Jim Doepke

Jim Doepke, a consultant for Conn-Selmer, and affectionately known to many baseball fans as “Mr. Trumpet”, has set a goal of playing the United States National Anthem in each major league ball park across the country. With his Bach trumpet in hand, a letter of support from the Commissioner of Baseball and a suitcase, he will commence this 2008 season - and his “Anthem Across America” project - in Arizona at the Brewers spring training camp.

Recently retired as the Director of Bands at Waukesha North High School in Wisconsin, and now working with Conn-Selmer as the Director of Educational Outreach for the Conn-Selmer Institute, Doepke aspires to perform for all Major League clubs at home and/or their spring training sites. “I am confident Mr. Doepke will do an excellent job” states Bud Selig, Commissioner of Baseball, “I encourage you to consider him for the playing of the National Anthem.” Having already played several times at Miller Park in Milwaukee, the home of the Brewers, he has auditioned for performances in Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium.

His aggressive schedule this spring in the Cactus League will take him to Maryvale, Scottsdale, Tucson, Mesa, Phoenix and possibly Fenway Park all before May 16th.

An avid fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, Doepke has been a big baseball fan since his youth. The Wisconsin Education Foundation stated that “Jim Doepke stands tall for his drive, vision, and proven ability to lead and inspire others.”

Jim Doepke has been recognized with a prestigious Northwestern University Summer Fellowship Program Award, the Herb Kohl Fellowship winner for outstanding teaching, as well as being the recipient of the 2006 National John Philip Sousa Bandworld Legion of Honor. He is also involved with the “Bugles Across America” program which aims to enhance the supply of players willing to perform “Taps” for the families of deceased veterans at Military Funerals and Services.

A video of “Mr. Trumpet” playing the National Anthem can be seen at the link listed below and you can contact Jim Doepke at (+1) 262-510-7516 or by email (jdoepke at sbcglobal.net) for more information. For more information on Conn-Selmer, please visit the company's website.

Links:
Doepke National Anthem video
Conn-Selmer