On Role Playing

Those of you that know me know that I have a passion for playing many musical styles as deeply and sincerely as I can.  In fact, I think the main thrust of this AllThingsTrumpet blog is geared for the versatile cross-over player.  All that being said; I would like to convey some thoughts on a musical situation that recently got me thinking. A more subtle cross-over playing situation My…

Chris Botti – A Heavyweight

Last season, (2010) the Madison Symphony played a concert featuring trumpeter Chris Botti.  We were basically his back-up band and to be very honest I was not really looking forward to the event.  I know that Chris is probably one of the top five most popular trumpet players in the world right now, along with Wynton Marsalis, Arturo Sandoval and perhaps Doc Severinsen.  I’ve performed with these…

ITG – ITEK: Brass Conference Comparison

The last week of May, 2010, I played a recital with my tuba-playing friend and UWP colleague, Mike Forbes at ITEC.  (International Tuba Euphonium Conference) It was held in Tucson at the University of Arizona, a truly beautiful campus.  I’ve been to many International Trumpet Guild (ITG) conferences and this was my first Tuba Conference. There were of course many similarities; recitals,…