Dr. Chris Carrillo
Professor of Trumpet, James Madison University Principal Trumpet, New Orchestra of Washington "I have been working with and using Karl's mouthpieces for over ten years... On countless occasions he has spent a great deal of time consulting with both me and my students to help us find what will best fit our personal concepts of sound. " x
Dr. Chris Carrillo "... I could not be happier with the product he makes and his willingness to help my students and me. Most every one of my students who tries one of Karl's mouthpieces is immediately drawn to how easily they play and what rich overtones his mouthpieces can help the students create in their sound. Generally, I will have a student try one of Karl's mouthpiece sizes that is comparable to what they currently play on in the ML or MLX cup models. I often ask them how they like the sound that is produced and how it feels with regard to resistance (how it blows). That usually gives us a great starting point from which to explore his other sizing and cup options. With Karl's vast array of sizing and throat/backbore options, I find it very easy to settle in on what fits each individual student's needs." |
Randy Grabowski
Professor of Trumpet, University of Northern Iowa "Karl has taken great care in crafting a product that is well-balanced and includes reasonable options in rim, cups, and backbores. I have several options for students to try in my studio, and they ALWAYS sound better when moving to an HD mouthpiece." x
Randy Grabowski "...Whenever a student or colleague is in need of a mouthpiece, I always recommend that they consider looking at Hammond Design. Karl is knowledgeable and easy to work with, and he will do whatever it takes to ensure that students get what they need at a reasonable cost. Finally, great mouthpieces that come with friendly, experienced help." |
Dr. Chip Crotts
Director of Jazz Studies, Georgia Institute of Technology Associate Brass Caption Head, The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps "Karl's mouthpieces are designed to bring out the best features of each instrument and help create the necessary balance so important to all levels of performance. I use them with all of our marching brass and they simply take the guesswork out of the equation." x
Dr. Chip Crotts "...I've had the pleasure of using Hammond Design mouthpieces years now, both as a professional trumpet player and full-time music educator. Not only have they allowed me to express myself in the most personal and musical way possible, but they have also allowed my ensembles to reach their true potential. I am a firm believer that by providing the best equipment for your students, you are able to spend your time on teaching and not worry about the rest. Karl's mouthpieces are designed to bring out the best features of each instrument and help create the necessary balance so important to all levels of performance. I use them with all of our marching brass and they simply take the guesswork out of the equation. Thank you for providing such high quality work and equipment for the most discerning professionals and music educators!" |
Karl Sievers
Rothbaum Presidential Professor of Excellence in the Arts School of Music, University of Oklahoma Principal Trumpet, Oklahoma City Philharmonic Principal Trumpet, Norman Philharmonic Salsbury Chair "My Hammond 4MLX gives me the response, quality of articulation, presence in the hall, and tone color I want, all the while being more comfortable on my chops. Put another way, I do not sacrifice any one element for another - I get the best of the whole picture." x
Karl Sievers ..."I am an accurate player, but with this mouthpiece I feel as though my accuracy is more intuitive and natural and takes less mental effort, and as I say, all the while giving me the sound I want. As principal trumpet in the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, these traits are vital, and this mouthpiece makes it all more natural, more satisfying, and more enjoyable." |
Anthony Triplett
Philadelphia Freelance Artist www.anthonytriplett.com facebook.com/bonedisorder Instagram: @bonedisorder "As a freelance musician I often have to play multiple instruments, and it doesn't matter if I am playing tenor trombone, bass trombone, or tuba. All three have the same result when playing my Hammond Design mouthpieces: a more comfortable rim, improved flexibility, and most importantly, a great warm sound!..." x
Anthony Triplett "My HD collection started with a 21BL placed in my horn by my teacher Randy Hawes that I still play to this day. As a freelance musician I often have to play multiple instruments, and it doesn't matter if I am playing tenor trombone, bass trombone, or tuba. All three have the same result when playing my Hammond Design mouthpieces: a more comfortable rim, improved flexibility, and most importantly, a great warm sound! Everything always sounds better in HD." Philadelphia trombonist Anthony Triplett is a freelance musician and educator that has performed throughout the United States and Europe. An active pit musician Anthony has performed for productions at The Media Theater, Arden Theater Company, and Bristol Riverside Theater. On stage he can often be heard from the back row with Symphoria (NY), Bay Atlantic Symphony (NJ), Lancaster Symphony (PA), and Riverside Symphonia (NJ). As a soloist Anthony has appeared with the Pennsylvania Symphonic Winds, Montgomery County Concert Band (PA), Henry Ford College (MI), and at the famous Andrea Clearfield Salon. Passionate about education, Anthony currently teaches applied low brass at Germantown Academy and has presented at the Big12 Trombone Conference, International Women's Brass Conference, University of Delaware Trombone Day, and Bowling Green State University. Anthony is an artist/clinician for the Edwards Instrument Company and performs exclusively on Hammond Design mouthpieces. Tenor: 10L5 Bass: 21L, 21BLL Tuba: 30XL |
Steve Leisring
Professor of Trumpet, School of Music, University of Kansas "I played the same mouthpiece for years. Then, one day, a student came in and said "try this." I did, and have been playing Hammond ever since." x
Steve Leisring "...The stock mouthpieces have the custom changes we all used to look for. I especially like the different throat and backbore combinations that come with stock models. Each are perfectly balanced in my opinion. I play ML, MB primarily, and love how similar they are with different musical sound results possible. Thanks HD!" |
Randy Hawes
Bass Trombone, Detroit Symphony Orchestra Website "We've all had our own personal mouthpiece journeys to find the ONE that works and I'm very happy to be playing this mouthpiece, the Hammond 21BL. I find that it works on many different styles of music, from orchestral playing, chamber music, solo or big band..." x
Randy Hawes "...It has enough clarity in the upper and mid range to help me blend with tenor trombones, and at the same time in the low range of the bass trombone, it gives me the ability to blend with the tuba very easily. I find a nice variety of articulations easy with this mouthpiece, while helping me achieve the bass trombone sound that is in my head! When my students embark on their own mouthpiece journeys, as we all have done, I'm very happy to let them take my spare 21BL to try. In my opinion, it has the perfect balance of cup depth, rim shape and diameter, and backbore to enable a great bass trombone sound to be produced." |
Michael Mulcahy
Trombone Player, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Professor of Trombone, Northwestern University "I had the good fortune to discover Karl's work even before he founded his own company. I was delighted to find many great options when he launched his range of trombone mouthpieces...." x
Michael Mulcahy ... "I own and play several models, predominately 11ML and 10 ML. They provide very clean and immediate response and a clear, warm tone. I have half a dozen mouthpieces stashed around the world, at the CSO, at NU, at home, in the car and at home in Australia. I simply pick them up and use them, confident in their evenness and reliability. No custom work necessary- pick it up and blow. As I say in my teaching - Sempre semplice!" |
Larry Zalkind
Principal Trombone, Utah Symphony Adjunct Professor, University of Utah "I pursue a sound that encompasses the huge depth and weight required at the widest dynamic range, and clarity and beauty in the solo realm. I chose the Hammond mouthpiece because it helps me create that spectrum of sound. The highly efficient design of the Hammond mouthpieces allows me greater ease in range and endurance...." x
Larry Zalkind "Today's symphony trombone players have to be versatile. Most of our time involves performing symphonic repertoire which encompasses a vast array of styles and sounds. We also preform often as soloists and recitalists. I pursue a sound that encompasses the huge depth and weight required at the widest dynamic range, and clarity and beauty in the solo realm. I chose the Hammond mouthpiece because it helps me create that spectrum of sound. The highly efficient design of the Hammond mouthpieces allows me greater ease in range and endurance. I play the 11ML on my large-bore tenor and euphonium, the 14S on my Alto and small bore tenor, and the 20BL on my bass. I highly recommend Hammond Design." |
Joey Tartell
Professor of Music (Trumpet), Director of Undergraduate Studies, Indiana University School of Music x
Joey Tartell Joey Tartell has toured and recorded with Maynard Ferguson, the Woody Herman Orchestra, and the U.S. Army's Jazz Ambassadors. Mr. Tartell's other recordings include the Buselli/Wallarab Jazz Orchestra, Birch Creek Music Performing Center, and Doug Lawrence Orchestra. He has also performed with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, the Count Basie Orchestra, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. As a freelance artist, Mr. Tartell has backed up such artists as Doc Severinsen, Aretha Franklin, Don Henley, Manhattan Transfer, Barry Manilow, and Arturo Sandoval. He has recorded for the Bob and Tom Show, Orange Bowl Halftime and Parade, Chicago Tribune, Electronic Arts, Konami, and Willimas Gaming. He was a student of Gil Johnson, Barbara Butler, Mel Broiles, and Vince DiMartino. |
Chuck Parrish
S.E. Shires Artist, Handmade Destino III trumpet exclusively Hammond Design Artist, Chuck Parrish Line of Custom Mouthpieces Master of Music & Post-Master's Certificate in Performance, DePaul University in Trumpet Performance x
Chuck Parrish Chuck Parrish began playing trumpet in 1975 and has earned his living as a performer and private teacher for over 35 years. In that time he has performed almost every style of music; from classical to circus, big band to Broadway, and soul to rock and roll. As a teacher he works with students ranging from beginners to professionals. Efficient use of air, smart practice, and passionate performance are vital traits he tries to ingrain in his students. Some of the more notable artists he has performed with are Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis, The Chicago Sinfonietta, Jersey Boys, West Side Story, and Aretha Franklin. He performs over 250 shows internationally in addition to a studio of 40 private students per week. Currently he can be seen playing lead trumpet for Maceo Parker: To Ray with Love, a special tribute to Ray Charles, The Ray Charles Orchestra & The Raelettes. Mr. Parrish holds a Master of Music and a post-master's Certificate in Performance from DePaul University in Trumpet Performance. His undergraduate work was done in music at University of Illinois in Champaign - Urbana studying with Ray Sasaki. |
Matthew Walker
Horn Design & Building, CustomTrombones.com x
Matthew Walker Matthew Walker was born and raised in the city of Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia. He began playing trombone at 9 years of age, and moved to Sydney to finish school at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music High School at the age of 16. At age 21, while working towards his Bachelors Degree at the Conservatorium, he won the position of Principal Bass Trombone with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, resident orchestra of the Sydney Opera House, which he occupied for 16 years. His performance resume also includes many of Australia's professional orchestras and Jazz Big Bands, as well as the Hong Kong Philharmonic and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. During his time with the Australian Opera, Matthew experienced frustrations with the instruments he was playing at the time, had ideas about how to correct those issues, and decided to test those concepts through his own work. Matthew's dad, Graham, a highly skilled watchmaker by trade, instilled an appreciation for fineness of detail, and taught him to solder and assemble parts with the precision of a jeweler. After working on the instruments and getting the results he desired, in 1998 Matthew attended the highly regarded Red Wing Technical College in Red Wing Minnesota, in order to learn more about the musical instrument repair trade. Upon returning to Australia, in addition to his playing job, Matthew started and maintained a very successful repair business working exclusively on brass, but with a special focus on trombone. Players from all around Australia and South-East Asia sought Matthew out to work on their horns. In 2006, Matthew took a leave of absence from his job with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra and moved from Australia to Wisconsin to work for Greenhoe Trombones. Matthew felt very honored to be a part of the manufacturing team of those fine trombones of that time. Matthew's skills were focused and honed to an exceptionally high level. After the Greenhoe shop closed in 2012, Matthew worked as a technician for the Getzen company for 12 months. Exceptional attention to detail and appreciation for quality are the two main driving factors that dictate Matthew's work ethic and approach to building and designing horns. Matthew is happy to work with Michael McLemore again in forming M&W Custom Trombones, and bringing the utmost quality built horns to the marketplace. Matthew lives in Jackson, Wisconsin, with his wife Sue (who is the M&W office manager and also a musician) and her two sons. He enjoys building Scale Model Aircraft in his spare time, and is an award winner in that field. He is also a regular contributor to Finescale Modeler Magazine, a publication he has read since it's first issue in 1982. |
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Ava Ordman After twenty-four years as principal trombone with the Grand Rapids Symphony – a job she attained at the age of 19 – Ava Ordman moved to the Detroit area to work as a psychologist and continue as a freelance trombonist! While working in Grand Rapids at age 41, Ordman returned to school to pursue a degree in Counseling Psychology. Armed with her new MA, LLP, she began work at the Guidance Center in Southgate while also working as a substitute trombonist with the Detroit Symphony and Michigan Opera Theater orchestras and teaching low brass at Oakland University. Ordman had taught at several colleges and universities in the Grand Rapids area while in the orchestra, but it had never been in her mindset to pursue a full-time position at the university level. That changed when the professorship in trombone opened at Michigan State University in 2002. Ordman decided to "go for it" with the possibility of once again making another career shift. Chosen as the Professor of Trombone at Michigan State University later that year, it didn’t take long for Ordman to know that this was where she was supposed to be. In addition to her professorial duties, Ordman continues to pursue and enjoy a varied life as a performer. She is principal trombone of both the Lansing Symphony and the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music Orchestra. She also performs regularly with the Beaumont Brass, which is the faculty brass quintet at Michigan State University, and the Monarch Brass, which is the flagship brass ensemble of the International Women’s Brass Conference. Yet perhaps what Ordman enjoys most is performing as a soloist. She has been a featured soloist with many orchestras throughout the United States, including her solo debut at Carnegie Hall with the American Symphony performing Donald Erb’s Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra. Ordman has been a featured artist at several International Trombone Festivals; the International Brassfest in Bloomington, IN; the American Trombone Workshop in Fort Myer, VA; and many International Women's Brass Conferences held throughout the United States. Ordman also performed the world premieres of Steven Smith's Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra with the Eugene Symphony and Libby Larsen's Mary Cassatt for Mezzo-Soprano, Trombone, and Orchestra with the Grand Rapids Symphony. Both of these works were written for Ordman and, along with Donald Erb’s Concerto, have been performed by her throughout the United States. Ordman’s most recent venture, however, has been to form a consortium of trombonists and conductors to commission a new trombone concerto by David Biedenbender. This work "Their Eyes are Fireflies," received its world premiere on March 22, 2018 with the Michigan State University Wind Ensemble and was performed again by Ordman in the 2018-19 season with the Lansing Symphony, Michigan Philharmonic and Grand Rapids Symphony. Another recent milestone for Ordman was the release of her first solo CD in January 2017 entitled, It’s About Time: Music for Trombone by Women Composers" on the Blue Griffin label. She is also the featured trombone soloist on a Koss Classics' CD of concertos by Donald Erb and on the CD entitled Simple Gifts, the Music of Frank Ticheli. In February of 2018, Professor Ordman was named the recipient of the 2018 Neill Humfeld Award for "Excellence in Teaching" by the International Trombone Association. When asked what is most important to Ordman in her life as a teacher, she says, "I consider it a privilege to be involved in the lives of young people who are developing and evolving as both musicians and as people. I hope that I have been able to help them in some way on their journey, because they have certainly enriched mine." Ordman earned her Bachelor and Master degrees in Trombone Performance from the University of Michigan in 1975 and her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University in 1998. Her primary teachers were Mark McDunn, Frank Crisafuli, Glenn P. Smith, Glenn Dodson and Arnold Jacobs. Ava Ordman is a Bach Performing Artist. |
Dr. Jose Leonardo Leon
Trombone Artist, Clinician, Music Entrepreneur, Educator x
Dr. Jose Leonardo Leon Dr. Jose Leonardo Leon is a prominent example of the 21st century generation of trombonists and pedagogues having garnered both the Global Music® Awards for his album Journey, bass trombonist for the 16th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Winning Album Mamblue, and a Warwick Music® Published Arranger and Composer, among other major accomplishments. Some of Dr. Leon’s international festivals, orchestras, conferences, performances, and residencies, including visits to institutions around the US, Europe, and Latin American countries. Dr. Leon has performed as a first-call trombonist for acclaimed artists such as Andrea Bocelli, The Manhattan Transfer, Idina Menzel, Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’ Rivera, Eddie Daniels, Ed Calle, and David Foster, among others. Dr. Leon’s career started at the internationally acclaimed Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestras of Venezuela known as El Sistema. Dr. Leon received his B.M. at Florida International University, M.M. at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, and his D.M.A. at CU Boulder College of Music. Dr. Leon is the Applied Professor of Trombone at Florida Atlantic University, the Bower School of Music at FGCU, and the Marching Band Program at Keiser University. Dr. Leon is a Bach Brass Trombones & Conn-Selmer Artist, and very excited to be joining the artist roster for Hammond Design Mouthpieces. |
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Timothy Owner Most Recently acting second trombone with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Timothy Owner grew up in Canberra, Australia, and moved to the United States in the fall of 2004. Whilst completing his Masters degree at Northwestern University, he became a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. After two seasons with Civic, he was appointed to the second trombone position with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in 2007. Since leaving the VSO in 2009, Timothy has built a reputation as a performer on bass trumpet as well as euphonium, alto, tenor and bass trombones both in the U.S.A. and Australia, performing with the orchestras of Chicago, Cincinnati, Baltimore, National, Detroit, Houston, Fort Worth, Dallas, Colorado and Perth, West Australia as well as the Los Angeles Opera and Chicago's Music of the Baroque. In 2013 he joined the San Francisco Symphony at first as acting Utility Trombone and then as acting Associate Principal Trombone (2014-2016). He has played in instrumental ensembles and orchestras under the direction of such notable musicians as Herbert Blomstedt, Semyon Bychkov, Michael Tilson Thomas, Jaap van Zweden, JoAnn Falletta, Andrew Litton, James Conlon, Myung-Whung Chung, Sir Richard Bonnynge, Ivan Fischer, Hans Graf, Kent Nagano, Marin Alsop and David Staff. During the summers, Timothy has performed as Principal Trombone with the Southern Illinois Music Festival since 2006 where he has given recitals, masterclasses and performed with the SIMF brass quintet. He has joined the Sun Valley Summer Symphony as guest Bass Trumpet and Trombone. Timothy has appeared as a recitalist at Baylor University (TX), Southern Illinois University (IL) and Olivet Nazarene University (IL), Has led masterclasses at the University of Central Florida (FL), the San Francisco Conservatory (CA) and Texas Women’s University and has been an adjunct member of the faculties at Olivet Nazarene University and Christopher Newport University (VA) as well as an instructor of trombone at the University of California, Berkeley (CA). Timothy is currently ABD, pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of North Texas and is instructor of trombone at McLennan College in Waco Texas. He is an Alumnus of the Australian National University's Canberra School of Music, Newcastle Conservatorium and Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music where he studied under Michael Mulcahy, Randall Hawes, Royce Landon and Charles Vernon. He won the Distinguished Instrumentalist prize at ANU’s Collaborative Piano Competition in 2000, Newcastle Conservatorium's Concerto Competition in 2002 and was also a founding member of the CT3 trombone quartet at Northwestern University, with whom he won first prize at the annual International Trombone Festival's 2005 Trombone Quartet Competition. Outside of the trombone, Timothy enjoys golf, grilling and spending time with his wife Alisha and their daughters Phoebe and Chloe. Timothy is proud to play Hammond Design mouthpieces for both tenor and bass trombones. |
Hellington Gonçalves
Trombone Player Principal Trombone. Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra Arranger & Co-Idealiser, Metallivre Brass Quintet Alma Trombone Ensemble in São Paulo x
Hellington Gonçalves Sebastião Born in Cachoeira Paulista-SP, he started his trombone studies with Professor Reinaldo José Camargo in Itapevi city-SP, no long after he started at Tom Jobim Center known as EMESP, where he studied with Professor Fernando Chipoletti and so at Baccarelli Institute with Professors Dro Donizetti Fonseca, Me.Darcio Gianelli and Gilberto Gianelli. He made masterclasses and classes with worldwide trombonists such as Jørgen Van Rijen, Enrique Crespo (in memorian), Ralph Sauer, Carl Lenthe, Larry Zalkind, Ben Van Dick, Bradley Kerns, among others. He was principal trombone at Heliópolis Symphony Orchestra, Mogi das Cruzes Symphony Orchestra and Band, São José dos Campos Symphony Orchestra, as a guest at Santo André Symphony Orchestra, São Paulo University Chamber and Ancient music Orchestra's, chamber groups such as Slide Arts Brazil, Ensemble Paulistano de Trombones and SPBrass, He have already taken part at festivals at Tatuí conservatory, Winter Internacional Festival in Campos do Jordão, Montain Music Festival in Poços de Caldas-MG, FEMUSC, São Paulo Brass Week (USP) and Rafael Mendez Brass Institute at University of Denver (Lamont School of Music) Colorado USA, at the last one He played, as a guest, at the final concert with the top rated Summit Brass group. He has worked with illustrious conductors such as Neil Thomson, Zubin Mehta, Isaac Karabtchevsky, Roberto Minczuk, Mark Whitlock, Ronald Zollman, Francisco Valero-Terribas, among others. He was at the final phase at Heliópolis Symphony Orchestra young solists competition and won the São Paulo State Young Symphony Band, Being the solist at the trombone concert and at Launy Grøndahl composer orchestra. Been at Heliópolis Symphony Orchestra, he played with many Brazilian popular music top star's such as: Fafá de Belém, Simoninha, Toquinho, Luiz Melodia, Lenine, Ivete Sangalo, Samuel Rosa, Toni Garrido, Ivan Lins, and also taken part at some shorts for soap operas at Globo, they are "Meu Pedacinho de Chão" and "Velho Chico" along with Tim Rescala who is a conductor and composer, and at Brazilian film "Tudo que aprendemos juntos" stared by Lázaro Ramos. Working as partner with Fernando Cardoso trombonist, he recorded “Conversa de Bach” CD, with the fifteen inventions of Johann Sebastian Bach. As a soloist for Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra, he took part at the first worldwide recording of the 12 Symphony (Fantasia Sul América on orchestra version), composer by Cláudio Santoro and the launched by Naxos seal. He studies at Santa Marcelina College and worked for Baccarelli Institute as a teacher/Professor assistant. He was also invited as a teacher/professor at the First Trombonistic Journey at the Pernambuco Federal University (UFPE), and at Emac Music Festival at Goiás Federal University (UFG). |
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Melanie Wilkinson Freelance Trumpet player based in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. She regularly performs with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Hobart Chamber Orchestra, Matthew Ives Big Band and various other orchestral, chamber music and jazz ensembles. Melanie teaches trumpet and brass at a number of schools in Hobart, and tutors with the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra. She completed her Master of Music at the University of Tasmania in 2022, under the tutelage of Yoram Levy - Principal Trumpet of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Melanie is originally from Melbourne, Australia, has a Bachelor of Music from Monash University and Graduate Diploma of Education from The University of Melbourne. She worked for 6 years full time in the Royal Australian Navy Band as a trumpet/cornet/bugle player between 2006-2012 and has worked as a freelance trumpet player and music teacher since leaving the Navy Band. Melanie has recently been accepted to attend "The Chosen Vale International Trumpet Seminar" in Enfield, New Hampshire in June 2023 and is looking forward to her first trip to the U.S.A. Melanie plays on a Hammond Design 3ml trumpet mouthpiece and 3FL flugelhorn mouthpiece. |
Alfred Segovia
Executive Producer, Segovia Creative Media Creative Director, United Assembly of God Plainview TX x
Alfred Segovia An avid drum corps fan since 2005 (though never having marched a single season), Alfred Segovia has spent as much of life as he can remember surrounded by music. He has been involved in various musical roles on a wide range of instruments as a performer and private instructor, most recently serving as a mellophone instructor for the Post (Texas) HS Band in the fall of 2021, and currently serving as creative and music director for United Assembly of God in Plainview, Texas, some of this role also stemming from a love of video production and editing. Professionally, he is a driver with First Student’s Plainview location – a role which he has served in since November 2018, running regular home-to-school routes, and carrying various extracurricular programs affiliated with PISD. This experience carries over into his drum corps life, joining the Blue Devils A-Corps driver staff in 2022. On a volunteer level, he has served on the board of Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas since July 2018, having formerly been an employee with them before moving on to a nearly two-year stint in automotive marketing with a now-defunct automotive group. In all those various roles, Alfred’s love of drum corps has defined many of his interactions with his body of work and customers served. |
Nick Owsik
Trumpet Player Split-Lead Trumpet, U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors Hammond Design Artist Since 2010 x
Nick Owsik Nick Owsik began playing trumpet at age 10, inspired by influences from the big band era such as Harry James, Ziggy Elman, Doc Severinsen and many more. After just a year of lessons, he joined local big bands. He then studied with Ken Brader for many years and credits Ken’s teaching with shaping his playing immensely. While in high school, Nick excelled in numerous jazz band competitions, which eventually led him to pursue music professionally. He studied at the University of North Texas (UNT), earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music there. While at UNT, Nick played in their acclaimed One O’Clock Lab Band for four years, and as lead trumpet from 2017 – 2019. He can be heard on UNT’s Lab 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 recordings. While at UNT, he studied with Mike Steinel, Rodney Booth, Jay Saunders, John Holt, Paul Stephens, and Allen Vizzutti. Also, during his years in Texas, Nick performed throughout the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex with many wedding bands, big bands, and in some classical events – being proficient in both jazz and classical idioms. Nick has shared the stage with musical greats such as Doc Severinsen, James Morrison, Christian McBride, Marshall Gilkes, Jimmy Heath, Dennis Mackrel, Kenny Werner, Chris Potter, Alan Baylock, Carl Fischer, Kirk Whalum, Wycliffe Gordon and many more. In 2020, Nick began playing split-lead trumpet with the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors in the United States Army Field Band. He also performs throughout the greater Washington DC area, as well as the Philadelphia region. Nick plays Hammond Design mouthpieces because of their playing ease, and the great sound they produce. Being a Hammond Design artist, Nick has been playing Karl Hammond Design mouthpieces since 2010. |
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Andy Smith Andy Smith was appointed by to the Lyric Opera of Chicago orchestra by Sir Andrew Davis in January of 2012. He began performing with the group in September of that same year. Smith, from Amarillo, Texas, received his Bachelor of Music degree from Texas Tech University, where he studied with Kevin Wass. He has also studied at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music with Dan Perantoni. Prior to winning the Lyric Opera position, Smith was a highly sought after tubist in Texas, where he performed regularly with the Lubbock and Big Spring Symphonies. In addition to his duties in the pit, Smith has served as the principal tubist for the Grant Park Orchestra since 2018. Smith has also performed with many different orchestras in the Midwest including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Smith is a Buffet Performing Artist. |
Dr. Pamela Smitter
Trumpet Player Martin Committee Model Trumpet, Orchestra Miami, Miami Symphony Orchestra Principal Solo Cornet, Orchid City Brass Band x
Dr. Pamela Smitter As both a soloist and a principal symphonic trumpeter, Pamela Smitter has captivated audiences around the world with her soulful yet powerful trumpet artistry. Performing with profound expression and a rare blend of compelling and nuanced musical styles, she is highly regarded for her musical orchestral leadership and teaching skills. She recently became an artist for the newly revived Martin Committee Model Trumpet [www.martinbrasswind.com]. For more than two decades, Dr. Smitter was principal trumpet with the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. Since relocating to South Florida from Michigan in 2020 she became a contracted member of the Miami Symphony Orchestra. She also performs frequently with Orchestra Miami, and, in 2022 she joined the Orchid City Brass Band as principal solo cornet. She returns to Michigan each summer as principal trumpet for the Baroque on Beaver Island music festival and also begins teaching the Lifelong Learning trumpet studio at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in 2023. Pamela has played solo concerts internationally in the HornPipes! Duo and released her first album, HARK!, with this ensemble in 2010. Previously, she was the principal trumpet “solista” in the Orquesta Sinfónica de Venezuela, the Sinfonietta de Caracas, and the Orquesta Sinfónica de Maracaibo. These associations provided the impetus for numerous solo engagements throughout Venezuela. Dr. Smitter completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Michigan State University in December, 2020. She received her Master of Music degree in Trumpet Performance from the University of Michigan studying under Armando Ghitalla. As Adjunct Professor of Music, she most recently served on Purdue University-Fort Wayne’s brass faculty, and held similar positions at Grand Valley State University, Hope College, and Alma College (in Michigan). Her Bachelor of Arts degree in K-12 Music Education led to a permanent teaching certificate after working three years as a fulltime band director. She served as Lead Musician for the Carnegie Hall LinkUP! orchestra educational program from 2004-2012, coaching more than 100 participating West Michigan area teachers and colleagues as musician-mentor, and interacting in local music classrooms. Pamela Smitter coordinated and facilitated the high-profile Festival of Trumpets concert for the 2013 International Trumpet Guild conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 2014, she presented a master class at the Exploring Trumpets in Greece festival, and conducted the Michigan State University Graduate Brass Quintet in accompanying world-renowned soloist Vincent DiMartino. She also performed as principal trumpet with the Michigan State University Wind Symphony at Carnegie Hall. Dr. Smitter has studied at the Art of Practicing Institute with Madeline Bruser and Stephen Burns, performed with the Gaudete Brass Quintet, and been a frequent soloist at the annual White Lake Chamber Music Festival. Recently she has served as adjudicator for the Sphinx Orchestral Partners Association (SOPA) Excerpt Competition, and the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA) through Carnegie Hall. Dr. Smitter greets every opportunity with exceptional purpose, extraordinary spirit, and a zest for unparalleled success. www.DocMom-Music.com * (616) 581-3380 |
Mike Capozzi
Actor, Filmmaker, Trumpet Player Renown for being "two types of trumpet players": #1) Legit/Serious Mike #2) Crazy/Louder/Faster/Higher Mike Serious Mike attributes his beautiful tone to playing on his custom 7wMB HD mouthpiece. x
Mike Capozzi Actor, filmmaker and trumpet player, Mike Capozzi has gained recognition as a trumpet player on social media by playing the "two types of trumpet players" in split screen fashion by playing one (Legit/Serious Mike) next to the (Crazy/Louder/Faster/Higher Mike). Serious Mike attributes his beautiful tone to playing on his custom 7wMB HD mouthpiece. At 9 years old, between watching Phil Driscoll play at church and hearing Maynard Ferguson in the orchestra of a Dean Martin and Jery Lewis movie, the interest in playing the trumpet was sparked. While the attempt at majoring in music performance was cut short for failing Music Theory 3 times, he did continue to use the practice rooms (and get kicked out of them) to keep his chops in shape. Playing in the Thomas Road Orchestra of Praise for the better half of a decade , he got to play with the likes of Larnelle Harris, The Gaither Vocal Band, Michael Tait and so many other great gospel artists. While his career shifted to that of an actor, the freelance playing continued. Nowadays the majority of performing happens side by side on the exploding social media accounts, but when playing "nicely" he's been asked to record on some really fun songs with artists like Victoria Bigelow and Lipstick Kid. Capozzi's excited to be on the artist roster with his Hammond Design mouthpieces and looks forward to playing on them for years to come. |
Marlin McKay
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