Rex Richardson came to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts for a Day-long residency during Intensive Arts, the two weeks following Thanksgiving break when there are no academics, just a schedule designed each year by the artist/faculty to pursue those sessions more specifically and practically related to the performer’s craft. He was generously sponsored by Jackson’s Music of Winston Salem, NC and Yamaha Corporation of America. Richardson follows on the heels of the previous year’s guests and residencies at UNCSA: American Brass Quintet, Chris Fensom, Jens Lindeman and Arturo Sandoval.

Richardson was at the student’s disposal from 9:30 – 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008. He started out the day by working with two brass quintets in a chamber music master class, then moved into the trumpet studio for a more intimate discussion involving his surprising undergraduate major (anthropology) and his current career direction which mixes his high-voltage jazz playing with being known as a sought-after soloist on contemporary premieres for the trumpet. After lunch, he headed to Watson Recital Hall for a 4 hour session divided between jazz, featuring Richardson supported by a student-led jazz quartet and involving the trumpets in fun and creative group improvisation, and a classical solo master class with three students performing Masks by Dana Wilson, Legende by Enesco and one movement of the Gregson concerto.

Richardson’s thoughtful yet practical ideas on selling one's story regardless of genre reflects his versatility that continues to propel his career world-wide.