The schools are back, and (more than ever) I’m really enjoying woking with my students at the Manhattan School of Music, Montclair State University, and now Purchase College. I seem to learn as much from them as they do from me.

Other fun things are going on as well: getting to play “Symphonic Dances from West Side Story” with the Philadelphia Orchestra at Verizon Hall and Carnegie Hall was a thrill. Pete Townshend’s “Quadrophenia” at the Metropolitan Opera was an amazing few nights of music. At Manhattan Brass began our residency at Marble Church with an exciting evening of brass quintet/organ music.

I look forward to seeing what the remainder of the fall brings!

I’m excited to announce two new affiliations:

1) After years of playing my trusty Yamaha 6335 trumpet, I’m now officially a Yamaha artist. I really do feel that they are making some of the finest musical equipment. Coupled with my GR mouthpieces and Hub Van Laar flugelhorn, I feel that my musical arsenal is complete!

2) I’m very excited to be joining the brass team at Purchase College starting in the fall. This school combines a tremendous faculty, close proximity to NYC, and great value to give aspiring musicians everything they will need to be successful. I will also continue on at the Manhattan School of Music and Montclair State University as before. I’ve developed a strong love for teaching over the years, and look forward to working with all of these students from these schools!

I’m very pleased to announce that I’m now endorsing GR Technologies mouthpieces. A few months back, I visited Gary’s shop in Wisconsin. I initially planned to make the appointment to see him on a Friday (since I had a concert on Saturday in Chicago). But when I told him about the concert he said, “no one should be trying out new equipment the day before a gig – come see me on Sunday”. I was thrilled, never thinking anyone would open up their shop on a Sunday for a trumpet geek! So I came up on Sunday morning.

Gary spent over 7 hours straight with me. No food, no break…he was 100% invested in setting me up with the correct mouthpiece. His attention to detail is unlike anything I had ever seen. Through a series of playing tests and much trial and error, he came up with something that felt perfect to play on. GR is a superb craftsman.

In the coming weeks, I look forward to having the entire signature series available through this site.