Trumpet
Where were you born?
Hickman Mills, Missouri.
What college did you attend?
Manhattan School of Music (NYC).
What inspired you to start playing music?
I played a plastic trumpet on a local Kansas City television show hosted by Whizzo the Clown.
Why did you choose your principal instrument?
No particular reason. I was always drawn to it although my mother wanted me to play clarinet.
What other instruments do you play?
Keyed bugle & assorted historic brass instruments.
When did you start playing with the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra (what year)?
1978.
With what other orchestras do you perform?
Louisville Orchestra.
Have you performed for any of the following, and if so, who or what?
Film: various—have worked with Jerry Goldsmith and Lee Holdridge.
Recordings: R&B group “Tavares” (on “Saturday Night Fever” recordings).
Touring Artists: Various—everything from “Mr. Jack Daniel’s Original Cornet Band” to Pavarotti.
Other: Television: “Hawaii 5-0” Jingles: “Hire’s Root Beer”, “Hallmark Cards”, etc.
Who is your favorite composer?
Aaron Copland.
Why?
Quintessentially American music—great trumpet parts!
What is your favorite orchestral work?
Festivals of Rome— Respighi or 2nd Essay for Orchestra— Samuel Barber.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you while onstage?
While on tour with “The New Sousa Band” in Detroit, Michigan, I fell into the pit at the front of the stage while performing the ending of “Stars and Stripes Forever.” From the audience perspective, it was as if I had disappeared. To make matters worse, the pit was so deep that I couldn’t climb back onstage, and had to wait to be “rescued” by stagehands.
What do you enjoy doing besides music? (hobbies, etc.)
Studying 19th century American history, baseball, collecting pocket watches and riding on trains.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate chip—or as we say in Missouri, “chip-chocolate.”
Do you have family, kids, or pets that you’d like to share something about?
I met my wife while working in a show at Disneyland. We have two sons, 1 dog, 3 cats and tropical fish.
Is there anything unique you’d like our audience to know about you?
I could eat fried chicken three meals a day, but would starve to death before eating a banana. Seriously—in my next life I’m coming back as 2nd baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers!
Email address: cornetist@aol.com
