Dylan Skye Hart Horn Interview – Horn Signal #2

Dylan Skye Hart Horn Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #2 of Horn Signal! This episode features one of the busiest studio horn players in Los Angeles, Dylan Skye Hart.

About Dylan Skye Hart

You may not know Dylan Skye Hart by name, but you have heard him play horn. Proud Latino and Los Angeles native, Dylan is a busy freelance musician. Depending on the day, he can be found recording for video games, motion pictures, theme parks, or television shows.

He has recorded films with many great composers including John Williams, Hans Zimmer, John Powell, Randy Newman, Alexandre Desplat, James Newton Howard, Bruce Broughton, David Newman, and Alan Silvestri. Some movie titles on which Dylan can be heard playing principal horn include: Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker, Jungle Cruise, Onward, It 2, Call of the Wild, Ready Player One, Deadpool 2, Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi, Violent Night, and The Jungle Book. Dylan has also recorded albums and appeared on television with music legends Lady Gaga, John Legend, Michael Bublé, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Wu-Tang Clan, M83, Gladys Night, Yo-Yo Ma, Neil Young, and The Beatles. His solos can be heard on his namesake Bob Dylan’s albums Shadows in the Night and Fallen Angel. 

Dylan has toured with John Williams’ Star Wars in Concert, Eden Espinosa of Wicked, and The Who, doubling on horn, trumpet, trombone, Wagner tuba, and mellophone. In the orchestral world, Dylan is principal horn of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and recently won a one-year position as associate principal horn of the Minnesota Orchestra. He also performs regularly with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Pacific Symphony, and San Diego Symphony. Dylan is a member of the Los Angeles Horn Quartet and Modern Brass Quintet.

In addition, Dylan co-produced the 75-minute film documentary entitled 1M1: Hollywood Horns of the Golden Years which recounts the history of the Los Angeles film studios told through the eyes of the legendary horn players of the golden era. In addition, he translated and published a book for musicians called In Tune: Exercises to Improve a Musician’s Performance and Quality of Life. Dylan is known for making French horn music videos as seen on his YouTube Channel and specializes in giving masterclasses on a variety of topics ranging from physics and anatomy to motivation and mental health.

As an alumnus of the University of Southern California, he studied with Vincent DeRosa, James Thatcher, and Richard Todd. Dylan currently teaches horn at California State University, Northridge. When not performing, Dylan, a “foodie”, enjoys cooking, playing ice hockey and soccer, golfing, and hanging out with his wife and fellow hornist Annie Bosler.

Dylan is a Conn/Selmer Artist and owns several vintage Conn 8Ds and currently plays on a C-series that his friend and fellow instrument junky Noah Gladstone helped him find. He also developed a signature mouthpiece line with the help of Brett Kendall at Bob Reeves Brass.

Dylan Skye Hart Links

Podcast Credits

  • “Haydn Symphony #31 “Horn Signal“, “Hornpipe” Water Music by Handel and “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral” from Wagner’s Lohengrin
  • Audio Engineer – Preston Shepard
  • Cover Art – Meg Ryia
  • Podcast Hosts – John Snell and Preston Shepard

Japan Tour 2024

We are excited to visit Japan this August for mouthpieces, valve alignments and consultations. We will be traveling to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Iwate, and Fukushima for in-store events. Our tour culminates with an exhibition at the International Women’s Brass Conference in Mito City. See below for tour dates and information.

Ravi Best Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #120

Ravi Best Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #120 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features jazz and commercial trumpeter Ravi Best. Listen to or download the episode below:

About Ravi Best

Ravi Best is a New York City based jazz and commercial trumpet player who has performed domestically and internationally for two decades. Most recently, he has been performing, recording, and touring with Kool & The Gang, Blood, Sweat and Tears, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, and Little Steven and The Disciples of Soul, where he had the chance to perform with Sir Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen. He has performed with several Jazz, Rock, and R&B artists such as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Lenny Kravitz, Queen Latifah, Annie Lennox, Robert Cray, ani difranco, Michael Buble, Clark Terry, Tony Bennett, and Herbie Hancock.
He has played in several Broadway shows such as The Heart of Rock and Roll, Merrily We Roll Along, Hell’s Kitchen, Diana, The Color Purple, Chicago, 42nd St., Sweet Charity, Annie, and several others.
He has made several TV appearances playing in the house band on SNL, Jesus Christ Superstar Live, Jimmy Kimmel Live( Kool and The Gang), Good Morning America(Boyz II Men), The Today Show(Little Big Town), The Late Show(Rufus Wainwright), and The Sherri Show. Ravi was also featured in the Chris Colombus film The Christmas Chronicles.
He can also be heard on many recordings such as, Kenny Garrett’s Pushing The World Away, Little  Steven and The Disciples of Soul’s Soulfire Live, and Summer of Sorcery, David Byrne & St. Vincent’s Love This Giant, David Murray Octet’s Octet Plays Trane, Lester Bowie’s Brass Fantasy’s The Odyssey of Funk & Popular Music, Sam River’s Rivbea Orchestra’s Culmination, Ani DiFranco’s Evlolve, So Much Shouting, So Much Laughter, and Mya’s Moodring, The Broadway cast recordings of Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert, Heart of Rock and Roll, Diana, Ain’t Too Proud, 42nd Street, and Baby It’s You.

Ravi Best Links

Podcast Credits

Steve Becknell Horn Interview – Horn Signal #1

Steve Becknell Horn Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #1 of Horn Signal! This episode features principal horn of the LA Opera as well as adjunct professor of horn at USC, Steve Becknell.

About Steve Becknell

Steve Becknell has had an extensive and varied career as a horn player. In
1982, he moved to Southern California to study with famed studio player Vince
DeRosa at USC, but began working professionally while still in school. He has played
in orchestras throughout Southern California including the Los Angeles
Philharmonic, the San Diego Symphony, the Pacific Symphony, and was a member of
the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra for 8 years. He is also in demand as a chamber
musician, and has performed with Santa Barbara-based Camerata Pacifica as well as
the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival and the Mainly Mozart Festival. But the bulk of
Steven’s time was spent recording in the Hollywood studios. To date, he has played
on over 1,000 different motion pictures and numerous television series, as well as
playing on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and the Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Steve has played live for the Academy Awards, sat in the pit for Broadway shows,
and has had the honor of recording with such legendary artists as Frank Sinatra,
Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow and Josh Groban.

Steve has been playing principal horn with the Los Angeles Opera for over 25
years. In 2010 he performed all the offstage and pit solos of Wagner’s complete
Ring cycle, the first time it had ever been produced in Southern California. To date,
he has played over 1,500 performances with the Los Angeles Opera.
Steve is currently on the faculty at the University of Southern California.

Steve Becknell Links

Podcast Credits

  • “Haydn Symphony #31 “Horn Signal“, “Hornpipe” Water Music by Handel and “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral” from Wagner’s Lohengrin
  • Audio Engineer – Preston Shepard
  • Cover Art – Meg Ryia
  • Podcast Hosts – John Snell and Preston Shepard

International Trumpet Guild 2024 – Anaheim, CA

 

We are excited to travel to Anaheim, California for this year’s International Trumpet Guild! The exhibit halls at the conference run from May 29-June 1, and will be full of great performances, clinics, and lectures.

This year visit us in the Pacific Room!

Here’s what we’ll have to offer:

  • 300+ Trumpet Mouthpieces
    • Try our brand-new 19 backbore
    • Dynamic Mass
    • C2J
    • Dan Rosenboom & Bobby Burns Artist Models
    • Flugelhorn, piccolo, & cornet models
    • Classical Series mouthpieces
  • Valve alignments
  • C. Davis trumpets
  • Van Laar trumpets & flugelhorns
  • Shires Trumpets
  • Mutes galor!
    • Ullven Mutes of Sweden for trumpet & trombone
    • Clary Woodmutes
    • C. Davis harmon & straight mutes
    • Yupon Mutes of Japan for trumpet, trombone & horn
    • Okura Mutes of Japan for trumpet, trombone & horn
    • Rejano Practice Mutes for trumpet & trombone
  • And much, much more!

Be sure to swing by the Bob Reeves Brass booth in the Pacific Room to meet trumpet specialists John Snell & Brett Kendall.

 

VALVE ALIGNMENTS

Have you always wanted a Bob Reeves Patented Valve Alignment but don’t want to ship your trumpet to our shop? You’re in luck because we’ll be doing alignments at the ITG Conference. Just drop your horn off at our booth and you can pick it up the next day! A few same day appointments are available.

If you’re not sure you need an alignment, you can bring your trumpet by our booth and we will be happy to measure it to show you how far out of alignment it is, free of charge.

We will be having a valve alignment special at the show, discounting from our normal price by $25! We are only doing a limited number of alignments and reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Book Your Valve Alignment Early and Save $50!

If you book your alignment and prepay for it now, you will save an additional $25 for a total savings of $50. Just click the button below and checkout using our secure online shopping cart. If for some reason you will be unable to be at the TMEA, the credit from your pre-order can be used for any future work at our shop.

Prepay for your valve alignment now and save $50 per alignment! Click here to schedule your alignment.

Mouthpieces, mouthpieces, and more mouthpieces

If you’ve never visited our booth at a trade show before, you are in for a real treat. We bring everything but the kitchen sink. Here’s a partial list of stuff we will have for you to try (and buy!) at the show:

  • 300+ Bob Reeves Mouthpieces, including complete lines of 692s, 2, 69, 692 series mouthpieces and popular 692sL and ‘s’ series mouthpieces
  • Dan Rosenboom “BOOM” Artist Model Mouthpiece
  • Bobby Burns Jr. EWF & Classical Artist Model Mouthpieces
  • 35 Dynamic Mass Mouthpieces covering the complete line of rims and cups
  • 8 High Efficiency Mouthpieces
  • 13 Vintage Purviance Mouthpieces, including all standard models
  • Our new full selection of Classical Series Mouthpieces
  • A complete line of C2J Mouthpieces
  • 35+ Flugelhorn mouthpieces, including all 4 cups (F, DF, FE, HF) and all shank types (Standard, Bach, French)
  • Piccolo Trumpet Mouthpiece including both cornet and trumpet shanks
  • Cornet Mouthpieces
  • A selection of mouthpieces converted for Reeves Sleeves and the full line of sleeves
  • Popular Custom Trumpet Mouthpieces: CF, JH, & Zinger

Rejano Mutes Practice Mutes for Trumpet & Trombone

Test out the full line of Rejano Mutes practice mutes at our booth in all of the popular colors. Rejano Mutes was born with the need to solve the problems in the already existing practice mutes for brass instruments in the market, such a heavy weight, unstable pitch, excessive resistance or a not-quiet-enough sound. Their motivation is to bring to brass players all over the world, through innovative 3D printed designs, a unique experience that offers quietness without having to sacrifice a good feeling while playing on a trumpet practice mute.

 

Other Fun Stuff

Besides the vast mouthpiece selection, we will have the following accessories and products on display:

  • Bob Reeves Cylinder Reinforcers
  • Bob Reeves Receiver Rings
  • Leadpipe Swabs
  • Double and Quad Leather Mouthpiece Pouches
  • Howie Shear’s Books and CDs
  • Adapters: A-Piccolo Adapter, Cornet-Trumpet Adapter, Flugelhorn-Trumpet Adapter

Van Laar Trumpets and Flugelhorns

We will have an assortment of Van Laar Trumpets available for purchase at the show.

Charley Davis Trumpets & Mutes

Charley Davis has been one of the top-call studio players in Los Angeles for decades and developed the successful Charles Davis line of trumpet mutes. After years of trying to find a horn that played like his he decided that perhaps he should just make one. We will have several models on hand for you to try out and purchase.

Clary Woodmutes

We will have a selection of Clary Woodmutes for trumpet, including their straight mute, cup mute, and popular practice mute.

Yupon, Okura & Ullven Mutes

Try a selection of handcrafted mutes from Japanese manufactures Yupon & Okura, as well as Swedish manufacturer Ullven.

Brian Swartz Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #119

Brian Swartz Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #119 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features  jazz trumpeter Brian Swartz. Listen to or download the episode below:

About Brian Swartz

Trumpeter Brian Swartz is a diverse musician with a wide range of influences. He has appeared on multiple Grammy® nominated and winning recordings with artists including The (Dixie) Chicks’ Double Platinum “Taking the Long Way” which won 5 Grammy® Awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year in February 2007, John Beasley’s Monk’estra which has garnered 6 Grammy® Nominations for it’s 3 albums and 1 Grammy® Win for Beasley’s arrangement of “Donna Lee,” The Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Scott Healy’s Tentet and Kim Richmond’s Concert Jazz Orchestra. He has also performed or recorded with The Goo Goo Dolls, Michael Bublé, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, Robin Thicke, Smashmouth, Patti Labelle, Natalie Cole, Dianne Reeves, Ivan Lins, Tom Harrell, Chucho Valdés, Brad Mehldau, Dave Douglas, Rickie Lee Jones, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, The O’Jays, The Temptations, The Four Tops,  Saint Motel, Azar Lawrence, Buddy Montgomery, Joe Henry, Keb’ Mo’, Jackie Greene, Josie Cotton, Lisa Loeb, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Gerry Gibbs, Connie Han, Taylor Eigsti, Raya Yarbrough, Bob Florence, The Luckman Jazz Orchestra, Francisco Aguabella, JazzAntiqua, The Los Angeles Jazz Collective, Jose Rizo’s Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars and many more.
Since 2005, Swartz has proudly held the trumpet chair in Oingo Boingo Former Members.

 

Brian Swartz has released five jazz albums as a leader: “There’s Only Me” (Noir Records 2000), “Live at the Jazz Bakery” (Summit Records 2005), “Three” (Summit Records 2006) and “Portraiture” (Summit Records 2014), “To Be With You” (DistroKid 2020). As an arranger, Brian has written for his own big band, Ruthie Foster’s 2021 Grammy® Nominated “Live at the Paramount,” Sussan Deyhim with the Pacific Symphony, the Ron Jones Influence Orchestra and has served as staff arranger for The Luckman Jazz Orchestra, John Beasley’s Monk’estra, Oingo Boingo Former Members and the ABC TV show, “Duets.” Brian‘s film credits include the 2012 Oscar® Winning Animated Feature “Rango,” Jennifer Anniston’s “The Break-Up,” “The Cooler” starring William H. Macy and “Let Them All Talk” with Meryl Streep. In 2021, Brian appeared with John Beasley’s Quintet on the Amazon Prime TV show ‘Bosch,” Season 7, Episode 1.

Born December 16, 1967, Brian is a second generation trumpeter. His father, CMSgt Lawrence Swartz (1937-1992), was a 30 year trumpeter in the United States AirForce. Brian’s early exposure to music made a profound influence on him and he started playing trumpet at the age of ten in Bellevue, Nebraska. As a teenager, his family moved to the San Francisco Bay Area where he attended Armijo High School. He played all through his high school years and won many honors and accolades. He graduated from Armijo in 1986 and began his music education at Solano Community College. In 1988, he moved to Los Angeles to attend California State University at Northridge and the University of Southern California where he could further hone his craft.

For five years, Brian studied with trumpet guru Bobby Shew. Bobby inspired Brian‘s passion for teaching and since 1997, Brian has maintained a very busy schedule of private students in the Los Angeles area and beyond. Brian also studied with John Coppola (SFO), Bill Bing (CSUN), John Thomas (USC) and LA studio legend Uan Rasey. Brian’s dedication to mastering his craft and continually building upon his knowledge has brought him to prominence in the global jazz scene.

Brian Swartz Links

Other Links Mentioned in this Episode

Podcast Credits

Anthony Plog Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #117

Anthony Plog Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #117 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features  trumpeter and composer Anthony Plog. Listen to or download the episode below:

Other Places to Listen

Watch the Interview on YouTube

Continue Reading

2024 National Trumpet Competition – Kingsville, Texas; March 9-11, 2024

National Trumpet Competition Logo Join us in Kingsville, Texas for a weekend full of music, innovation, and everything trumpet!

Get ready, trumpet enthusiasts! We are thrilled to announce that Bob Reeves Brass will be at the 2024 National Trumpet Competition in Kingsville, Texas. This year’s competition will be held at the Texas A&M University – Kingsville. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to explore our extensive range of products, meet our team of specialists, and discover the latest innovations in trumpet technology. The exhibit halls are open to the public on Saturday, March 9th, and Sunday, March 10th, and Monday March 11th.

What to Expect at the Bob Reeves Brass Booth

  1. An impressive selection of over 300 trumpet mouthpieces, including the brand new for 2024 #19 commercial backbore and the BOOM★ Dan Rosenboom Signature Model.
  2. Orchestral Models in various sizes such as 3C, 1-1/2C, 1-1/4C, and 1C for a tailored playing experience.
  3. Innovative designs like the Dynamic Mass and C2J mouthpieces.
  4. A variety of flugelhorn, piccolo, and cornet models along with our Classical Series mouthpieces.
  5. Expert valve alignments to ensure optimal performance of your instrument.
  6. Premium instruments such as C. Davis trumpets, Van Laar trumpets & flugelhorns, and S.E. Shires trumpets.
  7. A vast collection of mutes including Ullven Mutes of Sweden, Clary Woodmutes, C. Davis harmon & straight mutes, Yupon Mutes of Japan, Okura Mutes of Japan, Rejano Practice Mutes, and more!

Meet Our Specialists

Don’t forget to stop by the Bob Reeves Brass booth in the vendor area and chat with our trumpet specialists, Brett Kendall and John Snell. They’ll be more than happy to consult with you, answer any questions, and help you find the perfect trumpet setup tailored to your needs.

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Trumpet with a Bob Reeves Brass Valve Alignment at the National Trumpet Competition

Are you looking to take your trumpet playing to the next level? Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to get a Bob Reeves Patented Valve Alignment right at the National Trumpet Competition. No need to ship your trumpet to our shop – simply drop it off at our booth and pick it up the next day! We’ll also have a limited number of same-day appointments available.

Not sure if you need a valve alignment? Bring your trumpet by our booth, and we’ll measure its alignment for you, free of charge.

Exclusive Valve Alignment Special – Save $50!

As a special offer for the National Trumpet Competition, we’re discounting our valve alignments by $25. But wait, there’s more! Book your alignment early and prepay, and you’ll save an additional $25, for a total savings of $50.

⚠️ Hurry, as we’re only performing a limited number of alignments and reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Preorder Your Valve Alignment and Save $50 Now!

By clicking the button above, you can pre-order your valve alignment using our secure online shopping cart. If, for any reason, you’re unable to attend the event, the credit from your pre-order can be applied to any future work at our shop. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to optimize your trumpet’s performance at the National Trumpet Competition!

Mark Your Calendar!

  • March 9th-11th, 2024
  • Texas A&M Univeristy – Kingsville

Join us for a weekend full of excitement, innovation, and all things trumpet at the 2024 National Trumpet Competition. We can’t wait to see you there!