and 25 Grammy-winning recordingsand dozens of Stellar and Dove Award nominated and winning recordings. Vinnie has also been the horn arranger on multiple Grammy, Dove and Stellar nominated and winning recordings.

Thank you for joining us on "Trumpet Dynamics" – telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

For more captivating episodes and exclusive content, visit our official website at trumpetdynamics.com. There you can dive deeper into the interviews, discover additional resources, and connect with your fellow trumpeters.

Also be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and even leave a rating and review. It really helps with the visibility of the show.

Until we meet again, may your fingers be fluid, your breath unimpeded, and your chops ever fresh.

Play hard!

Many thanks to the great Alexis Baro (listen to his interview on the podcast here) for allowing the use of "Come Together" from his outstanding album Sandstorm for the intro and closing music for the podcast.

Discover Alexis' incredible playing and his terrific contributions to the music world at alexisbaro.com

It's no secret that our bodies, our minds, our perspectives in life change as we age. Yet we often believe that what we learned about playing trumpet while we were in our teens and early twenties will continue to work as we get older.

Maybe it's because we heard something in a masterclass and decided this is the way to do it. Or we attended a certain school where certain dogmas regarding trumpet playing prevailed, even overshadowing individual needs of the player.

This was more or less the impetus of Paul Baron and Bobby Medina beginning first a Facebook targeted at older players, and then eventually becoming a full-fledged training regimen called Trumpet Diagnostics. I wanted to pick the brains of the founders of the program about their experiences working with older players, and what they aim to achieve with their program.

Thankfully we were able to get all three of us on a Zoom call from various parts of the U.S. and talk about their program.

Enjoy the interview!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-The founding origins of the Trumpet Diagnostics program...02:30

-The Facebook group becomes a webinar, which becomes the program...05:30

-What does "Body Mechanics Mastery" mean?...06:30

-Why certain methods we swear by are sometimes limited in their efficacy in teaching us how to play efficiently...08:40

-Learning "the method of no method"; becoming our own teachers...13:00

-Why have we moved beyond the various "schools" of thought regarding trumpet playing?...14:15

-Martial arts lessons applied to the physicality of trumpet...18:30

-Efficiency (i.e. minimal playing) is key to longevity as a trumpeter...23:00

-Don't worry about aesthetics based on showmanship, worry about what works for you...27:30

-What is the biggest hurdles Paul and Bobby's students need to overcome?...29:00

-Neuroplasticity and repetition over a long period of time is key to improving your playing...34:30

-What you'll experience with the Trumpet Diagnostics program...38:05

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Trumpet Diagnostics

Tips for Trumpeters 50 and Beyond! Facebook group

About the Guests:

Bobby Medina

Four solo recordings under his name along with world tours and live performances with legendary musical artists including Ray Charles, Frankie Valli, Wayne Newton, Mel Torme, Temptations, National Touring Broadway shows and more. Student of legendary teachers including James Stamp, Bobby Shew, Carmine Caruso, Charley Davis. Medina's 40+ years experience has been presented at masterclasses in the USA, Europe, South America and Asia helping players of all levels overcome their playing deficiencies and frustrations through specialized mental and mechanical techniques.

Paul Baron

Paul's professional career began 40 years ago. His lead trumpet can be heard on over 1,000 jingles, hundreds of albums, dozens of movie scores and he's played, recorded and toured with Aerosmith, Lynrd Skynrd, Barry Manilow, Bob Hope, Wayne Newton, nearly twenty Broadway shows including Disney's Newsies, Aladdin, Frozen and many more. Paul's teaching has led him to give nearly 100 masterclasses and decades of private instruction teaching players how to repair and reprogram their playing to be the most efficient possible. 

Thank you for joining us on "Trumpet Dynamics" – telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

For more captivating episodes and exclusive content, visit our official website at trumpetdynamics.com. There you can dive deeper into the interviews, discover additional resources, and connect with your fellow trumpeters.

Also be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and even leave a rating and review. It really helps with the visibility of the show.

Until we meet again, may your fingers be fluid, your breath unimpeded, and your chops ever fresh.

Play hard!

Many thanks to the great Alexis Baro (listen to his interview on the podcast here) for allowing the use of "Come Together" from his outstanding album Sandstorm for the intro and closing music for the podcast.

Discover Alexis' incredible playing and his terrific contributions to the music world at alexisbaro.com

Kenny Dorham's life and music represent the essence of jazz itself—dynamic, inventive, and deeply rooted in tradition. His enduring influence on the genre, his exceptional trumpet prowess, and his legacy as a composer and mentor ensure that his name will forever be etched in the annals of jazz history, serving as an enduring source of inspiration for generations of musicians and jazz aficionados alike.

Welcome to a brand new feature of the podcast, Trumpet Icons!

From jazz virtuosos to classical maestros, explore a curated collection of iconic trumpet players who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

To suggest a trumpeter that should be included in this series, or if you believe information shared about a previous player needs to be corrected, simply visit https://trumpetdynamics.com/icons.

All suggestions and/or corrections will be read and adjusted as necessary!

Beginning in September 2023, I will be hosting a monthly masterclass on personal branding. It's 100% free, and I guarantee you'll learn something new about boosting your online or offline presence. If you don't, I'll give you your money back!

To get the time and date, and register for the next masterclass, visit my own website, https://jamesdnewcomb.com.

I also invite you to the brand new Trumpet Dynamics Facebook group. It's of course free to join, and is a great way to connect with your fellow listeners of the show and trumpet enthusiasts. Here's the link for the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/trumpetdynamics

I'm really glad to welcome to the show Del Lyren, currently on faculty at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. I got to know Del while he was teaching at Bemidji State University, which I have a personal connection to as my grandfather went to BSU way back in the 1940's!

It turns out that it seems everyone has some sort of connection to Bemidji, even if it's just a photo at the famous statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox right there on the lake.

I was able to meet Del in person while visiting family in Minnesota, and we talked about the value of community in music, what it was like hosting an ITG conference, why the small town gigs are sometimes the most profitable, and much more.

Enjoy this episode!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-Everything is better in person, but how do you manage in light of a global pandemic?...07:00

-How Rafael Mendez indirectly inspired Del's trumpet career!...12:30

-When will the machines finally overcome our natural craving for community?...18:18

-The understated small town college prof that made a major impact in Del's development as a person and musician...26:30

-The draws and drawbacks of small town life and teaching...34:00

-What it's like to host an ITG conference...38:00

-What triggered the move to the bigger cities?...46:00

-The challenge of channeling creative energy into a paying career...47:50

-How music university-level curricula should be crafted...52:00

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Rafael Mendez Institute

Summit Brass

Trumpet Dynamics podcast featuring David Hickman

About the Guest:

Originally from Brookings, South Dakota, Del Lyren has presented lectures and recitals throughout the world, including recitals at the Euro-ITG conferences in Bad Sackingen, Germany, Kiev, Ukraine, and a month-long residency in China. Other guest artist appearances have taken him to England, Scotland, Sweden, Canada, and Mexico.

Lyren co-hosted the 2011 conference of the International Trumpet Guild held in Minneapolis and attended by over 1400 trumpet players from throughout the world. In addition to numerous clinics throughout the region, Lyren has appeared on Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor. Additionally, Lyren serves as the Assistant Festival Director for the JENerations Jazz Festival at the Jazz Education Network Conference each January.

Students of Dr. Lyren have achieved success in nearly every arena of the music world. With acceptance to nearly every major graduate program in the United States, many have completed doctoral degrees and teach at the university level. His former students have performed with major popular artists such as Adele, The Temptations, and Boyz II Men.

Others have performed numerous times for the President of the United States and played taps at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier while serving in the top military bands in Washington, D.C. Dr. Lyren’s students continue to perform in full-time orchestras in the United States and Canada, Broadway shows, and top big bands such as the One O’Clock Band from University of North Texas.

Lyren received his Bachelor of Arts degree from South Dakota State University where he studied with John Colson. After receiving his Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees from Arizona State University, where he studied with Anthony Plog and David Hickman, his book Magnificent Mendez (a biography of Rafael Mendez) was published by Summit Records.

Lyren is a Yamaha Performing Artist.

Thank you for joining us on "Trumpet Dynamics" – telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

For more captivating episodes and exclusive content, visit our official website at trumpetdynamics.com. There you can dive deeper into the interviews, discover additional resources, and connect with your fellow trumpeters.

Also be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and even leave a rating and review. It really helps with the visibility of the show.

Until we meet again, may your fingers be fluid, your breath unimpeded, and your chops ever fresh.

Play hard!

Many thanks to the great Alexis Baro (listen to his interview on the podcast here) for allowing the use of "Come Together" from his outstanding album Sandstorm for the intro and closing music for the podcast.

Discover Alexis' incredible playing and his terrific contributions to the music world at alexisbaro.com

Welcome to a brand new feature of the podcast, Trumpet Icons!

From jazz virtuosos to classical maestros, explore a curated collection of iconic trumpet players who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

To suggest a trumpeter that should be included in this series, or if you believe information shared about a previous player needs to be corrected, simply visit https://trumpetdynamics.com/icons.

All suggestions and/or corrections will be read and adjusted as necessary!

Welcome to a brand new feature of the podcast, Trumpet Icons!

From jazz virtuosos to classical maestros, explore a curated collection of iconic trumpet players who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

To suggest a trumpeter that should be included in this series, or if you believe information shared about a previous player needs to be corrected, simply visit https://trumpetdynamics.com/icons.

All suggestions and/or corrections will be read and adjusted as necessary!

Welcome to a brand new feature of the podcast, Trumpet Icons!

From jazz virtuosos to classical maestros, explore a curated collection of iconic trumpet players who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

To suggest a trumpeter that should be included in this series, or if you believe information shared about a previous player needs to be corrected, simply visit https://trumpetdynamics.com/icons.

All suggestions and/or corrections will be read and adjusted as necessary!

Welcome to a brand new feature of the podcast, Trumpet Icons!

From jazz virtuosos to classical maestros, explore a curated collection of iconic trumpet players who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

To suggest a trumpeter that should be included in this series, or if you believe information shared about a previous player needs to be corrected, simply visit https://trumpetdynamics.com/icons.

All suggestions and/or corrections will be read and adjusted as necessary!

Welcome to a brand new feature of the podcast, Trumpet Icons!

From jazz virtuosos to classical maestros, explore a curated collection of iconic trumpet players who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

To suggest a trumpeter that should be included in this series, or if you believe information shared about a previous player needs to be corrected, simply visit https://trumpetdynamics.com/icons.

All suggestions and/or corrections will be read and adjusted as necessary!

Welcome to a brand new feature of the podcast, Trumpet Icons!

From jazz virtuosos to classical maestros, explore a curated collection of iconic trumpet players who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

To suggest a trumpeter that should be included in this series, or if you believe information shared about a previous player needs to be corrected, simply visit https://trumpetdynamics.com/icons.

All suggestions and/or corrections will be read and adjusted as necessary!

Welcome to a brand new feature of the podcast, Trumpet Icons!

From jazz virtuosos to classical maestros, explore a curated collection of iconic trumpet players who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

To suggest a trumpeter that should be included in this series, or if you believe information shared about a previous player needs to be corrected, simply visit https://trumpetdynamics.com/icons.

All suggestions and/or corrections will be read and adjusted as necessary!

Welcome to a brand new feature of the podcast, Trumpet Icons!

From jazz virtuosos to classical maestros, explore a curated collection of iconic trumpet players who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

To suggest a trumpeter that should be included in this series, or if you believe information shared about a previous player needs to be corrected, simply visit https://trumpetdynamics.com/icons.

All suggestions and/or corrections will be read and adjusted as necessary!

Welcome to a brand new feature of the podcast, Trumpet Icons!

From jazz virtuosos to classical maestros, explore a curated collection of iconic trumpet players who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

To suggest a trumpeter that should be included in this series, or if you believe information shared about a previous player needs to be corrected, simply visit https://trumpetdynamics.com/icons.

All suggestions and/or corrections will be read and adjusted as necessary!

Welcome to a brand new feature of the podcast, Trumpet Icons!

From jazz virtuosos to classical maestros, explore a curated collection of iconic trumpet players who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

To suggest a trumpeter that should be included in this series, or if you believe information shared about a previous player needs to be corrected, simply visit https://trumpetdynamics.com/icons.

All suggestions and/or corrections will be read and adjusted as necessary!

Welcome to a brand new feature of the podcast, Trumpet Icons!

From jazz virtuosos to classical maestros, explore a curated collection of iconic trumpet players who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

To suggest a trumpeter that should be included in this series, or if you believe information shared about a previous player needs to be corrected, simply visit https://trumpetdynamics.com/icons.

All suggestions and/or corrections will be read and adjusted as necessary!

Welcome to a brand new feature of the podcast, Trumpet Icons!

From jazz virtuosos to classical maestros, explore a curated collection of iconic trumpet players who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

To suggest a trumpeter that should be included in this series, or if you believe information shared about a previous player needs to be corrected, simply visit https://trumpetdynamics.com/icons.

All suggestions and/or corrections will be read and adjusted as necessary!

Welcome to a brand new feature of the podcast, Trumpet Icons!

From jazz virtuosos to classical maestros, explore a curated collection of iconic trumpet players who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

To suggest a trumpeter that should be included in this series, or if you believe information shared about a previous player needs to be corrected, simply visit https://trumpetdynamics.com/icons.

All suggestions and/or corrections will be read and adjusted as necessary!

Welcome to a brand new feature of the podcast, Trumpet Icons!

From jazz virtuosos to classical maestros, explore a curated collection of iconic trumpet players who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

To suggest a trumpeter that should be included in this series, or if you believe information shared about a previous player needs to be corrected, simply visit https://trumpetdynamics.com/icons.

All suggestions and/or corrections will be read and adjusted as necessary!

Welcome to a brand new feature of the podcast, Trumpet Icons!

From jazz virtuosos to classical maestros, explore a curated collection of iconic trumpet players who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

To suggest a trumpeter that should be included in this series, or if you believe information shared about a previous player needs to be corrected, simply visit https://trumpetdynamics.com/icons.

All suggestions and/or corrections will be read and adjusted as necessary!

Welcome to a brand new feature of the podcast, Trumpet Icons!

From jazz virtuosos to classical maestros, explore a curated collection of iconic trumpet players who have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

To suggest a trumpeter that should be included in this series, or if you believe information shared about a previous player needs to be corrected, simply visit https://trumpetdynamics.com/icons.

All suggestions and/or corrections will be read and adjusted as necessary!

Today's episode with Amy Jackson was originally intended to be a bit of a biographical tribute to her late husband, Wayne Jackson, a prolific musician based in Memphis, TN. While we did mention Wayne very briefly, we ended up talking more about Amy's purpose-driven business of helping musicians recover long-lost legacy funds that are just waiting to be collected.

Don't worry, we'll have Amy back on the show soon to talk in more detail about Wayne and his career, but this short episode is a perfect way to get the podcast back up and running here in the summer months and beyond.

And who knows, there just might be some cash sitting around waiting for its owner to claim it!

Highlights from today's episode with Amy Jackson:

-Amy describes her business helping legacy music makers recover lost funds...01:00

-New use money defined...04:30

-Amy's biggest success story in recovering lost funds...08:00

-How to get the ball rolling in recovering money that may be owed you...09:30

-A few highlights from Wayne Jackson's discography...15:00

-How the distribution of legacy funds works...17:00

-Making those unaware of the rules aware of what is rightfully theirs...18:30

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Amy Jackson Consulting

Wayne Jackson's legacy website

AFM SAG AFTRA Fund

Film Musicians Secondary Market Fund

Sound Recording Special Payments Fund

trumpetdynamics.com/hengst2

I first featured Michael Hengst in 2021, a time in which no one had anything better to do than podcasts ;)

Well, here we are in 2023, we're all thankfully busy once again, and I was grateful to hear from Mike and work out another interview to talk about what's been up in his world in the intervening time!

We talked about his new method book, a recent trip to Bulgaria, his "dream gig" and much more. Enjoy!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-The genus and founding origins of Michael's new method book...02:30

-"The book was borne of laziness"...08:30

-Recounting an amazing teaching experience in Bulgaria...15:00

-Why the Gregson Concerto is special for Mr. Hengst...19:00

-The importance of feeling "connected" to a piece of music in order for a successful performance...22:30

-Mike's priorities in selecting rep for a performance...25:00

-What's up next for Michael in the next 3-5 years...30:05

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Trumpet Dynamics 2021 episode with Michael Hengst

Odd Meter Exercises for Trumpet by Michael Hengst

Chuck Copenace is our featured guest on today's episode.

In this episode, Chuck will share some of his experiences - some not all that pleasant by the way - growing up as an indigenous person in Ontario.

Music was the one thing that Chuck was good at, and it's probably what has allowed him to amount to anything of significance.

Today Chuck is just a few days away from releasing a brand new album titled Oshki Manitou, a blend of modern tech with ancient sweat lodge melodies, and featuring all indigenous musicians.

What a great thing!

That's the host's synopsis of this episode anyway.

To get the full story, you should listen to the man himself!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-Chuck’s trumpet origin story…01:30

-Trumpet becomes more than a passing hobby…08:49

-“That’s pretty good for an Indian”…11:25

-Confronting “reverse racism” within the heart…19:30

-How music “validated” Chuck, ie made him a person of value irregardless of the color of the skin…21:45

-Attending university, in spite of magnificent efforts to sabotage the effort…25:30

-The Great Lightbulb of Self-Awareness turns on as music takes a more prominent role…30:30

-How reconnecting with ethnic roots cultivated a unique blend of music…36:30

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Chuck's website

About the guest:

‘Oshki Manitou’ finds the Winnipeg-based, Ojibway musician expanding dramatically on his previous work as a trumpet player, arranger, and composer, fusing contemporary interpretations of sweat-lodge melodies with jazz and elements of dance and electronica.

Copenace’s distinctive voice and approach allow him to unify a wide range of styles beautifully in a way that’s honest and innovative in equal measure. “I shy away from traditionalists,” he explains. “When someone says, ‘this isn’t how music should be done’ or ‘if you’re playing this genre of music, this shouldn’t be there.’ That’s always bothered me.”

The result is a collection of eminently groovy, haunting, and, at times, ethereal songs that display Chuck Copenace’s signature voice and substantial skills as an interpreter, composer, and performer as never before. But that’s only part of the equation, he says, citing a larger purpose behind his efforts, for which ‘Oshki Manitou’ is just a starting point. “I’m committed to sharing my story to help heal and offer support to people, and I want to introduce young people to jazz, but I also want to bring indigenous musicians together. And I think my music can be a platform to further that mission.”

Phil Snedecor is the author of Making Rain and Other Adventures on the Trumpet,a highly personable and oftentimes entertaining glimpse into the career of a musician who's "done it right". Of course, there have been some pitfalls and mistakes along the way, and Phil doesn't pull any punches about those. But at the end of the day, the short book delivers a ton of value and sage advice for anyone who is looking to "make rain", be it as a musician or in any field.

I've featured Phil several times on my Trumpet Dynamics podcast, and now I'm thrilled to be able to share this brand new interview with you!

In this interview with Phil Snedecor, you'll discover:

-What is a "rainmaker" pertaining to musicians?...03:35

-How Phil cut his teeth as a rainmaker by founding the Washington Symphonic Brass...06:10

-You won't have a great connection with your audience unless you have a connection among the personnel...11:00

-Phil explains the mantra, "The only gig you own, is the gig you own"...16:20

-"Mental choreography" and tips on succeeding in high-stress performance situations...21:10

-Finish what you start, even when everyone around you thinks you're nuts to do so!...25:30

-And much more!

About the guest:

Phil Snedecor attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he received the prestigious Performers Certificate and was a member of the premiere brass quintet, the Canterbury Brass. While earning his degrees in trumpet performance and literature, he also studied arranging and composition with Professor Rayburn Wright, formerly arranger for Radio City Music Hall. Mr. Snedecor is a former member of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and has held one-year positions with the National Symphony, the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra and the Baltimore Opera. Mr. Snedecor has performed and toured throughout the United States, Europe and Asia, and has appeared as guest principal trumpet with the St. Petersburg (Russia) “Tschaikowski” Orchestra, joining them on their 2012 US Tour. Recently Mr. Snedecor has been in demand as a guest principal with the Pittsburgh Ballet Orchestra and the Louisville Orchestra, and as guest trumpeter for the Boston Pops and Boston Symphony, both at Symphony Hall in Boston and at Tanglewood in Lenox, MA.

As a show player, he has performed in the touring productions of Guys & Dolls, Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, Evita and West Side Story. He has recorded under the RCA, CBS, Gothic, Koss, and Summit labels. Phil’s solo CDs, The Lyrical Trumpet I and II are also available on the Summit Label.

In 1993 Mr. Snedecor and National Symphony Principal Trombonist Milton Stevens co- founded The Washington Symphonic Brass, a 17-piece professional brass ensemble. They perform regularly for the Washington National Cathedral, St. Matthew’s Cathedral, the Basilica at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and with the Washington Choral Arts Society at the Kennedy Center. They were the official instrumental ensemble for the Papals visit of 2008 and 2015 in Washington DC and are heard regularly in their own concert series in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Their critically acclaimed CDs are available on the Summit and Warner Classics labels. Phil’s innovative programming and arranging for the WSB has led to several guest conductor appearances, including the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, the River City Brass Band (Pittsburgh) and the Breckenridge (CO) Brass.

In 2012, Mr. Snedecor founded the DC Pops Orchestra, a 30-piece ensemble featuring some of the best Jazz and crossover artists in the region. This group has provided music for the elite of Washington in prestigious venues such at the National Building Museum and Mellon Auditorium.

Mr. Snedecor is the Associate Professor of Trumpet at the Hartt School of Music (University of Hartford) in Hartford Connecticut, and a former faculty member at George Mason University, The Peabody Institute (Johns Hopkins University) and Towson University. Phil is well known by trumpetsers and tuba players alike for has series of brass etude books that are required repertoire at many colleges and conservatories. His arrangements and compositions have been performed throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia. Please visit his websites (www.wsbrass.com,www.philsnedecor.com and www.pasmusic.com) for more information.

Toronto-based trumpeter Alexis Baro joins us in this installment of the podcast. In our discussion, we discuss the move from Havana, Cuba to Toronto, how a teacher saved his career before it even began, what it's like to play a trumpet that bears your name, and much more!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-The music scene in Havana vs. Toronto...01:30

-The biggest difference between the jazz and classical mindset...08:01

-How our realities (for better or worse) inform our musical tastes and creative impulses...11:00

-How a teacher in Cuba saved Alexis' trumpet career before it even began...15:00

-Handling the pressure of the "do or die" situation as a student vs. as a professional...21:50

-The process of getting established as a pro musician in Toronto...25:50

-Alexis describes his customized equipment made by Carol Brass...28:55

-How much of our success as a player is in our mind, vs. the equipment?...35:30

-What Alexis would share with his 19 year old self...40:05

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Alexis Baro's website

Carol Brass

About the guest:

Alexis Baro was born into a musical family in Havana, Cuba. Classically trained, he took up the trumpet at the age of age 8 and completed his musical education receiving a teaching certification at the prestigious Amadeo Roldán Music Conservatory in Havana.

While in school he became a member of the Buena Vista Social Club super star Omara Portuondo's band, and later at the age of 19 played lead trumpet for the National Radio and Television Orchestra.After moving to Toronto, Canada in 2001, he was discovered by iconic Canadian jazz drummer Archie Alleyne where he florished as a writer and performer for eight years as a member of the Canadian award winning 'hard-bop" band Kollage. As a band member he was nominated for “Best Jazz Trumpeter” by the Canadian National Jazz Awards in the years 2006, 2007, and 2008. Baro has participated in more than 80 albums and can be heard as a feature solist on some of the most transcendent Latin albums made in Canada such as Hilario Duran’s Grammy Award nominated album “From The Heart”.

He has performed with such artists as Nikky Yanofsky, David Foster, Michael Bubble, Paul Anka, Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, Paquito d' Rivera, Jimmy Bosch, Miguel Zenon, Hilario Duran, Robi Botos, Jesus Alemaney & Cubanismo, David Virelles, Andrea Boccelli, Gino Vanelli, Esthero, David Rudder, Juan de Marco & The Afro-Cuban All Stars, and Horacio "el negro" Hernandez.

Highlights in his solo career include opening for Herbie Hancock, and tours of South America and the West Indies. He’s released six albums as a solo artist “Havana Banana”, “From the Other Side”, “Blue Skin”, the Gold Medal “Global Music Award winner in the jazz category “Guilty Pleasure” , "Sugar Rush" and "Sandstorm". his Juno Awards Nominated 2018 release.

*Opening theme music: "Come Together" recorded by Alexis Baro

Closing theme music: "Sonata in A Major" recorded by Joe Burgstaller

Tony Prisk is in his eleventh season playing second trumpet with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Prior to taking the job in Philly, Tony played second trumpet with the Houston Symphony.

See a pattern developing? It's not an accident, and it's not because Tony doesn't have what it takes to be "the man".

In this episode, we discuss the value of specializing in a niche, such as playing second trumpet in a major symphony, (and why some people feel like they're "settling" for their position in the Philadelphia Orchestra), an exhortation on Charlier's Etude #2, why our ego often gets in the way of finding our purpose as musicians and as human beings, and much more.

Here's a bit of what you'll hear in this episode:

-Tony describes life in a top 5 orchestra...01:15

-Putting the ego aside, and embracing the role you've been given...06:20

-Tony's personal trumpet journey...08:15

-How you "tell a story" with written music notes on a page...16:30

-Is self-expression or "blending" the ideal in an orchestra?...23:50

-The value of specializing in a role such as second trumpet in an orchestra...33:45

-The advice Tony Prisk would tell his younger self...41:15

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

About the Guest:

Anthony Prisk joined The Philadelphia Orchestra as second trumpet in August 2013. He came from the Houston Symphony, where he was second trumpet for 11 seasons, and the New World Symphony, where he was a trumpet fellow for four seasons. In the past 20 years he has played internationally with several orchestras and music festivals, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Grant Park Festival Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony, the Boston Symphony, the Moscow Philharmonic, and many others. He has participated in several music festivals, including Classical Tahoe, the Cabrillo Music Festival, the Spoleto Festival USA, the Tanglewood Music Center, the Pacific Music Festival, the Music Academy of the West, and the Aspen Music Festival. 

Mr. Prisk won two international trumpet competitions through the International Trumpet Guild and Second Prize in the National Trumpet Competition. He was a soloist with the New World Symphony, the Temple Wind Symphony, the Texas Medical Center Orchestra, and several youth orchestras. He can be heard on numerous recordings with The Philadelphia Orchestra, the Houston Symphony, the New World Symphony, the Spoleto Festival Orchestra, and the McGill Symphony. 

Teaching is a passion for Mr. Prisk. He is currently on the faculty at Temple University and the Peabody Institute in Baltimore. He can also be found teaching at summer music festivals including the Philadelphia International Music Festival, the Luzerne Music Center, and the Monteux School and Music Festival. He is also involved with the All City program sponsored by The Philadelphia Orchestra.

Mr. Prisk received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, where he studied with Ray Sasaki and Michael Ewald, and his master’s degree from McGill University, where he studied with Paul Merkelo. His other main influences were John Hagstrom, Michael Sachs, and David Bilger. Mr. Prisk is originally from Lombard, IL, in the suburbs of Chicago and currently resides in South Philadelphia. 

"Half of trumpet playing is 92% mental."

That Berra-esque butchering of a common refrain of trumpeters is brought to you by Ken Larson's Brasswerks, and today we're honored to feature the one and only Ken Larson on the podcast.

This interview was a long time in the planning as it took quite a bit of time for our schedule's to align (see what I did there?), but we finally made it work and my goodness, it didn't disappoint!

Ken is one of a kind, and as you'll hear in this interview, a trove of knowledge regarding the physics and physicality of playing, and a very practical, no-nonsense approach to whether or not one should pursue the profession of music-making.

I enjoyed this one, and know you will too. (As a gentle reminder, true listeners listen to the podcast at 1x speed, just saying ;)

What you'll hear in this episode:

-Using orchestral auditions to test out new horns lol...03:15

-Success as a musician is 92% mental...05:30

-Ken shares his founding origins as a trumpeter....09:05

-Learning to play efficiently after a major car accident...16:30

-We all have the ingredients; it's up to you to make it happen!...20:30

-How Ken cut his teeth in modifying horns, and working for Bob Malone...23:10

-Why your horn will break into you, not the other way around...27:15

-How the energy of one player is "captured" in the metal of a particular instrument....31:00

-How Ken defines himself as a trumpet player and builder...37:15

-How to tell a client what they need vs. what they think they want...39:30

-How your physiology, fitness, state of mind, even the time of the month can affect your music-making...42:30

-How Ken simplifies things for his trumpet students...48:40

-Music a means of preserving community...52:30

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Ken Larson's Brasswerks

Caruso's "Magic Notes"

The horn is 1%; the mouthpiece is 9%; and the rest of the 90% is in your head, says our guest on today's episode.

High note specialist Lynn Nicholson joins us on the show to discuss how Maynard Ferguson was able to did what he did physically, the Human Element of live music (that has been lost to some degree in the modern era), the search for the perfect mouthpiece and much more!

What you'll hear in this episode with Lynn:

-Trying to figure out how Zen Master Maynard Ferguson did what he did...03:11

-How Lynn got his start on trumpet and diving headlong into the professional scene...10:44

-Making it with Bill Chase's band and beyond...19:30

-Do you really need to be a "well-rounded" player?...22:00

-What is the proper balance between getting the right equipment and knowing what we want to sound like in our head?...27:00

-Stepping away from full-time music and getting back into it to a limited extent...32:10

-The difference between being irreverent and flippantwhile spoofing "legit" music...37:30

-Advice from a grizzled veteran to the youngins looking to make their mark in the musical world...41:45

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

mfprotocol.trumpetdynamics.com

Three More Foxes YouTube Lynn mentions

I had the privilege of interviewing the great Bob Reeves during the ITG conference in Anaheim in 2016. Bob has been around since rocks were still soft and knows everyone and everything about trumpet, particularly in the Los Angeles area.

Bob also had the foresight and extraordinary wisdom to use the podcasting medium as a means of adding value to the trumpet community, and promote the Bob Reeves brand with the hugely popular The Other Side of the Bell podcast. (BTW, if you're thinking of getting into podcasting, then check out what I have to offer at whataboutapodcast.com.)

There's also an interesting tie-in between the Reeves podcast and this one, which I share in the opening moments of this episode.

Enjoy!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-How Bob initially got involved with trumpet playing in his late 20's...05:00

-Tough love while learning the craft of trumpet playing...10:00

-How a kidney stone led Bob to manufacturing rather than playing trumpets...12:00

-Transitioning to owning a business vs. working for The Man...16:00

-Essential elements of a proper valve alignment...19:30

-What skills are developed by listening to vs. playing trumpet...24:00

-How important is a mouthpiece to making real music?...27:00

-The process of making a custom mouthpiece for a specific player...29:00

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

trumpetpodcast.com

"I like the two people on my left and my right...what else is there to life?" Says my guest on today's episode, Scott Moore.

Although he has firmly ensconced himself in the lore of greatness with the horse whinny in Sleigh Ride, Mr. Moore, long time principal trumpet with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, has been in the trenches long enough to know that the grass aint always greener with the "elite" orchestras of America. Indeed, happiness as a musician is oftentimes found in the overlooked parts of the world, away from the busyness of fame and prestige.

In this interview, Scott takes us through his journey as a trumpeter, from the small towns of Mississippi, to the New England Conservatory (where he found true mentorship in unlikely places) to his position in Memphis and beyond.

Here's what you'll hear in this episode:

-How a challenge from a peer in school was motivation to perfect the horse whinny...02:00

-Scott's founding origins on trumpet...06:15

-A "dirty jobs" type opportunity leads to invaluable on the job orchestral training...12:30

-What's wrong with the typical audition process for orchestras?...19:45

-What to do when the conductor says "You're too loud!"...23:00

-Forays into competitive trumpeting...25:45

-Scott's real mentors at the New England Conservatory...31:35

-What Scott would tell his twenty something year old self...33:30

-Scott's "dream gig" described...35:15

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Memphis Symphony Orchestra

Scott's horse whinny tutorial on YouTube

About the guest:

Scott Moore is Principal Trumpet in the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the leader of the MSO Big Band. He has also performed with the Chicago Symphony, the St. Louis Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony, the National Symphony, and as guest principal with the symphony orchestras of Atlanta, Toronto, and Jacksonville. He has recorded and performed with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, and with I Fiamminghi, the Orchestra of Flanders. Mr. Moore is also the Assistant Principal Trumpet in the Arizona MusicFest Orchestra.

As a soloist, Mr. Moore has appeared with the San Antonio Symphony, the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, the Tennessee Summer Symphony, the Chattanooga Symphony, and on numerous occasions with the Memphis Symphony. He has also been a featured Guest Artist at the International Trumpet Guild Conference. 

Scott Moore has a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from McNeese State University. His teachers have included Charles Schlueter, Robert Nagel, Arnold Jacobs, and Michael Ewald.

Going back to the archives for you, this time featuring an interview with the great Rex Richardson!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-How childhood asthma caused Rex to "stumble" into playing trumpet...03:45

-The #1 influence in Rex's development as a trumpeter...09:40

-How playing in the extreme high register at a young age affected Rex's playing on a physiological level...14:30

-A degree in anthropology is about as useful as a degree in music performance...18:00

-Previous non-musical experiences suddenly become relevant when you find your groove...21:00

-The importance of cultivating a niche in your success as a performer (who gets paid)...33:00

-How you know when you've done your job as a musician...38:40

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Trumpet Dynamics episode w/ Denny Edelbrock, Rex's first teacher

Trumpet Dynamics episode w/ Brad Goode

Are you a True Listener?

Visit trumpetdynamics.com to learn how you can be notified each time a new episode is published. And if you really like what you hear on this podcast, the best way to support me and the show is to subscribe to my daily email newsletter where I share what I learn and observe in an “infotaining” way. Many folks have told me they enjoy the emails, and I think you will too!

Welcome to the show! Today we return to the podcast archives and feature the great Vince Dimartino.

What you'll hear in this episode:

-James recounts an unfortunate experience podcast interview, and have something positive came of it.…01:30

-What keeps Vince Dimartino motivated to get better on trumpet?…17:30

-Why the trumpet is not musical; the instrument is in our head…21:14

-Why Vince believes reading music notes inhibits great trumpet playing…26:00

-Vince recounts his time playing with Clark Terry…29:15

-Founding origins of the Great American Brass Band Festival…34:40

-Favorite memories as a brass band organizer and longtime educator… 43:52

-And much more!

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Are you a True Listener?

Visit trumpetdynamics.com to learn how you can be notified each time a new episode is published. And if you really like what you hear on this podcast, the best way to support me and the show is to subscribe to my daily email newsletter where I share what I learn and observe in an “infotaining” way. Many folks have told me they enjoy the emails, and I think you will too!

Today we hear from the late, great Bernard Adelstein, former principal trumpet with the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. Recorded in 2016, this is one of the highlights of my first days producing the podcast. I'm sure you'll love it, and glean much from it!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-"One of the marvels of the world..."...01:15

-Welcome to the show...04:45

-How Mr. Adelstein got started on trumpet...08:50

-Inspiration to make trumpet a career...11:50

-First gig with the Pittsburgh Symphony at age 16...14:10

-What made Fritz Reiner so special?...19:10

-From "mating season for moose" to "the Rolls Royce of Orchestras"...27:00

-Life in the Cleveland Orchestra in the 1960's thru 80's...32:35

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

The...shofar shall sound?

It wasn't the cylindrical thing of beauty we call a trumpet today that the great apostle was speaking of in his famous line to the church in Corinth.

It was most likely a shofar, a horn made from the horn of a ram, or a goat, or an antelope, or a kudu. Really anything but a bull, because of a notorious incident involving a golden calf.

Today I replay an interview I played on the podcast during the early days of the show in 2016 featuring the author of a quite authoritative book on the shofar (see link below). Seeing how the date of publishing this episode is the first day of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, it seemed apropos!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-Great poetry from Rumi...00:45

-Intro to the episode...01:15

-The three shofar calls...05:55

-When did the shofar first mentioned in the Bible?...06:15

-Who blew the first trumpet mentioned in Exodus ch. 19?...09:10

-About those trumpets sounding at the walls of Jericho and with Gideon's small army chasing off the Midianites...11:15

-The use of the shofar in daily Jewish life in old testament days...15:12

-The story behind the three major shofar calls: tekiah, shevarim, teruah...18:03

-Why are cow horns never used as shofars?...19:55

-The onlybook to read on the shofar, written by our guest (see link below)...22:05

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

trumpetdynamics.live/shofarbook

trumpetdynamics.live/montagu

Opening with one of my favorite poems of all time, The Cremation of Sam McGee,this episode is devoted to the relentless pursuit of excellence, even when especially when the going gets tough.

This is a replay from 2016 of my interview with R. Dale Olson, biographer of the late, great Zig Kanstul, founder of the Kanstul musical instrument company. (Kanstul has since been bought out by Michael Corrigan's company, The Horn Doctors, listen to my chat with Michael on the podcast here.)

What you'll hear in this episode:

-The Cremation of Sam McGee, recited by James Newcomb...00:07

-2016 interview with R. Dale Olson, in remembrance of Zig Kanstul...10:12

Resources mentioned:

Zig Kanstul: Last of the Great Masters, by R. Dale Olson

Trumpet Dynamics interview with Michael Corrigan of The Horn Doctors

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray." --Rumi

Beth Peroutka had a seemingly unlimited future in front of her. Blessed with a musical upbringing, and an indomitable desire to succeed in whatever she did, she appeared to be on an unstoppable course to her dream gig with the "Pershing's Own" military band in Washington, D.C.

Of course, everyone feels unstoppable when they're young...

Beth played trumpet - a lot. Through high school, undergrad at the University of North Texas, graduate studies at Baylor University, and in her doctoral studies again at North Texas.

It's what she did.

And if you asked her, she probably would have told you it's who she was.

The pain in the lip began during the first year of doctoral studies. It would come and go intermittently, then gradually with more frequency and intensity in pain. Then one day during a symphony rehearsal, the pain seared through her face, going as far as underneath her eye. Her lip was the size of a golf ball; the bruising was extensive.

Beth's days as a trumpet player were effectively over.

Anyone in that situation would ask themselves, "What could I have done differently?"

Obviously not play so much. Maybe not play while teaching lessons; maybe pass on a few gig opportunities so you can get proper rest.

It's easy to be critical in hindsight, or from the sidelines.

What's not easy is to move on when everything you've done, everything that makes up your identity is no longer there.

Perhaps it was a quest to learn the precise physical issue behind her injury (to this day, its cause is unknown).

Perhaps it was a means of finding closure, of seeking a life full of the joy and fulfillment she once knew as a musician.

Whatever the case, Beth began a journey into the realm of nutrition, fitness and biochemistry. She eventually became a certified personal trainer, working out of her garage, helping her clients discover balance in their bodies, and in turn their lives.

Beth no longer mourns the abrupt end to her musical career. She's realized that whether she's playing a trumpet, or helping someone relieve pain in their lower back, she's on a big stage.

The reward for performing on this stage is not the praise and adulation of paying patrons, nor from positive client testimonials.

It's being in sync with her Creator in body, mind and spirit, living her life in a way that He gives the thumbs up and says, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

In this conversation with Beth Peroutka, you'll hear:

-Beth's start on the trumpet...05:20

-Passionate, highly motivated and dedicated musician...09:00

-How the injury manifested itself to the point Beth could no longer play...14:00

-Coming to terms with the new reality...19:30

-Realizing what brings true fulfillment as a professional...26:45

-Practical fitness tips for musicians...29:35

-What makes a successful life?...38:30

And much more...

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Caldwell Esselstyn

549 Health and Wellness - Beth's personal training website

Are you a True Listener?

Visit trumpetdynamics.com to learn how you can be notified each time a new episode is published. And if you really like what you hear on this podcast, the best way to support me and the show is to subscribe to my daily email newsletter where I share what I learn and observe in an “infotaining” way. Many folks have told me they enjoy the emails, and I think you will too!

In this episode, Javian goes in-depth regarding some of the challenges he's faced on the mental side of the horn, and why a change of scenery was exactly what the doctor ordered when it came to successful music making!

In this conversation with Javian Brabham, you'll discover:

-The arts scene in southern Georgia, northern Florida Panhandle area...02:30

-Javian's trumpet backstory...04:30

-Viewing ourselves as athletes in making changes to our playing setup, physically and equipment wise...17:50

-Injuries to musicians are not talked about enough...23:20

-Getting out of a dark place emotionally, physically and spiritually...32:44

-Shifting perspectives re: the trumpet's role in our lives as we age...40:05

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

About the guest:

Dr. Javian Brabham serves as Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Valdosta State University and principal trumpet of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra. He holds a Doctor of Music from Florida State University in Trumpet Performance, with a certification in college teaching. He completed a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from the University of New Mexico and a Bachelor of Music Education from Florida State University. He has taught on the faculty at Young Harris College as the Assistant Director of Bands, the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Summer Music Academy.

While visiting family in Columbia, SC recently, I was able to connect with James Ackley, trumpet professor at the U. of South Carolina, and a highly sought-after player in the local region. It's always a treat to do an interview in-person, rare as they are, and this one didn't disappoint. I know you'll enjoy hearing what James has to share related to trumpet, life, and how the two often intersect!

Here's what you'll hear in this episode:

-James Ackley's plans for retiring from trumpet?...01:23

-There are scary players out there you'll never hear of...06:23 (that's part of why this podcast exists, fyi)

-Founding origins on the trumpet...09:35

-Shortcomings in commonly accepted education methods...16:23

-Why a major conservatory took a chance on a green James Ackley with just over 2 years of playing experience...23:30

-Why returning to the United States wasn't necessarily essential to raise happy children...31:07

-Non-musician wife bears the burden of life with a pro trumpeter...38:42

-The music scene in Columbia, SC...41:25

-Rapid fire questions pertaining to peak musical performance...45:08

-The virtue of putting out an album that won't go platinum with sales...56:00

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

-Within the Sphere of the Master by Tim Kent, narrated by James Newcomb

Raleigh, NC based trumpeter and band leader Steve Baker returns to the show to talk about the ongoing recovery from the Coronapocalypse that musicians are dealing with. We also go in-depth on his beginnings on trumpet, how he got involved with the business side of music, along with tips on how not to go the entrepreneurial route. Toward the end is a quite contrarian topic to the show, but one on which Steve is a subject matter expert so I decided it's worth getting his thoughts on it while I had him on the line.

You won't regret pressing play on this episode!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-What the music business looks like in the post-covid aftermath...05:55

-Face mask compliance affected by tribal identity...13:00

-Money scarcity affects how many musicians are employed...16:25

-Steve's founding origins as a trumpeter and entrepreneur...19:00

-Working with the underground resistance in the Soviet Union...27:34

-Guilt dreams lead to picking up the trumpet again at age 39, after a ten-year layoff...31:23

-How you come to "own" a band...34:20

-The biggest mistake musicians make when they take the entrepreneurial leap...40:20

-Finding motivation to persevere when the money runs out...45:41

-Chasing the storm, and pursuing your passion to find success as a musicpreneur...52:41

-A first-hand account of the January 6 event at the U.S. Capitol building you won't hear on Fox News...58:46

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

-Living Sound - the band Steve played in right after high school

-Pakhmutova trumpet concerto, performed by Timofei Dokschitzer (great listen!)

-Paid the Cost to Be the Boss, James Brown song

-thepragmaticconstitutionalist.locals.com

Are you a True Listener?

Visit trumpetdynamics.com to learn how you can be notified each time a new episode is published. And if you really like what you hear on this podcast, the best way to support me and the show is to subscribe to my daily email newsletter where I share what I learn and observe in an “infotaining” way. Many folks have told me they enjoy the emails, and I think you will too!

I was going to wait a couple of weeks to publish this episode with Phil Snedecor, but I thought I just played his episode from five years ago last week on the feed, why not just put it up this week?

So here we go. In this episode, we dove deep into a lot of really interesting topics, including a continuation on what it means to be nervous versus confident, and how the two intersect in an ideal world. We also talked about how to teach students how to teach themselves to be the best player that they can be, how to know when is enough air to say what we want to communicate with our horn, how to make the difficult things effortless, and much more.

We were also treated to my wife Sana being on the call with Phil and myself, and she asked some very poignant questions as well. So enjoy it!

In this conversation with Phil Snedecor, you will hear:

-Phil gets us up to speed on his whereabouts trumpet wise...

-What does it mean when we get nervous?...

-When to teach, and when to teach how to teach...

-Arnold Jacobs and "singing air"...

-More vibration, not more air...

-How to make the difficult things easy...

-What personalities are naturally attracted to trumpet?...

-What it was like to record the Carnaval album with Wynton Marsalis...

-And much more!

Resources mentioned:Video: "Gone but Not Forgotten"

New releases on PAS Press

Phil's YouTube playlist

Here are the pics Phil mentioned of the recording session w/ Wynton:

Attachments-Snedecor links

About the guest:

Phil Snedecor is Associate Professor of Trumpet at the Hartt School (of the University of Hartford) in Hartford, CT, and a former faculty member at The Peabody Conservatory, George Mason University and at Towson University. He has written a series of brass etude books that are required repertoire at many colleges and conservatories. His arrangements and compositions have been performed throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Phil attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he received the prestigious Performers Certificate and was a member of the premiere brass quintet, the Canterbury Brass. While earning his degrees in trumpet performance and literature, he also studied arranging and composition with Professor Rayburn Wright, formerly arranger for Radio City Music Hall. Mr. Snedecor is a former member of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and has held one-year positions with the National Symphony, the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra and the Baltimore Opera. He is Principal Trumpet in the Harrisburg (PA) Symphony Orchestra and former Co-Principal Trumpet in the Concert Artists of Baltimore. Mr. Snedecor has performed and toured throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.

In 1993 Mr. Snedecor and National Symphony Principal Trombonist Milton Stevens co-founded The Washington Symphonic Brass, a 17-piece professional brass ensemble. They perform regularly for the Washington National Cathedral, St. Matthew’s Cathedral, the Basilica at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and with the Washington Choral Arts Society at the Kennedy Center. They were the official instrumental ensemble for the Papal visit of 2008 in Washington DC and are heard regularly in their own concert series in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Their critically acclaimed CDs are available on the Summit and Warner Classics labels. Phil’s innovative programming and arranging for the WSB has led to several guest conductor appearances, most recently with the River City Brass Band (Pittsburgh) and the Breckenridge (CO) Brass.

As a show player, he has performed in the touring productions of Guys & Dolls, Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, Evita and West Side Story. He has recorded under the RCA, CBS, Gothic, Koss, and Summit labels. Phil’s solo CDs, The Lyrical Trumpet I and II are also available on the Summit Label.

In 2012, Mr. Snedecor founded the DC Pops Orchestra, a 30-piece ensemble featuring some of the best Jazz and crossover artists in the region. This group has provided music for the elite of Washington in prestigious venues such at the National Building Museum and Mellon Auditorium.

Audio production and show notes provided by the GSD Network.

David Dash is an instructor at the North Carolina School for the Arts, and is currently on a one-year assignment with the North Carolina Symphony. 

In James’ interview with David, you’ll hear tips on balancing self-criticism with music-making, dealing with performance anxiety, effective practice strategies and much more!

As a reminder, we invite you to subscribe to our email newsletter. It is what is called “infotaining”. It contains valuable information related to your music/business career, in a fun, digestible format.

Kind of like eating a hot dog and getting the nourishment of broccoli.

At any rate, type in trumpetdynamics.com into your browser to subscribe to James’ newsletter, and to subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast player. 

In this episode, you'll discover:

-When "good enough" is better than great...02:54

-David's start and early influences on trumpet...09:57

-What's the root cause of "performance anxiety"?...18:55

-Expression vs. criticism...22:47

-Effective practice strategies...26:55

-The two golden rules to getting and keeping the gig...35:41

-How the Apex Trumpet Symposium came about...39:34

-And much more!

© 2022 JNS Media, LLC

What a privilege it is to welcome back to the show Justin Bland! I got to chat with Justin in the summer of '21 and was excited to book him for another interview. Justin is a truly world-class performer and teacher in all things trumpet, particularly baroque trumpet.

I encourage you to give our previous interview a listen when you're finished with this one: https://trumpetdynamics.live/bland1

In this episode with Justin, you'll discover:

-Why James Newcomb conscientiously objects to the use of the word "podcast" to describe this show

-Justin Bland's most influential teachers

-Tales of arranging for trumpet ensembles

-"Misshapen pearls": An impromptu masterclass on trumpet history

-How Justin vets potential participants for a music festival he directs in Denmark

-And much more...

About the guest:

Applauded for his “gleaming trumpet work” (Hyde Park Herald) and “dazzling virtuosity” (Grunion Gazette), the American trumpeter Justin Bland is a versatile musician, performing on both historical and modern trumpets. He specializes in early music, most notably in difficult high-register music for Baroque trumpet; for example, he has played Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 with groups in Denmark, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, Spain, the USA, Canada, Serbia, and Colombia. Before formally studying Baroque trumpet, Justin won first prize in multiple historical instruments divisions of the National Trumpet Competition. As a highly sought-after solo/principal Baroque trumpeter, Dr. Bland has performed with several leading early music ensembles throughout North America including American Bach Soloists, Apollo’s Fire, Washington Bach Consort, Tempesta di Mare, Musica Angelica, Scaramella, Bach Collegium San Diego, Lyra Baroque Orchestra, and many others. He has also played in South America with Ensamble Barroco de Bogotá.

Now living in Denmark, Justin continues to perform as both a soloist and ensemble musician, combining ongoing North American engagements with new collaborations with leading Baroque ensembles in Denmark as well as in the rest of Scandinavia and Europe. In Europe he has played with Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Les Arts Florissants, Camerata Øresund, Barokksolistene, Arte dei Suonatori, Göteborg Baroque, ensemble Paulus Barokk, Orkester Nord (previously known as Trondheim Barokk), Göttinger Barockorchester, TSO Tidlig (the early music band of the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera), Wrocław Baroque Ensemble, New Trinity Baroque, Höör Barock, Enghave Barok, BaroqueAros, Copenhagen Soloists, the Næstved Early Music Festival, Ensemble Hven, and several others.

As a modern trumpeter, Justin has experience performing in orchestras, wind ensembles, jazz ensembles, pit orchestras for opera and musical theater, British brass bands, and numerous chamber ensembles. Before beginning his college career, he was principal trumpeter of the DC Youth Orchestra and had the opportunity to tour Japan as a trumpet soloist. He also performed regularly with the Prince George’s Philharmonic while in high school. More recently, he as appeared as a soloist with the South Dakota Symphony, the Firelands Symphony, and the Las Vegas Sinfonietta.

In addition to being a trumpeter, Justin is also a countertenor and has sung with Apollo’s Fire and Opera Cleveland. While in Ohio working on his Master’s degree, he was an alto section leader in the chamber and chancel choirs at Trinity Cathedral in downtown Cleveland and was the countertenor with Cantores Cleveland (now Contrapunctus). Justin also plays recorder.

Justin earned his DMA in trumpet performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He received his MA in early music performance practices from Case Western and his BM in trumpet performance from the University of Maryland. His primary trumpet teachers include Chris Gekker, Barry Bauguess, Steven Hendrickson, Steven Trinkle, and Justin Emerich. He has studied voice with Delores Zeigler, Ellen Hargis, and Aaron Sheehan. As a graduate assistant, Justin taught courses in ear training and music appreciation, and was a harpsichord tuner.

Dennis Edelbrock has performed with The United States Army Band and the Army Brass Quintet since 1975.

The National Trumpet Competition, hosted at GMU, is the largest in the world and has provided performing opportunities for over 11,000 students since its inception in 1992.

In exhibition concerts, it has featured such artists as Canadian Brass, Grammy Award winners Arturo Sandoval and Chris Botti as well as Doc Severinsen, Maynard Ferguson, Alan Vizzutti, Adolph Herseth, Tim Morrison, Jamey Aebersole Mnozil Brass, Philip Smith among many others.

ts website hosts online masterclasses by some of the world’s greatest artists. NTC is supported, in part, by all the major trumpet manufacturers and has a budget of $80,000 per year.

Contact Dr. Edelbrock:  dedelbro@gmu.edu

Today we welcome principal trumpeter with the Utah Symphony (aka the quarterback of the orchestra to folks in his hometown of Milaca, MN) Travis Peterson. Travis was mentioned often in the episode with Jeff Luke, which I highly recommend you listen to as well, and so it was a tremendous honor to have Travis on the show as well.

Here's a little bit of what you'll hear in this episode:

-Learning the fundamentals in drum corps...

-Life in the Utah Symphony...

-That's one happy orchestra!...

-What it would take for the Utah Symphony to be an industry leader on par with Chicago, New York, etc...

-How a new concertmaster brought in a new sound and energy to the entire ensemble...

-What it's like to be regarded as a pseudo-celebrity when Travis visits home...

-And much more!

Episode sponsors:

The Utah Symphony Audition Committee

The State of Utah Department of Tourism and General Happiness

I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff Luke this past summer at a concert in Milaca, MN - hometown of Jeff's colleague in the Utah Symphony Travis Peterson (who's featured in the next episode of the show). He was down for scheduling a remote interview and I know share it with you for your listening pleasure. And if we're lucky, you might learn some thing too ;)

Here's a bit of what you'll hear in this episode with Jeff:

-A surprise Christmas gift...

-What's the difference between a principal and associate principal player?...

-Earning his bones on the road with the Atlantic Brass Quintet...

-How Atlantic Brass set itself apart from other quintet's...

-Why Jeff feels more at home in the orchestra - with another guy hogging the spotlight...

-Unique audition preparation tips...

-And much more...

We also spoke into existence Jeff's website jefflukemusic.com. Jeff, we know it's a matter of time before we see that baby come to life!

When Sarah Herbert auditioned for the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, she flat out neglected the inner voice reminding her of the magnitude of her environment.

One of the finest music conservatories in the United States. Studying under the keen and discerning eye of top instructors. Pressure to maintain peak performance at all times.

None of that registered with young Sarah. She blazed her way through that audition, with pure and reckless abandonment. Would that we all could play with that blissful ignorance.

Then school began, and suddenly she became aware of the immense talent surrounding her - not to mention how far she had to go in her own development as a trumpet player.

But she hung in there, and is now professor of trumpet at Western Kentucky University, and has been busy commissioning new works for trumpet and - wait for it - classical guitar quartet!

What began as an experiment, just to see what will happen, has become in her words codified as a burgeoning genre from which new works will be written, and provide fresh opportunities for trumpeters near and far looking to leave their unique imprint on this sometimes busy and crowded world.

In this Trailblazingepisode, you'll discover:

-The shy nerdy kid finds her voice playing trumpet...03:09

-Trumpet becomes Sarah's calling in life...10:00

-Sarah the Trailblazer: Getting commissioned to perform with a guitar quartet...18:50

-A new genre is codified for trumpeters - and guitarists - looking for a niche in which to excel...37:15

YouTube links to the two pieces featured in the episode:

Concertino Principessa (Mark Anthony Cruz) https://youtu.be/KTM3eieJMyI

Fin de Fiesta (John Truitt) https://youtu.be/C2O-BQMa918

Guest bio:

Dr. Sarah Herbert is the Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Jazz at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Dr. Herbert teaches applied trumpet, trumpet ensemble, and directs the WKU Jazz Band. She has previously held faculty positions at the University of Wyoming, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and Miami University Regionals in Hamilton, Ohio.

Dr. Herbert’s performing career has been diverse and includes performances with professional jazz/commercial ensembles, orchestras and chamber groups including Orchestra Kentucky, Evansville Philharmonic, Wyoming Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Wyoming Faculty Brass Quintet. In the Cincinnati area she has performed with the Fillmore Brass Band and Wind Ensemble, Washington Ave Brass Quintet, The Belairs 1950’s Show Band, The Casino Players Ensemble, Bach Chorale Singers, and the Richmond Symphony Orchestra (Indiana).

A native of Portland, Oregon, Herbert completed her Doctor of Music in Trumpet Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in 2017. She also holds a Master of Music and Certification in Music Education from the University of New Mexico and a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

Today is a really special episode. Not only because it's with a fantastic guest, Manny Laureano, but it was one of those rare occasions where I was able to record a podcast in person.That does not happen often.

Manny and I just dove deep into a lot of things. And anyone who knows Manny knows that he is just a very thought provoking, very well spoken, very articulate gentleman. And he did not disappoint in this interview. I'm just going to leave it at that.

Everybody knows Manny. Longtime principal trumpeter with the Minnesota Orchestra, and was also featured on a previous episode of this show which was a tribute to the great William Vacchiano.

So you get to hear the relaxing hypnotic wind chimes in the background, every now and then there might be a cool breeze, but that just made it all that more special and all the more enjoyable.

And I think you'll really enjoy this one.

Here's what you'll hear in today's episode:

-Manny's "post-graduate" education, i.e. his first gig in Seattle...05:54

-The attributes of a successful musician in any field...10:03

-Factors that determine which equipment one should use...18:14

-Why Manny believes way too many orchestras are "playing it safe" today...27:45

-Why the great Roger Voisin would be unemployed in today's audition circuit...35:21

-What a creative might do if they find themselves disillusioned with the state of the "creative arts"...44:00

-Using gimmicks tastefully to make the serious stuff palatable to the audience...51:23

-What enables and motivates Manny to continually improve at the craft...

-And much more!

What can we say about Chris Gekker?

-Terrific trumpet player and teacher

-Prolific writer of method and exercise books

-Pioneer in the realm of brass chamber music

We could go on and on. But some things are best left unsaid - or unwritten in the show notes until you hear them said ;)

Enjoy this episode!

In my chat with Chris Gekker, you'll discover:

-How he got along during the pandemic...

-Chris' start and early career on trumpet...

-Getting the call for the American Brass Quintet working at the print shop...

-The most difficult skill on trumpet...

-Creating exercises to scratch his own itch, which become multiple method books...

-How the physicality of playing has changed over the years and decades...

-Why Julliard once forbade the playing of jazz in its hallways...

-When Chris will know it's time to hang up the spurs...

-The process of recording and releasing a new recording...

-How pop music supports more obscure, niche compositions...

-The easy things are often the hardest things...

-And much more!

Music at Emmanuel featuring Chris Gekker

Ever play so much it hurt?Probably?But have you ever played so much that the mere thought of touching a trumpet hurt? Where you get a burning sensation in your lips at the sight of a horn?That was James Blackwell's reality brought on by simply too much playing, and he opens up about it and shares practical advice on how to avoid it.Also listen in to some awesome advice on knowing how to play a high not musically, not simply pressing hard and hoping for the best!

In this conversation with James, you'll learn:

-James describes his lead trumpet transcription book...

-It's not the tool, it's the character of the one using it...

-Undergoing a major embouchure change while keeping a professional gigging schedule...

-Neurological fatigue associated with physical fatigue...

-Advice for avoiding catastrophic injury, both physically and neurologically...

-How growing older changes the priority of music and trumpet in one's life...

Thomas Hooten, Principal Trumpet of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, is one of the world’s most prominent classical trumpeters today.

Here's what you'll hear in this episode with Tom Hooten:

-What has Tom fired up about trumpet, life, and how the two intersect...01:30

-Why success can be terrifying...12:40

-Discoveries made producing the album Trumpet Call...15:40

-How one grows as a teacher as he grows as a person...21:44

-Knowing when to teach, and when to let the student learn to teach themselves...30:51

-Geeking out on the new concerto to be performed w/ the L.A. Phil...42:22

-How a younger Tom Hooten would have responded to the challenges the present-day Tom Hooten embraces with fire in the eyes...45:15

Resources mentioned:

The Big Leap

Zero to One by Peter Thiel

Gabriel Cassone

Time to Think and More Time to Think by Mary Klein

About my guest, Jeff Purtle:Author of Hit it Hard & Wish it Well:Claude Gordon’s Approach to Trumpet & Brass PlayingA MultiTouch book available in the Apple Books Store (www.hitithardwishitwell.com)

You'll want to tune into this episode.Imagine existing in a professional music environment where fear is the dominating factor in everything you do.You miss a note and immediately get the stink eye from the maestro, fearful that one more misstep and you'll be out on the street, without a job and no hope of ever getting one again.

The maestro even goes so far as to describe a performance by the great Phil Smith of the NY Phil as "terrible" because Phil (gasp!!!) missed a note during a performance.

One would think that a job performing music in such an environment wouldn't be much fun at all.

And one would be correct in thinking so.

That was the reality that Sławomir Cichor faced on a daily basis. But then he visited a trumpet seminar hosted by Grand Valley State University circa 2012 and for the first time saw trumpeters performing for the pure love of performing.

Music without the jackboot on the throat was suddenly enjoyable, and Sławomir has taken that joy he discovered at that seminar to his home country of Poland and shared it with those following in his footsteps.

In this episode, you'll discover:

-What does the trumpet scene look like in Poland?...02:02

-How Slawomir got started on trumpet...07:20

-Surviving a culture of perpetual fear...15:06

-A trip to the U.S. opens the eyes to new possibilities...23:21

-How Sławomir is opening new doors for younger players in Poland...27:43

-And much more!

You're supposed to listen to this episode with Michael Hengst.

Seriously.

It was ordained from on high.

Now, are you supposed to go to college?

To get a particular job?

To follow a particular path with your career?

That's up for debate. And there's never been a more fruitful time in history to explore other "off the beatin' path" opportunities than today.

Michael was following a path he was supposed to follow. Get a degree, another degree, yet another degree, then climb the ladder, play the game until you land an orchestra or prestigious teaching gig.

Well, he realized he's just as happy at little old Metropolitan State U. Denver than he would be at any of the big universities or conservatories anywhere else.

If anything, he might very well be leaving his dream job were he to pursue one of those gigs where the grass is only greener on the other side in your mind.Turns out MSU suits him just fine. He gets to play a lot, works with great kids, works with great faculty - and as you'll find out gives pretty dang good podcast interviews.

So lean in, listen well, this could be the most important 30+ minutes you'll experience in the next half hour.

Like this podcast? Looking for ways to support it? Visit me on the web at https://jamesnewcombontrumpet.com and leave a note saying hi. I'd love to hear from you and have you join my email list. I'm not one of those once in a blue moon type of emailers. I do it often, and try to keep it light and entertaining while hopefully passing on something that resembles "value".

In this interview with Prof. John Holt of N. Texas University, you'll discover:

-How freak diving injury led to greater awareness as a trumpeter...01:15

-What opportunities for trumpeters exist now that didn't exist in the 70's...07:20

-The higher you go up the pyramid, the less competition there will be...11:45

-How trumpet is like a turtle...15:55

-How to know a student is ready to progress to the next level...19:30

-How Gil Johnson transformed American orchestral playing...28:20

Click or tap here to see a photo of the mutantrumpet.

Composer/performer Ben Neill is the inventor of the Mutantrumpet, a hybrid electro-acoustic instrument, and is widely recognized as a musical innovator through his recordings, performances and installations. Neill’s music blends influences from electronic, jazz, and minimalist music, blurring the lines between digital media and acoustic instrument performance.

Neill has recorded eleven albums of his music on labels including Universal/Verve, Thirsty Ear, Astralwerks, and Six Degrees. Currently he is an Artist in Residence at Nokia Bell Labs where he is exploring new modes of emotion transfer and communication between people using music, visual media, and hybrid instruments. Performances include BAM Next Wave Festival, Big Ears Festival, Lincoln Center, Whitney Museum of American Art, Bing Concert Hall at Stanford, Getty Museum, Cite de la Musique Paris, Moogfest, Spoleto Festival, Umbria Jazz, Bang On A Can Festival, ICA London, Istanbul Jazz Festival, Vienna Jazz Festival, and the Edinburgh Festival, among many others. Neill has worked closely with many musical innovators including La Monte Young, John Cage, John Cale, Pauline Oliveros, Rhys Chatham, DJ Spooky, David Berhman, Mimi Goese, King Britt, and Nicolas Collins. Neill also leads concerts of La Monte Young’s The Second Dream of the High Tension Stepdown Line Transformer with an international brass ensemble; performances have recently been presented in New York, Amsterdam, Paris, Amsterdam, Huddersfield, Den Bosch, Oslo, Krems, Koln, Los Angeles, and Warsaw.

Neill began developing the Mutantrumpet in the early 1980s. Initially an acoustic instrument (a combination of 3 trumpets and a trombone combined into one), he collaborated with synthesizer Robert Moog to integrate electronics. In 1992, while in residency at the STEIM research and development lab for new instruments in Amsterdam, Neill made the mutantrumpet fully computer interactive. In 2008 he created a new version of his instrument at STEIM, and returned there in 2016-17 to design Version 4.0 which made its debut 2019. See a more detailed history of the instrument here.

Other current projects include a collaboration with vocalist/composer Mimi Goese that explores the musical and poetic qualities of mathematics and science through collaborations with chaos mathematician Ralph Abraham and the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries. The new songs combine the interplay of Goese’s captivating vocals and the electroacoustic explorations of Neill’s self-designed mutantrumpet with sounds created from fractal mathematics and Hudson River environmental data.

A native of North Carolina, Neill holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from Manhattan School of Music. He studied composition with La Monte Young and was also mentored by composer/performer Jon Hassell in the early 1980’s. Since 2008 he has been a music professor at Ramapo College of New Jersey.

BEN NEILL PRESS QUOTES

“Ben Neill is using a schizophrenic trumpet to create art music for the people.”

Wired Magazine

“Ben Neill performs the Mutantrumpet, a super-instrument of his own design that he also uses to control lights and other elements in the show. The music is a dense, continously-shifting tapestry of electronic beats.”

Wired Magazine

“The avant-garde and EDM come together in music by Ben Neill & his mutantrumpet.”

WNYC New Sounds/John Schaefer

“A creative composer, genius performer, and inventor of the mutantrumpet.” Time Out NY

“Ben Neill is a musical powerhouse, a serious and individual talent.”

Time Out London

“9 out of 10 rating…Ben Neill is a mad scientist, and he has discovered the formula that breaks musical barriers.” Mixmag

“Masterfully blurs the lines between electronic dance music and jazz sounds”

Billboard

A great sonic alchemist…luscious, seductive and quite addictive.

All About Jazz

“Neill’s astonishing mutantrumpet blends brass and computer with wit, beauty and solid musicianship.” Village Voice

“The opera offers hints of the era through sounds of protests and musical allusions to 1960s psychedelia and West Coast jazz. But the heavy beats are more reminiscent of Electronic Dance Music, transplanting ‘The Demo’ to the present day.” London Daily Mail

“Night Science is certainly as nocturnal as its title, but this isn’t background music. It’s forward-sounding and wildly beat-conscious; it’s a creation that looks at rhythm, jazz, African funk, grime, and dubstep with fresh ears and a bold compositional sensibility that extends both soundworld science and electronic music to a horizon that extends as far as the ear — and the imagination — can hear.”

All Music Guide

“Ben Neill plays an instrument he designed called the mutantrumpet, a three-belled trumpet that allows him to shift sonorities instantaneously, from muted to open, clear to froggy.” New York Times

“Neill works with harmonies based on numerical relationships that produce spiritually powerful resonances. The result is trippy, otherworldly and seamlessly groovy.” Interview Magazine

“Ben Neill is the mad scientist of dancefloor jazz…an inventive and stimulating voyage.” CMJ Monthly

“Calling Ben Neill a trumpeter is like calling Mr. Spock a frequent flyer…as vibrant as the galaxies beyond, both adventurous and artful.” Boston Phoenix

“If he were around today, Miles would unequivocally be picking up on what Ben Neill’s is laying down.”

All About Jazz

Belgian trumpeter Jeroen Berwaerts is a musical force to be reckoned with, whose all-embracing love of music knows no genre boundaries. Praised for his outstanding technical capabilities and sensitive musicality, his repertoire encompasses every epoch, from baroque to contemporary music and jazz. 

Placing the standard repertoire for trumpet in ingenious programmes and unusual contexts has become Jeroen Berwaerts’ calling card. One such programme places Handel’s Feuerwerksmusik and dances from Rameau’s opera Dardarus alongside chansons by Jacques Brel. The singing roles in such programmes is generally taken up by Jeroen Berwaerts himself, who – alongside his active career as a trumpeter – completed jazz vocal studies at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent 

Jeroen Berwaerts’ extraordinary commitment to contemporary music is evident in the numerous world premieres he has given, including Toshio Hosokawa’s second trumpet concerto Im Nebel and Francesco Filidei’s Carnevale. After Håkan Hardenberger he was the second trumpeter worldwide to add HK Gruber’s Busking (2007) to his repertoire.  

In 2017, Jeroen Berwaerts’ discography was complemented by the album Signals from Heaven, recorded with Salaputia Brass, with whom he is trumpeter, jazz-vocalist and ensemble director. His recording of Paul Hindemith’s trumpet sonata with Alexander Melnikov was released on Harmonia Mundi in 2015. In 2012 he recorded Shostakovich’s Concerto for Piano, Trumpet and Orchestra under Teodor Currentzis with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, the same year he recorded Toshio Hosokawa’s Voyage VII with the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg. 

Jeroen Berwaerts studied in Karlsruhe with the celebrated trumpet virtuoso Reinhold Friedrich. Since 2008, he has been a Professor of Trumpet at the Hochschule für Musik in Hannover. Jeroen Berwaerts is Professor in Residence at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He is an official Yamaha Artist.   

Conversations like this inspire me to pick up my horn, turn on my iPhone camera and just hit "record" and see what happens.

Floris Onstwedder is a trumpet soloist based in The Netherlands and Switzerland. In normal circumstances, he plays the finest concert halls in the world with his stunning virtuosity and lyricism on the trumpet.

In "other than normal" circumstances, Floris remains undeterred from sharing his gifts with the world. And although the present conditions are far from optimal, he has discovered new ways to share his gifts and build a following around the world.

Here are a few highlights of the conversation between James Newcomb and Floris Onstwedder:

-Adjusting fire with coronavirus lockdowns...04:05

-A thorough smackdown of the "let's wait for the government to validate art" argument...13:43

-New opportunities to reach an audience thanks to the lockdowns...21:43

florisonstwedder.com

trumpetdynamics.com

Augie Haas currently lives in New York City where he is a professional trumpeter, composer, and teacher. As one of the most in-demand trumpet players in New York, Augie has worked with artists including Harry Connick, Jr., The Maria Schneider Orchestra, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, The Gil Evans Project, Birdland Big Band, various Broadway shows, and The Radio City Orchestra. Augie is currently a regular member of the orchestra for Aladdin on Broadway.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Augie earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of the Performing Arts. After Chicago, he attended The University of Miami’s Frost School of Music Conservatory for a Masters in Studio Music in Jazz, and a Doctorate in Musical Arts.

Augie has released five albums under his co-founded label Playtime Music: The Llama, Doing it Augie Style, Baby Jazz, Endless, and his most recent album, Have We Met? He also authored and self-published his book Build Your Range for both trumpet and trombone which has been sold worldwide.

augiehaas.com

trumpetdynamics.com

Nicole Sasser is a truly versatile performer. Trumpeter, singer, quasi comedian. I got the chance to pick her brain on life as a cruise ship performer while she's quarantined thanks to COVID-19 and had a terrific time in doing so.

Here's what you'll hear in today's show:

-How Nicole first got started on trumpet...4:47

-The cruise ships were a callin'...Nicole answered...15:46

-How to not suck as a performer...20:45

-Differences in pleasing the audience vs. the event promoters...27:30

About the guest:

Nicole began playing trumpet at age 9, and has been singing all her life. Growing up in the Chicago area afforded her incredible opportunities for music, including performing at Carnegie Hall and Symphony Center with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, and at Lincoln Center as a member of the Youth Jazz Ensemble of DuPage.

She graduated from the prestigious Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, then moved to Florida to develop as a freelance artist and produce her own shows for cruise ships. While in Florida, Nicole has performed with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Brevard Symphony Orchestra. She got her Disney start in California, where she was in the All-American College Band.

For ten years she has been making people smile at the happiest place on earth, Disney World, performing in the Main Street Philharmonic and Epcot's Candlelight Processional in the Walt Disney Orchestra and as a Fanfare Trumpeter. In 2008, she produced her first solo album with a live band, which launched her career as a headliner, and in 2012 had her first international series of concerts in Sicily, Italy. Nicole's latest project was co-writing all originals with multi-platinum producer Veit Renn, for a pop electronic dance album that she released in 2015.

I had the honor of interviewing the great Sergei Nakariakov a few years back, and enjoyed it so much I wanted to play it again on the Trumpet Dynamics podcast for the benefit of new listeners who may not have heard it the first time around.

It's also for the benefit of the older listeners who can learn a thing or two from one of the all-time greats.

Enjoy!

In my conversation with Sergei Nakariakov, you'll hear:

-The influence of Timofei Dokshizer on Sergei's career...07:37

-How Sergei's career began and quickly advanced...13:34

-Sergei's process for making the impossible possible...18:47

-Why Sergei isn't thinking about the audience when he performs...25:20

-Some of the impressive younger players that we should know...29:44

-Sergei's thoughts on the current repertoire available to trumpeters...31:56

-Why Sergei doesn't warm up with long tones and other practice fundamentals...36:08

-How Miles Davis influenced Sergei's perspectives on music...44:23

-How an older Sergei is different from a younger Sergei...47:15

Resources mentioned:

-Videos of Timofei Dokshizer mentioned:

-Albums by Sergei Nakariakov:

-Jörg Widmann: ad absurdum – Concerto for Trumpet & Small Orchestra

-Floris Onstwedder (listen to Floris' interview on this podcast here)

-David Guerrier

-Mark Inouye

-Albums by Miles Davis:

Are you a True Listener?

Visit trumpetdynamics.com to learn how you can be notified each time a new episode is published. And if you really like what you hear on this podcast, the best way to support me and the show is to subscribe to my daily email newsletter where I share what I learn and observe in an “infotaining” way. Many folks have told me they enjoy the emails, and I think you will too!

Imagine This…

You’re playing for the minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees. You’re a professional ball player, but you’re young, wet behind the ears – and inexperienced enough to believe you can do anything. 

Then one day, you get a phone call. You’ve been called up to the major league club and you’re the starting pitcher in the playoffs…and you’re pitching tomorrow.

Chris Coletti can relate to this. In 2009, he was a young trumpet stud at the Juilliard School. He had just won an audition with a small town orchestra and was brimming with confidence in his budding career as a professional musician.

Then he got The Call. The Canadian Brass, one of the most esteemed and recognizable ensembles in the world of classical music, needed a trumpet player. And they wanted him.

Of course he answered the call. And there he was. Thrust into the spotlight. Headlining performances at tiny, little known venues such as Carnegie Hall. The Kennedy Center. Lincoln Center, to name just a few.

Some of the best and most accomplished trumpeters of our time preceded Chris. What big shoes to fill. Suddenly he had the pressure of performing at a very high level on the biggest stage possible in his world.

Perhaps you’re thinking to yourself, “I don’t know if I could do that at that age. I think the pressure would be great for me.”

I suppose one could be forgiven for thinking such things. On the other hand, you probably don’t weed out potential life partners by singing operatic soprano arias and whistling violin partitas written by Johann Sebastian Bach. These are just a couple of Chris’ many talents outside of playing the trumpet…and is one of the reasons he’ll never pay for another drink in his life.

So 24 year old Chris Coletti answered the call. And boy did he deliver. In addition to adding operatic soprano singing to the Canadian Brass’ bag of crowd pleasing tricks during his 10 year tenure, he composed and arranged pieces, and delivered one dynamic performance after another.

Now ten years older – and wiser – Chris has decided it’s time to step away from the Canadian Brass. Why? Because in 10 years, his situation, his perspective, his priorities, have changed. He’s now a husband and a father. The glories of his role with the Canadian Brass were increasingly a stark contrast with the realities of parenting. It was simply time to step aside and make room for another person who is better equipped to carry the group into the future.

What you’re about to hear is the story of an individual who has given his heart and his soul to his craft. Chris can tell you what will emotionally move an audience of musical “civilians” and what will move an audience of musical aficionados who are nit-picking your every move. And you might be surprised to hear that it’s really the same thing when you get right down to it.

And now that he has moved into a new chapter of his life, you’ll hear about the decision to step away from a role that was glorious and deeply fulfilling on many levels, and into another role that is dirty, exhausting, inglorious at times – and right where his soul has him to be at this moment.

Here’s a sample from Chris’ blog:

“Music is an art, a social art, one that is extremely rewarding from the first moment we experience it. As an educator, I find the most fascinating thing to be uncovering what makes each student tick–what drives them, what musical and career goals will make them feel fulfilled. Motivation comes in a variety of ways, and we teachers have in a uniquely influential job: to identify a student’s strengths and passions and turn them into a powerful and positive driving force in their life…”

A few of the more salient points from my chat with Chris Coletti:

-Chris’ career aspirations as a young conservatory student...9:54

-What is life like as a student at Juilliard?...12:38

-To specialize, or not to specialize…17:40

-The foolproof method of winning a job in an orchestra...21:47

-Baptism by fire: Chris’ first days in the Canadian Brass...30:10

-How having a family shifted priorities as a musician and performer...34:10

-And much more...

Links and resources mentioned in the interview:

The Canadian Brass

The Queen of the Night from Mozart’s opera, The Magic Flute

Bach’s 3rd Violin Partita

Brandon Ridenour

"Trumpet soloist is an oxymoron"...

We've heard it before. We even heard it on last week's show w/ Patrick Oliverio.

Well, Floris Onstwedder has something to say about that. At the ripe young age of 26, he's already done some amazing things as a trumpet soloist. And I expect we'll be hearing his name quite a bit in the future.

Enjoy the episode!

"Average Joe?!" I asked incredulously.

"Yes, I..."

"Average Joe???!!!" I asked, again stupefied.

When it comes to the trumpet, Patrick Oliverio is anything but average.

Solo cornetist w/ the Fountain City Brass Band, awarded first place in the graduate division of the 2017 National Trumpet Competition, highly sought-out teacher and performer in the Kansas City metro area.

These are but a few of the well-deserved accolades Patrick has earned in his career.

When he's not producing videos of himself performing 6-part ensemble pieces in stairwells using the Acapella app, he writes in his blog on topics such as meditation, parenting and performing, and much more.

Find him on the web at patrickoliverio.com.

Enjoy the interview!

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/trumpet-dynamics.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Peter Pickett in his shop in Lexington, KY.

This interview is the real deal - CNC machine noises and everything.

In it, you'll hear Peter tell the story of the humble beginnings of Pickett Mouthpieces, how it grew to a full-time gig, the story of acquiring the Blackburn brand of trumpets, and why he says he's not in the mouthpiece business.

Wait... Not in the mouthpiece business? Well, what business is he in?

The suspense has to be taking a toll.

Check out what Peter and his team are up to at pickettblackburn.com

Michael (Horn Doctor) Corrigan has devoted his life to the preservation of the musical instrument manufacturing industry. Combining his love for history and music, Corrigan began looking at instruments more as ‘artifacts’ early on. He attributes much of his approach for design to the knowledge gained by studying historic examples.

After attending the prestigious Musical Instrument Repair program in Red Wing, Minnesota, Corrigan accepted a position apprenticing at a custom brass instrument factory near Boston, Massachusetts. Eventually after relocating to the Midwest, Kansas City Area, Corrigan further developed his skills in the trade under the tutelage of Master John Duda with the Calicchio Trumpet Company and Earl Williams Custom Trombones.In 2001, Corrigan founded B.A.C. Horn Doctor (Restoration and Repair Pro Shop), then eventually founded B.A.C. Musical Instruments LLC, now situated in Kansas City’s Historic Jazz District.

After acquiring the now defunct Kanstul Musical Instruments factory tooling and relocating the assets to Kansas City, and the acquisition of E. Benge Company, B.A.C. Musical Instruments is positioned to not only preserve the legacy of old-world craftsmanship, but to continue the development and evolution of a revered American tradition.Corrigan is known for and was recognized by Mayor Mitch Landrieu for his efforts in the New Orleans music community post Hurricane Katrina as well as a collaboration with Trombone Shorty that put instruments into the hands of kids throughout New Orleans. He is a proud father of two and invests his spare time to the Scouting movement.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to get to know your noble host a bit more, I encourage you to subscribe to my daily e-newsletter, where I share thoughts, musings and everything in-between with anyone who's willing to listen.

Brad Goode has served on the faculties of The American Conservatory of Music, New Trier High School, Cuyahoga Community College, The University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, The Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts and The University of Colorado, where he is currently Associate Professor of Jazz Studies, and serves as the Musical Director for the Conference on World Affairs.

Brad makes frequent appearances as a soloist and clinician at colleges and high schools. He is an artist for XO Brass Instruments, for whom he is currently designing an Artist Model trumpet.

Here's a bit of what you'll hear in today's episode w/ Brad:

-What it's like to return to some of the same gigs that were gone during the pandemic...

-How avant-garde arrangements of Charlier got Brad out of a rut with his playing...

-How the unknown keeps music exciting over the years...

-How Brad got started on trumpet..

-Shortcomings of American music education, particularly toward the jazz genre...

-A solution to the problem...

-How the learning mindset is different as an older man vs. the college years...

-The Reinhardt Method applied to trumpet studies...

Stanley Friedman is a prolific composer of critically-acclaimed opera, concert and chamber music, with over 100 publications and numerous awards, commissions, recordings and performances by major soloists, festivals and ensembles world-wide.

In this chat with Stanley Friedman, you'll hear:

-Falling in love with the trumpet...01:50

-The mentor arrives, and the real ability is revealed...04:55

-One of the all-time great jazz pianists changes the scene at Memphis State...08:18

-A minor trumpet major...10:55

-Relocating to LA...13:28

-Winning an audition he didn't realize was an audition...15:50

-A good list to be on...19:30

-Transitioning from a full-time trumpet career to full-time composing...25:14

-How it feels when world-class musicians "get" the piece you've written...28:38

-Writing the sonata for trumpet Brahms would have written if Brahms wrote for trumpet...31:40

-Adding to the standard trumpet rep is ongoing...33:30

-And much more!

Resources mentioned:

Stanley's websiteJames WilliamsDon FreundThomas Stevens

Jason Dovel is a versatile performer, teacher, composer, and entrepreneur. He has recorded four highly acclaimed solo CDs: Lost Trumpet Treasures(2014), Ascent: New Music for Trumpet(2016), Baroque Music for Trumpet and Organ (2018), and New Unaccompanied Music for Trumpet and Flugelhorn (2020).

Jason is associate professor of trumpet at the University of Kentucky (UK), where he has taught since 2013. At UK, he teaches trumpet, plays in the faculty brass quintet, and hosts the popular UK Summer Trumpet Institute. Dovel also serves on the Board of Directors for both the International Trumpet Guild and the Historic Brass Society.

In this chat with Jason, you'll discover:

-Things that make making music more work than it should be...02:00

-How physical ailments make us better players in the long run...09:49

-Jason's personal story of learning trumpet...11:15

-Why Jason chose trumpet over computers...14:20

-Choosing a day job that's in line with your musical aspirations...18:50

-Channeling the inner Maynard via the baroque trumpet...20:00

-Preparing for the grueling physical demands of playing trumpet...23:45

-Playing your best without over analyzing...31:00

Resource mentioned:

-Teaching Brass by Kristian Steenstrup

-Into the Blue performed by UK trumpet ensemble

"The Story of the Trumpet, In the Words of Those Who Play It." Catchy tag line, if I do say so myself. But the individual we're hearing from on the show today is someone who can literally tell the story of the trumpet - at least a good portion of it.

David Hickman is founder and president of the acclaimed Summit Brass, a large all-star American brass ensemble dubbed by the press as the "Dream Team of Brass." Summit Brass has released 10 CDs, toured the world, and hosted the annual Rafael Mendez Brass Institute which has helped thousands of aspiring brass musicians. He served as president of the International Trumpet Guild from 1977 to 1979 and has presented numerous lectures, clinics, masterclasses, and concerts at major international conventions. His services are sought worldwide as a judge for prestigious solo and chamber music competitions. Mr. Hickman recently received the International Trumpet Guild's prestigious Award of Merit.

In this conversation with David Hickman, you'll discover:

-How the lone music teacher in a small Nebraska town helped David foster his love of music...01:23

-"If you can teach a boy to blow a horn, he'll never blow a safe"...09:16

-The moment David knew trumpet would be his life's work...11:42

-Trumpet Performance or bust...16:36

-Why rural Kansas was the best possible place to begin a music performance career...21:34

-Recollections and anecdotes of Rafael Mendez...26:08

-Healthy and unhealthy competition for musicians...30:05

-The story of the 5-valve trumpet...in the words of he who plays it...38:13

-Why 3-valve trumpets may soon be a relic of days gone by...46:43

-And much more!

Episode sponsor:

James Newcomb's "Chew the Fat" Newsletter: If you like this podcast, consider joining my exclusive daily email newsletter, where I share personal anecdotes, stories, occasional business tips and much more. It's free and all you have to do is register here!

Welcome to the show. Today I'm thrilled to bring on to the program Justin Bland, a fine baroque trumpeter currently residing in Copenhagen, Denmark.

In this conversation with Justin Bland, you'll discover:

-Why passion should define your niche...01:30

-Justin's ignominious beginning on trumpet...06:35

-Fricking Covid tramples on the grand plan with great aplomb...10:00

-Breaking into the Copenhagen music scene...12:35

-How to make natural trumpet a career...17:50

-How one feels connected to composers from centuries past...22:45

To learn more about Justin, click here: http://jamesnewcombontrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Justin-Bland-Bio.pdf 

Credits:

Trumpet Dynamics: The Story of the Trumpet, In the Words of Those Who Play It

Host: James Newcomb

Guest: Justin Bland

Opening music: "Folklore" by Big Big Train

Closing music: "Creepin' With Clark" written and performed by Mike Vax

Audio editing by: James Newcomb

Show notes prepared by: Podcast Artistry™

The great Chris Coletti joined me for a "Round Two" on the show!

I'm sure you have not heard the name Preston Bailey.

Although if you've been on Trumpet Herald recently, like I have, snooping around on gossip columns and ogling over instruments that you have no business looking at, but you look up at them anyway, because that's what we do.

Well I saw a really slick looking ad for The Bearded Trumpet. I thought, man, this guy looks like he knows how to have fun with what he's doing.

And that's just the way to do it. If you're not having fun doing what you're doing, then why do it?

Well, he's been doing it for quite a while and if you listen to some of the clips that he has on his website, you can hear the guy knows his way around a horn.

Now we get to chew the fat with Preston Bailey for just a little while.

Enjoy!

In this conversation with Preston, you'll discover:

-How did you get started on trumpet?...01:41

-What was the objective when you decided to make it a career?...12:00

-A fail-proof orchestra audition prep strategy...16:00

-Life as a pro musician in Music City...22:40

-How has the pandemic shifted priorities, schedule, how you plan for the future?...28:15

-What was your "why" when you began your career, and how has that changed over time?...36:30

-Are there any "unwritten rules" about being successful as a musician?...43:20

Got a question for Preston or myself? Just leave a comment below, and one of us will reply!

Call to action:

If you're listening to this podcast on Apple or Spotify, you're seriously missing out. The Trumpet Dynamics mobile app has content and exclusive bonuses you won't find on a third-party application.

To access the mobile app, visit trumpetdynamics.com

About the guest:

Born in Hendersonville, TN, Preston has been playing the trumpet since he was 11 years old. After earning a Bachelor's of Performing Arts degree from Middle Tennessee State University, Preston went to the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory and completed a Master's of Performing Arts. While at UMKC, Preston was a member of the Fellowship Brass Quintet, the first such brass group to exist at the university.

Preston can be heard on the most recent season of Netflix’s “Lost in Space” and “Space Force,” as well as Tom Hanks’ movie “Greyhound.”

When he’s not performing or teaching, Preston enjoys spending his free time with his wife Chelsea, their two dogs Theo and Olive, and their hedgehog Pepper.

Credits:

Trumpet Dynamics: The Story of the Trumpet, In the Words of Those Who Play It

Host: James Newcomb

Guest: Preston Bailey

Opening music: "Folklore" by Big Big Train

Closing music: "Creepin' With Clark" written and performed by Mike Vax

Audio editing by: James Newcomb

Steve Baker was among the sector of society most affected by the covid pandemic: the live entertainment industry.

You don't do wedding receptions via Zoom, right?

So when everything shut down, he was hit hard, and was forced to adjust fire, as they say.

In this episode, Steve will share how the lockdowns affected him, and how he changed his priorities - and even discovered a calling in life he may not have heard without it.

Says host James Newcomb: "Steve is a dynamic performer, terrific trumpet player, great singer, just a terrific stage presence and it was just a treat to share the stage with him for a short time when I lived in the Raleigh/Durham area. I learned a lot about being a showman and seeing the value of entertainment and knowing how to carry a crowd. And if I were to really examine my own music or my podcasting career, I would say that I've learned a lot or I've applied a lot of the things that I learned from him while with the Bull City Syndicate there in Raleigh and Durham."

In this conversation with Steve, you'll hear:

-The initial reaction to the pandemic and lockdowns...05:32

-The toughest thing to deal with regarding the lockdowns...12:43

-A contrarian view to the virus and the government's reaction to it...17:46

-Worshipping at the First Church of Covid...23:05

-How our resilience and response to adversity changes as we age...30:51

-How others within Steve's world have responded to the pandemic...46:15

-The true story of how Steve got "fact-checked" by a Hollywood gossip columnist...55:40

Click here to download the transcript for the episode

Resources mentioned:

-Bull City Syndicate

-The Pragmatic Constitutionalist website

-Trumpet Dynamics podcast w/ Beth Peroutka

Credits:

Trumpet Dynamics: The Story of the Trumpet, In the Words of Those Who Play It

Host: James Newcomb

Guest: Steve Baker

Opening music: "Folklore" by Big Big Train

Closing music: "Creepin' With Clark" written and performed by Mike Vax

Audio editing by: James Newcomb

Show notes prepared by: James Newcomb

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/trumpet-dynamics.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hi, this is James Newcomb and I'm excited to republish an episode of the show from way back in February of 2016. This was one of the best received, one of the most downloaded episodes of the first year of the podcast, 2016.

To this day, it's one of my top highlights of my podcasting career. And at that time I think I realized I'm onto something really special, to talk to people who held someone like William Vacchiano in such high esteem. And it was just a real honor to be a part of it. I think it led to me wanting to take podcasting seriously and make it my career.

In this biography style episode, you're going to hear Brian Shook, who is the author of Last Stop, Carnegie Hall.

It also features Manny Laureano, Ronald Romm, and finally Gerard Schwartz.

It also features a couple of guests we may or may not hear from in the future...

In this episode, you'll hear:

-We meet Don Clarino, founder of the Genco Valve Oil company, patriarch of the Clarino crime family...00:33

-Vacchiano's view of the trumpeter's role in the bigger picture...09:45

-Vacchiano was supposed to play the clarinet...12:00

-"Aside from your tone, your rhythm, your articulation, not bad..." Gerard Schwarz' first lesson w/ Mr. Vacchiano...14:50

-Miles Davis and Vacchiano like oil and water...17:30

-(Gerard Schwarz) Why Mr. Vacchiano never attended concerts put on by his students...20:37

-(Manny Laureano) A style of teaching designed to make the student become their own teacher...24:05

-How to study with Vacchiano if you didn't go to Juilliard...25:38

-(Ron Romm) "Vacchiano was all about getting it done..."...28:07

-Knowing how to keep the ego in check, going to bat for your guys...31:17

-(Ronald Romm) Not trying to be a leader, just doing what is necessary to get the job done...35:15

-What Brian Shook was looking for when he began his research, and how that changed over time...45:15

-The one thing young players today can learn from Vacchiano's methods...49:11

Click here to download a written transcript of this episode

Resources mentioned in this episode:

-williamvacchiano.com

-Last Stop, Carnegie Hall by Brian Shook

-Manny Laureano's personal blog

-Ron Romm's family trio

-Gerard Schwarz website

Credits:

Trumpet Dynamics: The Story of the Trumpet, In the Words of Those Who Play It

"It's Always About the Music": William Vacchiano Remembered by (a few of) Those Who Knew Him Best

Originally published: 1 February 2016

Republished: 31 May 2021

Host: James Newcomb

Guests:

Brian Shook: Author, Last Stop, Carnegie Hall

Manny Laureano: Principal trumpet, Minnesota Orchestra

Ronald Romm: Founding member, Canadian Brass

Gerard Schwarz: Former trumpeter; longtime music director, Seattle Symphony

"For Justice, We Must Go to Don Clarino":

Written by James Newcomb

Performed by James Newcomb and "Destill" username on fiverr.com

Audio editing and show notes for this episode done by James Newcomb

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