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Bria Skonberg Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #79

Bria Skonberg – Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #79 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter Bria Skonberg.

Listen to or download the episode below:

About Bria Skonberg

Photo by Krista Stucchio

To most of us, the adventures of trailblazing triple threat trumpeter, singer and songwriter Bria Skonberg are borderline unbelievable. Born in British Columbia, Canada and now residing in New York City, the Juno Award winner for Best Vocal Jazz Album has performed hundreds of festivals and stages the world over, including New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival and Montreal Jazz Festival.

Called the “shining hope of hot jazz” by the NY Times, Bria has been at the forefront of a revival of classic American music as both a performer and educator, programming concerts and workshops for students of all ages; She is currently developing educational activities for the Louis Armstrong House Museum and co-directs the New York Hot Jazz Camp she co-founded in 2015.

“Nothing Never Happens” Album by Bria Skonberg

Described as “one of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation” (Wall Street Journal), she has performed the music of Aretha Franklin alongside Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, played with U2 at the Apollo, sat in with the Dave Matthews band, was a featured guest with Jon Batiste and sang the “Star Spangled Banner” at Madison Square Garden for a NY Rangers game.

Bria has been featured on over 25 recordings and recently released her sixth studio solo album “Nothing Never Happens”. Her music has garnered over 10 million streams online.  A 6x Downbeat Rising Star, she tours constantly bringing her own signature sounds of fiery trumpet playing, smoky vocals and story-telling together with adventurous concoctions of classic and new.  Bria is a Bach Conn-Selmer artist; she plays a Bach Stradivarius 37 with a 3C Bach mouthpiece.

Bria Skonberg Links

Podcast Credits

Jay Friedman Trombone Interview – Trombone Corner #3

Jay Friedman – Trombone Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #3 of the Trombone Corner podcast. This episode features principal trombone of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Jay Friedman.

Listen to or download the episode below:

About Jay Friedman

Jay Friedman attended Yale University on scholarship and majored in composition at Roosevelt University. After four years with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and two years with the Florida Symphony, he joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1962 and was appointed principal trombone in 1964. He has soloed with the CSO on several occasions, including a concerto by Ellen Taaffe Zwilich.

Friedman recently released The Singing Trombone, a solo CD designed to assist trombone students. He has taught trombone privately for many years, and his students hold positions in major orchestras such as the Gothenburg Symphony, the Atlanta Symphony, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Friedman currently serves as professor of trombone, principal guest conductor, and head of winds and brass at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. He also has been artist-in-residence at Indiana University. Friedman was invited to hold master classes and perform at the International Trombone Camp in Fossano, Italy, in 2002, and in Limone, Italy, in 2003. That same year, he also performed at the International Trombone Association in Helsinki, Finland. In 2006 Friedman held master classes in Vigo, Spain.

An active conductor, Jay Friedman was named music director of the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest in 1995. At the invitation of Daniel Barenboim, Friedman conducted the Civic Orchestra in act 1 of Wagner’s Die Walküre, in a performance the Chicago Sun-Times called “the best Civic concert in the past 30 years.” In 2002, he was chosen Conductor of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras.

In 2001, Friedman combined his passion for brass and conducting by organizing the Chicago Symphony brass and alumni in a concert at Symphony Center benefiting the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest and honoring Adolph “Bud” Herseth. This all-brass concert, Brass Buddies, featured Friedman’s own arrangement of Strauss’s An Alpine Symphony.

Friedman’s conducting career has included guest appearances with orchestras around the world, including the Orchestra of the Italian Radio (RAI), the Malmo Symphony, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s annual donor concerts. In April 2005, he conducted three concerts with the Santa Cecilia Orchestra of Rome. In March 2006, he conducted the Civic Orchestra of Chicago in a public master class of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony at Symphony Center, and in May 2007 he conducted the RAI orchestra in Italy with Daniel Barenboim as piano soloist.

Friedman’s articles on conducting and orchestral style have been published by The Instrumentalist magazine. These articles currently are being used as a curriculum at leading universities and can be accessed on his Web site at www.jayfriedman.net.

Jay Friedman Links

Podcast Credits

Christopher Still & Honesty Pill Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #78

Christopher Still – Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #78 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter and Honesty Pill founder, Christopher Still.

Listen to or download the episode below:

About Christopher Still

Honesty Pill founder Christopher Still joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic as Second Trumpet in 2007.

Before coming to California, he was the Principal Trumpet of the Colorado Symphony. He has also held the positions of Associate Principal Trumpet of the Dallas Symphony and Principal Trumpet of the Charleston (SC) Symphony. Additionally, Christopher has served as Assistant Principal Trumpet with the Grant Park Festival Orchestra in Chicago’s Millennium Park and Guest Principal with the St. Louis Symphony.

Christopher has recorded extensively with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Grant Park, Dallas, and Albany symphony orchestras. Active in the Hollywood recording studios, he can be heard on major motion picture and television soundtracks. He is a Yamaha Artist, a dedicated educator, and an active clinician.

Christopher Still Links

Podcast Credits

David Elton Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #77

David Elton – Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #77 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter David Elton.

Listen to or download the episode below:

About David Elton

David Elton is recognised as one of the world’s most sought-after trumpet players.

Principal Trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra since December 2017 and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra since 2011, David is also a trumpet professor at the Royal College of Music in London, and a member of the Australian National Academy of Music brass faculty in Melbourne.

As a soloist, David has performed Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in Vietnam with the London Symphony Orchestra, given the world-premiere of James Ledger’s Trumpet Concerto (a work that was written for him) with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, as well as performing other concerti with various orchestras including the Sydney and Canberra Symphony Orchestras, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Prior to his LSO and SSO appointments, David Elton was Principal Trumpet with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (2005-2011) and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (2000-2004).  He has also performed as a Guest Principal Trumpet with the New York Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Australian World Orchestra and the Hong Kong Philharmonic.

David is an active chamber musician, most recently giving the world premiere of David Sampson’s Memories to Keep Awhile at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. He is a founding member of the Australian Brass Quintet with whom he regularly tours throughout Australia and beyond.

David has recently given masterclasses in London, Paris, Madrid, Houston, Aarhus, Karlskona, as well as Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide.  A frequent tutor of the Australian Youth Orchestra, he was also Artist in Residence and the 2019 AYO National Music Camp.

David began learning the trumpet at the age of nine, later studying with Paul Goodchild in Sydney.  He gained a Bachelor of Music degree from the Queensland Conservatorium (where he studied with Yoram Levy) and was recipient of the Conservatorium Medal. He furthered his studies with Charles Geyer and Barbara Butler, graduating with a master’s degree in performance from Northwestern University, Illinois, USA in 1999.

David Elton Links

Podcast Credits

Martin Schippers Trombone Interview – Trombone Corner #2

Martin Schippers – Trombone Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #2 of the Trombone Corner podcast. This episode features second and bass trombonist of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Martin Schippers.

Listen to or download the episode below:

About Martin Schippers

Martin began studying the tenor tuba with his grandfather at the age of seven. He switched to trombone at fifteen, taking lessons from his uncle, Hans Schippers. Two years later he began studying at the Rotterdam Conservatoire; during his second year he was appointed second trombonist with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra.
He assumed the post of principal trombonist with the Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic in 2005. Martin is second and bass trombonist of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in April 2009.
As a member of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, RCO brass, the International Trombone Ensemble, the New Trombone Collective (until 2010) and numerous other chamber music groups, he has performed in most of the major concert halls around the world. He is also coach of the low brass of the Orchestra of the Americas.
Martin appeared as teacher and soloist on festivals such as the International Trombone Festival, Korean Trombone Symposium, Dutch Bass Trombone Open, Festival do Campos Jordao Brazil, Costa Rica Trombone Festival, Thailand Trombone Festival, Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival, Sesc International Music Festival Pelotas Brazil, IPV Festival, Lätzsch Trombone Festival, Curso Trombon de Valga in Spain amongst others and taught masterclasses at major universities in USA, Europe, Australia and Asia.
Martin is professor for tenor and bass trombone at the Lucerne University of Arts and Music in Switzerland.

Martin Schippers Links

Podcast Credits

Gary Guthman Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #76

Gary Guthman – Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #76 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter Gary Guthman.

Listen to or download the episode below:

About Gary Guthman

Originally from Portland Oregon, Gary Guthman started his career at the age of nine. As a young teen, Gary was a member of the nationally acclaimed “Seldom Six” Dixieland Band, comprised of 12 to 14 years old who traveled the United States performing stage shows and conventions, playing, singing and tap-dancing all the way. Throughout Gary’s high school and college years, he performed with jazz and rock and roll bands and at 17 years old, auditioned for the acclaimed Portland (Oregon) Youth Orchestra; the oldest of its kind in the United States.

Gary played principal trumpet and in his last year with the PYO, performed as soloist with the orchestra, the only trumpet player in its history (to date) to achieve that acclaim. Mr. Guthman was fortunate to study trumpet for the first 15 of his playing years. His teachers were Jack Dalby, Joyce Johnson, James Smith and the recently retired (after 38 years!) Principal trumpet of the Oregon Symphony – Fred Sautter. After attending Portland State University, Gary was pleased to do short stints with the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra (lead by Lee Castle), Stan Kenton Orchestra, Don Ellis Orchestra and the Louis Bellson Orchestra. In the early 1980’s, Gary Guthman moved to Canada. Within the next few years, he became known as one of Canada’s premier lead and commercial trumpeters, playing on over 100, televised “ITV IN Concert” performances as well as numerous radio shows, jingles, movie sound tracks and in concert. Gary performed on television with Tom Jones, Paul Anka, directed the jazz program at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and formed his renowned “Tribute Orchestra”. 1995 saw the inception of Gary Guthman’s hit show “A Tribute to Harry James”, followed by the creation of his” Trumpet Greats” in 1998, “Swingmatism!” in 2004 and in 2007 for Internationally renowned harpist Małgorzata Zalewska, his critically acclaimed “Master and Margarita”. From 1998-2001, Gary was the Musical Director and starred in the North American Musical Theatre Revue “Forever Swing and won a distinguished Canadian “Jesse” Award.

In 2004, Gary debuted by personal invitation at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops, conducted by Skitch Henderson.

Since moving to Central Europe, Gary has given hundreds of concerts with his “Gary Guthman Quartet” and “The New Swing Orchestra”, as well as Symphonic Pops concerts. In 2011, Gary released his next CD entitled “Solar Eclipse” on the Polski Radio Jazz Label, featuring his quartet of world-class Polish jazz artists Filip Wojciechowski/piano, Paweł Pańta/Bass, Cezary Konrad/Drums. Gary Guthman is the only non-Polish jazz artist to release his own CD in the 95-year history of Polish Radio. In 2014, along with his co-writer Doman Nowakowski, Gary composed the Libretto, Music and Lyrics for a new musical entitled “Letter from Warsaw”.

In 2015, Gary began an association as Producer and Composer for vocal star Sasha Strunin. Their first Cd project “Woman in Black” was completed in 2016 to critical acclaim in Poland. Her new Album – “Self-Portraits” features the compositions of Gary Guthman and the poetry of renowned Polish poet, Miron Białoszewski, was released in Warsaw on June 21, 2019.

Gary Guthman Links

Podcast Credits

David Rejano Trombone Interview – Trombone Corner #1

David Rejano – Trombone Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #1 of the Trombone Corner. podcast This episode features principal trombone of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, David Rejano Cantero.

Listen to or download the episode below:

About David Rejano Cantero

David Rejano is the principal trombone of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra since 2016. Before that, he served as Principal Trombone with the Orquestra Sinfonica de Navarra from 2002 to 2007, Principal Trombone with the Orquestra del Gran Teatro del Liceo de Barcelona (Barcelona Opera House) from 2007 to 2010, and Principal Trombone with the Münchner Philharmoniker from 2010 to 2016.

He has also performed as a guest with the Berliner Philharmoniker, Orchestre National de France, Seoul Philharmonic, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks or the Orchestre de l’Opéra de Paris.

David Rejano appears frequently as a soloist at the Festival Européen du Trombone, Concours National de Trombone de France, Sapporo Festival, Summer Brass Festival or the International Trombone Festival, as well as with top orchestras like the Vancouver Symphony or the LAPhil. He frequently works together with Zubin Mehta, Gustavo Dudamel and Valery Gergiev.

As a sought-after teacher, David gives regularly Masterclasses all over the world, including the Guildhall School of London (England), Conservatoire National Superieur de Paris (France), New England Conservatory, CSU Northridge, UCLA, USC, Colburn School, Montclair State University (USA), Münchner Musikhochschule (Germany), Landeskonservatorium Innsbruck (Austria), Barenboim-Said Academy (Spain) and the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music (China); as well as coaches youth orchestras as the National Youth Orchestra of Spain, Youth Orchestra of Central America (Guatemala), Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA) and the Odeon Jugendorchester (Germany).

David Rejano Links

Podcast Credits

Tom Clary Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #75

Tom Clary – Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #75 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter and founder of Clary Woodmutes, Tom Clary.

Listen to or download the episode below:

About Tom Clary

Tom Clary is a freelance trumpet-player/composer/arranger/woodworker/mute-maker and sometimes-attorney living in Memphis, Tennessee.  Tom was born in Northern Ireland, grew up in South Arkansas and moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1989 to study Jazz Composition at Memphis State University.

In 1991, Tom won a NARAS Student Grammy for his composition “Ludicrous Dreams” and dropped out of school to pursue a music career, playing mostly in the house band at B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street, freelancing, doing session work, working as an audio engineer, writing library music and horn arrangements, and writing show-music for marching band.

Tom eventually finished his music degree in 2002 and went on to complete a law degree at the University of Memphis in 2005. He practiced law full-time for approximately 13 years.  He still maintains a very-small law practice, but has returned to play and write music full-time, while making and selling trumpet mutes out of wood in his garage.

Tom Clary Links

Podcast Credits

Nathan Samuelson Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #74

Nathan Samuelson – Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #74 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter Nathan Samuelson.

Listen to or download the episode below:

About Nathan Samuelson

If you ever have the opportunity to see Nathan Samuelson perform, prepare to be taken on a musical odyssey. His music is imbued with wanderlust —inspired by years at sea and a careful balancing act between new horizons and the love of home. Audiences are sonically teleported to the tropical shores of Brazil, the cosmopolitan streets of New York, and the old world sophistication of Europe. Despite the many nautical miles he’s logged, his music maintains the wholesome honesty of his prairie boyhood. That sweet earnestness and approachability is what turns audiences of strangers into loyal fans. 

The youngest son of an esteemed trumpet player and band teacher father, as well as a gentle and beloved flautist/pianist mother, Nathan seemed predestined to play since birth. His passion for trumpet became evident as a small boy, when upon listening to “Feel So Good” by Chuck Mangione he proclaimed that no matter the obstacle he would become a world class trumpet player. On his musical pilgrimage, he has studied under master teachers such as Dominic Spera [Indiana University], and Terell Stafford [Temple University -Philadelphia]. A devotee of Clifford Brown, he attends the Clifford Brown Trumpet Consortium each summer, receiving a full scholarship in 2018. 

Mentoring under international trumpeter and producer Gary Guthman, Nathan has developed a strong career as a guest entertainer on cruise ships. With a singing voice reminiscent of the crooners of yonder days, and the technical prowess and emotive ability on trumpet, Nathan brings a captivating and melodic sound to the stage. 

He has graced stages in exotic locales such as Brazil, Croatia, Italy, Greece, France, Portugal, England, Spain and more. To add, he shared these stages with world class artists like late soul icon Clem Curtis [The Foundations] of “Build Me Up, Buttercup” fame. He has also performed with Leanne Mitchell, winner of the first series of The Voice UK, and international soul singer, Lloyd Wade. In his home community of Edmonton, Alberta he is often found volunteering his talent for children and youth, as well as people living with disability. When not volunteering, he can be found performing as a guest artist on cruise ships, and performing with his own quintet at various jazz festivals and corporate events. 

After nearly twenty-two years of honing his craft and cultivating his passion, Nathan Samuelson launched his debut album City Lights Ahead [August 2018]. Inspired by his journey as a young man searching for love, for meaning, and for himself across the globe, City Lights Ahead is a brilliantly crafted, genre-bending love letter to the open sea, the close-knit family that uplifts him, and the starry embrace of the shore after a dark, stormy night.

Nathan Samuelson Links

Podcast Credits

Gary Grant’s Studio Musician Manual

This list was cultivated by studio legend Gary Grant and posted on our original website in 1996! We thought it was lost in cyberspace but thankfully found it on a backup.

About Gary Grant

Gary Grant attended North Texas State University before embarking on a two-year tour with the Woody Herman band. He then spent three years in Hawaii, leading his own big band and a 7-piece ensemble. During his time in Hawaii, he performed in the iconic Elvis Presley “Aloha from Hawaii” concert, which was viewed by 1.5 billion people in 36 countries.

In 1975, Grant moved to Los Angeles, where he quickly became one of the city’s most sought-after studio musicians. He frequently collaborated with fellow trumpeter Jerry Hey in the Jerry Hey Horns. Over the years, Grant’s trumpet can be heard on recordings by a wide array of legendary artists, including Quincy Jones, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Toto, Toni Braxton, Brian McKnight, Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, Earth, Wind & Fire, Rod Stewart, Air Supply, Elton John, Al Jarreau, Gladys Knight, Bill Champlin, Michael Bublé, and Herb Alpert.

In addition to his work with artists, Grant has also contributed to numerous film soundtracks. His trumpet can be heard in movies such as “The Bodyguard” (including the main title solo), “Forrest Gump,” “Sing 2,” “Lethal Weapon 4,” “The Horse Whisperer,” and many others.

Gary Grant’s Studio Musician’s Manual For a Long And Productive Career

  1. Be early.
  2. Show-up at proper studio.
  3. Be on time.
  4. Keep a good attitude.
  5. Keep mouth shut!
  6. Keep feet still.
  7. Don’t talk!
  8. Smile!
  9. Mind your own business.
  10. Don’t complain about parking.
  11. Sharpen pencil.
  12. Fill out forms immediately.
  13. Set up instruments 10 minutes before downbeat.
  14. Pay Attention!
  15. Keep earphones on.
  16. Don’t leave earphones uncovered.
  17. Listen!
  18. Be Ready to play at all times.
  19. Keep hands down.
  20. Stay awake.
  21. Don’t make any noise!
  22. Be polite.
  23. Say hello to leader.
  24. Charisma at all times.
  25. Don’t leave the stand.
  26. Warm-up very softly.
  27. Actually tune to the given “A”.
  28. Mark your parts so anyone can read.
  29. Don’t ask questions.
  30. Watch leader.
  31. Stay mellow.
  32. Don’t forget mutes.
  33. Keep instrument in working condition.
  34. Always seem interested in the music.
  35. Don’t look ahead.
  36. Stop playing when leader stops.
  37. Never talk immediately after a “Take”!
  38. Never hang over at end.
  39. Don’t play melodies that may have been “ripped-off”.
  40. Try to only have enough chops for that particular job.
  41. Don’t correct wrong notes after the final take.
  42. Be congenial.
  43. Don’t over compliment “great performances”.
  44. Never point at other musicians.
  45. Use the “chain of command”.
  46. Laugh at every joke.
  47. Say “yes” to everything.
  48. Blend and balance.
  49. Concentrate.
  50. Be quiet!
  51. Stay in chair.
  52. Be budget-conscious.
  53. Say thanks to everyone.
  54. Don’t be critical of fellow musicians.
  55. Don’t drink booze on the job!
  56. No drugs!
  57. Talk only on 10′s!
  58. Do not bother contractor!
  59. Focus!
  60. SILENCE!
  61. Concentrate.
  62. Stay out of the booth.
  63. Compliment engineers.
  64. Stay away from producers.
  65. Don’t eat booth food.
  66. Don’t complain about air conditioner.
  67. Don’t complain about mix.
  68. Don’t expect booth improvements, decade to decade.
  69. Don’t “produce” from the orchestra.
  70. Don’t pack-up early.
  71. Don’t leave until you’re excused.
  72. Pick-up all reminders.
  73. Clean up area when finished.
  74. Don’t make an ass out of yourself!
  75. Never ever say, Who wrote this $%&^%$^!?!

Tom Hooten Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #73

TOM HOOTEN – TRUMPET INTERVIEW

Tom Hooten - The Other Side of the Bell Podcast Logo

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #73 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter Tom Hooten.

Listen to the trumpet podcast right from your browser:

.Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyListen on Google Podcasts

This podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass.

About Tom Hooten

Tom Hooten

Photo credit: Rob Shanahan

Thomas Hooten, Principal Trumpet of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, is one of the world’s most prominent classical trumpeters today. He can be heard on numerous recordings with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the National Brass Ensemble.

Hooten began his career in 2000 with a trumpet/cornet position in “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington, D.C., where he was often a featured soloist. He went on to join the Indianapolis Symphony as Assistant Principal Trumpet in 2004, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as Principal Trumpet in 2006, and the LA Philharmonic in 2012. He released Trumpet Call, his first solo album, in 2011. In 2019, he recorded John Williams’ Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra, which was conducted by the composer.

Thomas is an active soloist and has appeared with many groups, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, “The President’s Own” US Marine Band, United States Air Force Band, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Richmond Symphony Orchestra, and Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra. As an orchestral and chamber musician, he has performed with ensembles such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, Grand Teton Music Festival, Harrisburg Symphony, and the Baltimore Symphony.  

Tom Hooten with trumpet

Photo credit: Rob Shanahan

Hooten is on the faculty at the University of Southern California where he and his wife, Jennifer Marotta, teach the trumpet studio. He is a passionate educator and offers workshops on career development, audition preparation, and the mental approach to performance. Thomas has given masterclasses and recitals at Juilliard, Northwestern University, Indiana University, Mannes School of Music, San Francisco Conservatory, Guildhall School of Music, and many other locations throughout the United States and the world. A native of Tampa, Florida, he earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of South Florida and his Master of Music degree from Rice University. His primary trumpet teachers have included Armando Ghitalla, John Hagstrom, and Don Owen.

Tom Hooten Trumpet Links

Trumpet Podcast Credits

Ralph Pyl Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #72

Ralph Pyl – Trumpet Interview

Ralph Pyl Podcast Logo

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #72 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter Ralph Pyl.

Listen to the trumpet podcast right from your browser:

LListen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyListen on Google Podcasts

This podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass.

About Ralph Pyl

Ralph Pyl commenced trumpet at age 12 on the northern beaches of Sydney Australia beginning his career studying and learning with US trumpet players and mentors John Hoffman and Dick Montz. In 1982 Ralph received a scholarship to study under the direction of Don Burrows at the NSW State Conservatorium of Music and at the age of 18 began a professional career with 3 years of touring with Australia’s renowned Daly Wilson Big Band.

Ralph has performed and recorded with many artists both in Australia and overseas including International stars K.C and the Sunshine Band, Boy George and Culture Club, Shirley Bassey, Ronnie Corbett, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Ralph Carmichael, Buddy Greco, The Platters, Sir George Martin, Tom Jones, Bernadette Peters, Michael Crawford, Wayne Newton, Louie Bellson, Bobby Shew, Joe Williams, Al Jarreau, Tim Rice, Harry Connick Jnr, Glenn Close, Michael Ball, Michael Buble, Lorna Luft, Wayne Bergeron, Jerry Lewis, Michael Feinstein, Frankie Valli, Leo Sayer, Il Divo, Megan Hilty, The Glenn Miller Orchestra and Australian National stars James Morrison, Grace Knight, Don Burrows, Anthony Warlow, Marcia Hines, Frank Bennett, Tommy Tycho, Rhonda Burchmore, Marina Prior, Emma Pask, Silverchair, John Foreman, The Black Sorrows and since 1998 has been lead trumpet with Tom Burlinson’s “Frank – The Sinatra Story in Song”. This show has now been widely regarded as one of Australia’s best ever touring productions. For the 2002, 2003 and 2004 Sydney Festivals, Ralph also assembled an Australian All Star Jazz Orchestra for World renowned US composers and arrangers Maria Schneider, Bob Florence and Rob McConnell from the Boss Brass.

Ralph’s credits have also seen him playing in several stage and theatre productions including 42nd Street, Hot Shoe Shuffle, Porgy and Bess, A Chorus Line, Beauty and the Beast, Guys and Dolls, Cats and Fame just to mention a few. He has also appeared on over 150 albums for vocalists, various bands and numerous Australian and International motion picture sound tracks and TV commercials.

Up until 1998 Ralph had been a member of the Channel Nine Midday Show Band with Geoff Harvey and hosts Ray Martin, Derryn Hinch and Kerri-Anne Kennerley. Other TV show bands include playing with the John Foreman Orchestra on Australian Idol for 7 years.

In June 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 the “Sydney All Star Big Band” were the winners of the 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th Australian Mo Award for best jazz ensemble of the year.

Ralph is currently working in Sydney and interstate as a freelance trumpet player involved in a number of different projects. He fronts his own bands the “Sydney All Star Big Band”, “Back to Back” and regularly features in a number of James Morrison’s bands.

Ralph Pyl Trumpet Links

Trumpet Podcast Credits