Trumpet - The Heroes That Inspired Us

As far back as I can remember, trumpet playing was something that I wanted to do. My Uncle and his son both played, so by age 4, I was hooked! Not being allowed to start until I was between my 3rd and 4th grade year, it was something that I wanted more than words could say. But who really listens to a child that young...

As I got a bit older, I was introduced to trumpet players that became my hero's. Growing up in that era (70's & 80's), the internet was science fiction to most everyone, so these artists still had that certain untouchable / super star quality to them. I could listen to them on purchased records and tapes, but would have to wait for them to come through or at least close to my home town.

Trumpet players these days are literally a click away... even the super hero's of the past are readily available through the advent of the internet and You Tube. So resources to these players are very close by, and yet, are a fading memory. I was fortunate to grow up in the era that I did, as I got to hear many great artists live.

In 2004, I received the chance to tour with my ultimate super hero, Maynard Ferguson. I had followed him since as far back as I could remember. His name was always flying around both at home and at school because of his trumpet playing abilities. His command of the upper register and of the music were captivating! Sadly, we lost Maynard in 2006 to cancer... leaving a huge hole in the universe of trumpet players!

Today's heros such as Wayne Bergeron, Eric Miyashiro, Roger Ingram, Bobby Shew and countless others really need to be recognized and celebrated. Music and the arts have been morphed into something that is commercialized and less about the art itself. Jazz trumpet players sell less albums, and have fewer and fewer opportunities to play because of this. Find a trumpet super hero!

If you are a driven trumpeter and want to improve your trumpet playing, go to Brass Player Solution to find resources that are both honest, and simplified.

Keith Fiala