2007 West Point Trumpet Conference

(West Point) - The United States Military Academy Band will host the West Point Trumpet Conference on March 10th, 2007. This event, which is open to the public, will begin at 9:00 a.m. and consist of jazz and classical master classes and performances throughout the day. Clay Jenkins, Robin Rigby, Matt Shulman and Philip Smith are scheduled to appear. In addition, a final concert, beginning at 7:30 p.m. will feature David Bilger, Principal Trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra and jazz great Jon Faddis.

The events will occur at West Point’s Eisenhower Hall Ballroom and Theatre. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., David Bilger will begin the conference festivities with a master class entitled “Higher, faster, and louder: Practice tips to develop and maintain technique.” Eastman School of Music jazz studies professor Clay Jenkins will follow, presenting a jazz improvisation lecture and performance. After lunch, Philip Smith, Principal Trumpet of the New York Philharmonic, will be accompanied by composer Joseph Turrin performing a number of selections. Robin Rigby, faculty at Mahattan School of Music, will follow with her presentation of the Stress Management System. A proven method for promoting performance success, the system will teach methods that are essential to perfecting performance and competitive abilities. Concluding the day’s events is a performance by Matt Shulman. Mr. Shulman will combine intimate vocals with virtuosic trumpet playing and sensual electronics to create his signature sound.

The entire conference will conclude with a concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. Held in West Point’s Eisenhower Hall Theatre, the concert will begin with the Academy Band’s Jazz Knights featuring lengendary jazz trumpeter Jon Faddis and the music of Dizzy Gillespie. Mr. Faddis has performed with Lionel Hampton’s Big Band, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra at the Village Vanguard, Grammy-winning United Nation Orchestra, the Dizzy Gillespie 70th Birthday Big Band, the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Following the jazz portion of the concert, the Academy Concert Band will feature David Bilger, Principal Trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Currently on the music faculties of The Curtis Institute of Music and Temple University, Mr. Bilger has appeared with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, New York Trumpet Ensemble, Saint Luke’s Chamber Ensemble, as well as guest appearances with the Canadian Brass and the Empire Brass. Finally, the concert will conclude with an arrangement specifically written for the conference, featuring 18 trumpet players and accompaniment.

Do not miss this unique opportunity to see world renowned musicians in an intimate setting! Due to limited seating, pre-registration is recommended for the day’s events. For additional information, please visit www.usma.edu/band and click on “West Point Trumpet Conference” (middle of homepage) or contact Staff Sgt. Eric Miller at eric.miller@usma.edu or 845-938-2446.

Please allow extra travel time for the 100% vehicle and photo I.D. inspection at Stony Lonesome and Thayer gates. Due to changing security requirements at West Point, call the Academy Band’s hotline at 845-938-2617, or check www.usma.edu/band before leaving for the concert.
Pictured Above: Jon Faddis